Cody's *Kruger's Long Distance Locals* August 2010

[Cody]

6 August 2010 - Day 1.

Hey guys.
I am going to be in the Kruger for two weeks. (14 nights)
And I would like to share my experience with you all.

I am with my parents, Tim and Mel, my sister Tanna and my boyfriend Jarred.
My family and I come to the Kruger once every year, I have been every year since I was born (20 years), we absolutely love the bush and camping.

Our trip is as follows:
1 night at Malelane (Tonight) (6th August)
1 night at Berg-en-Dal (7th August)
5 nights at Skukuza (8th – 12th August)
6 nights at Satara (13th – 18th August)
1 night at Lower Sabie (19th August)

We are from Margate, KZN and we left for Kruger at twenty past three this morning, we went through the Swaziland border. We arrived at Komatipoort at 14:30, we had to get meat at Spar as we cannot go through Swaziland with meat because of foot and mouth disease (as we have been told) but we were not asked if we had meat, they didn’t search our caravan either.

We got to Malelane gate at 16:00, we travelled to Malelane and set up our ‘home’
My sister, my boyfriend and I went for a half an hour drive as it was already late, we saw 4 White *** and a nice herd of buffalo.

BUT there is one HUGE problem I forgot my cables for my camera (Canon 350 D) I am extremely upset as I want to show you all my photos everyday.
Hopefully I can make a plan while I’m here, but for now I will still post a story everyday. (If I can’t make a plan I will upload them on the 20th of August when I get home)

Hope you guys enjoy

[Cody]

Good news
I am sooo lucky! Our kind Neighbours, Tom and his Wife Anne, who is celebrating her 50th Birthday here at Malelane tomorrow just gave me their Canon Cable! Thank you!

These people are having a fantastic party and booked out the whole camp for their friends and family, hope they have an amazing weekend.
Wish you, Anne a very happy 50th and enjoy your party.

Just shows you that there are still kind people in this world.


untill tomorrow
xx

[Cody]

Thanks for all the comments guys, I’m so happy that you are interested in reading my posts

Last night, my family and I were sitting around the fire when we heard something rustling in the grass, we all jumped up to see ‘what we thought was a hyena’.
We were so excited to see that it was actually a Civet
He hung around all evening obviously smelling our meat on the fire.

We also saw a lesser bush baby, but it was so quick, jumping from tree to tree that I couldn’t get a pic.
But I must say I have seen them out of the park but I have never seen one of those in the Kruger, This was very special

[Cody]

7 August 2010 – Day 2 – Berg-en-Dal

This morning we packed up early and by 06:45 we had left for Berg-en-Dal, 500m from Malelane we spotted a *** running, the next thing we noticed lions in front of him, The *** was chasing the Lions (6 females), all we can imagine is there could have been a baby *** nearby, they crossed the road in front of us.
Jarred was very excited as this is his first Kruger Trip, and seeing Lions for the very first time.

We saw a few herds of Buffalo, And some Elephants on the mountain.

We arrived to a VERY full Berg-en-Dal, and drove around and around to find a good spot to set up, we aren’t on the fence tonight, but we will still have a great evening.

We then got something at the take-away for Breakfast, and off on our 2nd morning drive for the day
We took a slow drive to Afsaal where we saw the scops owl in a tree. And on the way home we saw big Crocs at Malelane Gate in the Crocodile River.
On the way home we saw a family of Dwarf mongoose

We came back to camp for some lunch.

We went for and afternoon drive at half past three, we saw some general game, we went to a little drinking trough 5km from Berg-en-Dal and just sat there for a while, then along came 3 *** to drink, we watched them for quite a while, one of them was rolling in mud, the Mother was defensive over her calf and would not allow the third *** to drink any water.

Now we are just sitting around the fire waiting for dinner.
we are having steak, boerawors, baked potatoes, green salad and garlic/cheese mushrooms.
this is the life!

Cheers until tomorrow
xx

[Cody]

8th August 2010 – Day 3 – Skukuza

We moved home again this morning to Skukuza this time! We woke up at 4:30am, packed up, and we were at the gate waiting at 5:45am. Within a half an hour and the sun just starting to rise, we saw a small herd of buffalo, elephant, leopard in a tree, unfortunately the leopard was a bit far off, we saw two big manned lions, marking their territory and roaring, it was great to hear this.
We had a great morning!

