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First of all sorry that this is out of sync – there are 3 other TRs in between my Spotty Easter in KNP and this one – but I want to get a coffee table book done of my trip to the park with Mum in October and I want it to be ready in time for Christmas. I have to go through my photos and will be re-living my trip as I do this so thought I might as well do my TR at the same time.

Mum has NEVER been to KNP … she absolutely loves animals, wildlife, nature, etc, and can’t wait to hear my stories and see my photos whenever I get back from Kruger. My Dad, on the other hand, isn’t that bothered – his philosophy is that if he wants to see some of the stuff I see in Kruger he can watch it on Nat Geo Wild! My parents have been happily married for 48 years and my Mum just doesn’t like leaving my Dad.

I finally convinced Mum to come to Kruger for a long weekend – just two nights; Dad would be fine – in fact, he’d probably enjoy the peace and quiet!

As those of you who have read my previous TRs know, I am now a “Converted Kruger Camper” – there’s just nothing to beat lying in a tent at night listening to the sounds of the bush! I knew I wouldn’t be able to convince Mum to go camping, but I sold the whole “safari tent experience” thing and booked two nights for us at Croc Bridge!

We left around 5am on Thursday 11 October and got to Malelane shortly after 9am.

We stopped at the bridge and spotted a Goliath heron, a great egret, an open-billed stork, a grey heron, crocs, impala and a male bushbuck sitting in the shade of one of the bushes.

We continued to Malelane Gate, parked up and were walking to Reception. It had only been a few weeks since I’d been there and Patrick recognised me/my car. He told me that EcoJunkie was in the office so Mum and I walked over to have a quick chat with her. The office is about 100 metres from the Reception.

As we were walking there, Mum pointed to the ground and asked “Wendy, what’s that?”

“Elephant poo!” I replied.

“Here? You mean there are elephants here? We’re not even in the park!” Mum exclaimed, rather shocked!

EJ heard us talking and came out to see what was going on. We had a chat and then she walked back to the Reception with us “to protect us from the elephants”!!!

We checked in then set off ... it was exactly 10am. The planned route was the H3 to Skukuza, a trip to Lake Panic, then the H4-1 to Lower Sabie and H4-2 to Croc Bridge.

Looking forward to hearing how your mom enjoyed KNP. Thanks for all your fabulous trip reports. Just love them

How super that you and your Mom can experience Kruger together.

On board to see what this Trip is all going to deliver.

Hi Wendy - Great that you convinced you mom to journey to Kruger with you. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures and sightings -

A mother and Daughter trip!!!! Sounds just magical!!!!

I'm here with my padkos!!!

All aboard

Absolutely cannot resist another WendyA trip report - it's so great to introduce a family member to Kruger for the first time - we did it with our family about 5 years ago and they have never looked back. I hope your Mom enjoys Magic Milk Coffee!!

Looking forward to hearing about and seeing everything you experienced. Can't wait for May 2013 when we will be there again!

Regards, Sandy

Hi Carocat! Thanks for your kind comments. Glad you're on board for this trip as well!

Hi Trrp-trrrrrrrr! It was really great being there with my Mum! Glad you're on board - this one was a short trip but we had some fab sightings!

Hi Norms! Good to have you on board. Mum didn't need much convincing, she just had to get over the guilt she was feeling about leaving my Dad on his lonesome for two nights! More coming up in just a tick ...

Hi Lion Queen! Good to have you on board! It really was a magical trip ... more coming up right now!

Hi Val! Glad you're on board. Hope you have a thermos of hot soup amongst your padkos ... it was quite chilly when we were there!

Great Meerkitty! The bus is just about to leave ...

Hi SandyS! Thanks for your kind comments! Mum LOVED the MMCs!!! The bus is just about to leave Malelane Gate ... hold on tight! Great that you are back in May ... I had planned to go in May but am going in April instead now ... I must get my name on the Kruger calendar - I trust yours is there already?