We then arrived to Skukuza, also very full and busy, we found a nice spot to set up camp.
Tanna made us some breakfast.
It is extremely hot here today, we are having great weather so far, it is a little bit chilly at night and in the early mornings.
We went to the shop, got some ice-creams and headed off for our afternoon drive, we went on the river road to Lower Sabie (Eloff Street).
Along the way we saw some general game including Nyala.

We also saw a fish eagle on a dead branch.

We got to Lower Sabie and saw hippo’s in the Sabie River.

On our way back we sat at Sunset Dam for a while (love that dam!)
500m further we saw something terrible it was an Impala on the side of the road with broken legs, a car must have hit him, terrible to see him struggling.
We carried on along the road seeing general game and some baby Baboons.

We then came along Lots of cars, and 4 lions walking towards us in the road, they had blood on their necks and they were very playful.

Had a great day once again.
Having a braai tonight, lamb chops, chicken, veggie bake on the braai, and pap and gravy.

Awesome evening tonight, So happy to be here
Sweet dreams guys
xx

[Cody]

9th August 2010 – Day 4 – Skukuza

We had an excellent day today.
We woke early again this morning and we were at the gate at 6, waiting for the gate to open.
In the beginning we didn’t see too much, we then came across a family of elephants with babies, they were right next to the road.

Today we planned to go for breakfast at Tshokwane, we went from Skukuza to Lower Sabie and then on the H10 to Tshokwane picnic spot.
On the way there, we saw a manned lion sleeping under a tree, he just put his head up for me to get a pic.

About 15km from Tshokwane my mom says “Lion!”
We get closer to it and it is a LEOPARD!! Right next to the road, it was an awesome sighting and we were all so excited, He was too beautiful!

We carried on towards the picnic spot and saw a huge herd of buffalo.
We arrived at Tshokwane and we made Bacon the egg Rolls for breakfast. We then went to the little shop and we each got a piece of milk tart.
I must say that it was delicious, I haven’t had such a good one there in years.

We then were on the road again, we came back on the main tarred road between Tshokwane and Skukuza, along the Sand River.

We saw some interesting things, ants on the road, a very light giraffe, a beautiful lilac breasted roller and Sable antelope; unfortunately the sables were too far into the bush to get a pic.
Other then being extremely hot, we had a great morning.

Went back to camp for a swim and to cool down.
We left for an afternoon drive at 4, we didn’t see anything too exciting, we saw some general game, and a nice big buffalo.

Tonight we having a braai again tonight, chicken, T-bone steak, potato salad, avo and beetroot.

I’m going to go see the hyenas at the fence just now.
Having a lovely evening sitting under the stars.

Until tomorrow
Xx

[Cody]

10 August 2010 – Day 5 – Skukuza

Another day in paradise!

This morning was very quiet, although we saw lots of general game, elephant and something very rare, one lonely Tsessebe!

We went for lunch at Pretoriouskop, I had a pie chips and Gravy.

We got back to camp, did some washing and prepared our dinner, we are having a stir fry, so I cut up all the meat and veg.

We went for an afternoon drive at 4 pm, we went along Eloff Street, across the bridge towards Tshokwane and turned left and came back along the Sand River.
Saw some more ellies, a ground horn bill, huge herd of buffalo, one buffalo had a funny horn.

On the Sand River Road, we saw two beautiful Lions.
They were so close that I had to close my window.
That was an awesome ending to our day.

We got back to camp, went to the shop.
Stir fry - for dinner! Yummy

Another great day had by us all.
Cheers for now
xx

[Cody]

Thanks for all your wonderfull comments guys.
greatly appreciated

11 August 2010 – Day 6 – Skukuza

We had a quiet day today, we were out basically the whole day today.
This morning we went towards Crocodile Bridge. Saw lots of ***, 5 different sightings, and 2 lions far into the bush.

This afternoon we went to Lake Panic, we sat there for a long while, was so relaxing. Got some pics of a few birds and hippos.

Tonight we are having toasties for supper.
I made an AMAZING pudding.

Here is the recipe: definitely worth trying.

MARSHMELLOW CREAM PUDDING:

Ingredients:
Packet of Marshmallows
250ml milk
Slab of milk Chocolate
Box of Romany creams
250ml Fresh cream
3 tbls Butter
Flake to decorate (I used an AERO)

1. Melt marshmallow in milk in a pot, until smooth
2. Add chocolate until melted and smooth. Leave to cool.
3. Crush Romany creams.
4. add melted butter to biscuits
5. put the biscuits in a greased dish
6. whip the cream and add it to the marshmallow mixture
7. Add the marshmallow mixture to biscuit.
8. Decorate with flake.

It is amazing!

Hope you all have a great evening!

Until tomorrow
Xx

[Cody]

12 August 2010 – Day 7 – Skukuza

Today Jarred chose our route, on the way to Lower Sabie from Skukuza, we took a right on the S21 and then took another right back to camp.
We saw Buffalo.
We saw some elephants, one with quite impressive tusks.

Also lots of general game.
Saw lions sleeping far in the bush.
Also saw a Nyala with bite marks on his neck.

On the S21 we came across a dam.
Saw lots of birds, a Cardinal woodpecker and a Double banded Sand Grouse.
And impala’s drinking.

We then went to Lake Panic for a little while. Saw some Darters, one darter caught a fish, it was obviously too big for him to eat so he left it to flap on the bank. A fairly big Croc came and had free Lunch. That was really cool to see.

We got back to camp and Jarred and I went for a walk around the camp, we went to the Stevenson Hamilton museum and walked around there. Wow, there are some stunning pictures.
We walked to the front and then back to our caravan.

We went on an afternoon drive at 2 o’ clock, we saw lots of general game, ellies and buffalos across the river.
We went to Lower Sabie and back.
About 5km from Nkuhlu picnic spot we saw a beautiful leopard in a big tree.

On the way home we tried to see if the leopard was still there, but he wasn’t, we carried on home and saw 6 lions very far away on a bank on the other side of the River bed.

Today was a great ending to our last day at Skukuza.
Tomorrow we are moving camp to Satara. (My favourite camp )

Tonight we are having Pork chops, chicken, coleslaw, cheesy garlic mushrooms, Phuto bake and a green salad.

Regards from the best place on earth!
Xx

[Cody]

13 August 2010 – Day 8 – Satara

Today we moved to Satara, we were packed and waiting at the gate by 6:00am.
We saw a Hyena just outside the gate and then nothing too interesting for a long while.
Mist early this morning.

We then came across a hyena drinking and a Saddle Billed Stork that caught 3 fish and swallowed them alive.
We saw some elephants and buffalo and lots of Water buck and 2 Ostrich.

We arrived at Satara and got Thee BEST spot ever! We are right by the fence, so now we can see hyenas every night without even getting off our chairs.

It is extremely hot here today so my parents wanted to just chill at the camp, so Tanna, Jarred and I went for a little drive to Nsemani Dam.

On the way there we saw an elephant with a collar on it.
We saw a Giraffe with a bone in his mouth, and a giraffe lying down.

We got to the dam and there was about 50 or more elephants drinking and playing in the mud.

We went back to camp and I needed the bread we are having for supper. We then went out for an afternoon drive at about 15:30pm, we saw a Lilac Breasted Roller.

We went on the tarred road to N’wanetsi.
We saw a Water buck with huge horns.
We walked up to the top of the hill at N’wanetsi.

We went home on the S100 and saw a white *** and some general game.

We came back to camp and made a fire.
Another wonderful day in the Kruger – the sky is stunning tonight!

We are having chicken, boerewors, sweet potatoes - in tin foil, a salad and a pot-bread.

Until tomorrow
Xxx

[Cody]

Creasted Barbet - This sounds like a Cookery channel. haha

Basic Bread Recipe:

1250ml white bread flour
12ml instant yeast
10ml sugar
430ml lukewarm water

1. Sift the flour and 15ml salt together. Add the yeast and sugar, make a well in the centre and pour in the water. Gradually mix in the flour from the sides of the well until the mixture sticks together.
2. Transfer to a lightly floured surface knead for 10 minutes.
3. Put the dough in a greased potjie pot and cover with a damp dishcloth. Leave until dough has doubled in size.
4. Put in the coals. Cook until golden brown.
it is Devine!

Shi - I agree! we will also have to go on diet after this holiday

Kalulu - I see that you are from Greece. My family comes for Greece, my surname is Hadiaris. thanks for your lovely comment

[Cody]

14 August 2010 – Day 9 – Satara

Today we woke up early as usual and on the way to the gate I spotted a honey badger running towards the bungalows, we quickly followed him, to try and get a picture, there were 4 of them! They had turned over every dustbin in site.

Just out side of the gate we saw 2 Black backed Jackal, the first lot we have seen on our holiday.
Just as it was getting light we saw another one.

We did the whole of the Timbavati road this morning, along the Timbavati River.
We saw hippos lying next to the River.

We saw 2 lions walking on the side of the road and then 5km down the road we saw a pride of 10 lions in the road. It was so awesome.

A little bit further from the lions there were 2 cars parked and taking pictures, as we get there they tell us that we have just missed a leopard that crossed the road! We were so sad that we didn’t see him, but you win some, you lose some.

We saw quite a lot of general game including elephant, buffalo, warthog, water buck, impala, giraffe, zebra, kudu, bush buck and duikers.
We also saw a klipspringer

We also saw two different sightings of white ***.

Today is another very hot day, we went back to camp for a while and then went out for an afternoon drive at 15:30pm, along the Sweni road.

We saw a beautiful lilac breasted roller that caught a grasshopper.

We saw a whole herd of elephants at Nsemani Dam drinking.
On the way home we saw a herd of buffalo.

We had yet another great day.
Tonight we are having crabsticks starter, Texan steak, veggie bake and stuffed eggs.


Until tomorrow
xxx

[Cody]

15 August 2010 – Day 10 – Satara

Today we were up and ready and waiting at the gate by 6:00am.
About 3km out the gate we saw 2 honey badgers, they were a bit far and it was still a bit dark to get a pic.

We planned to go to Letaba to show Jarred the elephant museum and then to Olifants for Brunch.

On the way there we saw ***, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, impala, kudu, Giraffe and crocs etc.
We also saw one lonely thin looking lion, I grabbed my camera and he disappeared into the riverbed and behind some bushy trees, we stayed there a while, but we didn’t manage to see him again, so I didn’t get a pic.

We then got to Olifants for Brunch we had pizzas, they were delicious, we were all very impressed with the camp. We were there last year November and they were busy re-doing the whole front section. It really looks good now

We came home on the main tarred road from Olifants to Satara, on one of the bridges we saw impala’s drinking water and a croc very close watching them.

The heat today was absolutely unbearable!
We got back to camp and could barely breathe, we had to keep wiping our faces and limbs with ice cold facecloths.
And tried to find the little bit of shade there was.

We went for and afternoon drive quite late this afternoon and went and sat at Girivana Dam. There was an elephant drinking, not even 2 minutes later a huge herd of buffalo came along. The elephant was not impressed at all! This was amazing to see, also notice the croc so close…

We had a lovely day once again.

Had a flatty chicken, and baked potaoes and a salad for supper.
another great evening!

Sweet dreams
xxx

[Cody]

16 August 2010 – Day 11 – Satara

This morning we woke up early.
We went for breakfast (French toast) at N’wanetsi.
On the way there we saw lots of general game and a hyena, but no cats.
We had a lovely breakfast.
On the way back to Satara we saw an Ostrich.
And three lion, they were very far away.

We got back to camp and started organizing our supper for tonight – beef potjie and pot bread.
My sister made us pancakes for lunch.

We went to Girivana Dam and saw 4 *** and an elephant drinking.
We then went to Nzamani Dam and saw elephants having a swim.

On the way home we saw a mating pair of Lions.

We had a great day, none the less, we are so happy that we are still in this amazing place for a few more days.

Today we met two brothers in our camp and my dad invited them to come have dinner with us, as I said, we are having Potjie and pot bread for supper.
Jarred and I made the bread

Another wonderful day in this beautiful place

Sweet dreams People
Until tomorrow
Xx

[Cody]

17 August 2010 – Day 12 – Satara

Today we went for a drive to Orpen and Back, we didn’t see anything too interesting – we saw lots of General game and 1 ***.

Another hot day here today, so we went back to camp and just chilled.
Jarred and I decided that we should go on a night drive, we went to check if there was any space and there was, so we booked for a sunset drive from 16:30 – 19:30

We had a great drive, we Saw 4 of the big five, *** in the road, Elephant - an emerging tusker, Buffalo and a pride of 21 lions with Cubs . We saw an African wild cat, a black backed jackal, some general game, a Giant Eagle owl and a few scrub hares.

What a lovely day.
Jarred and I got back to camp and dinner was ready for us
We had T-bone steak, chicken, a Greek salad and beetroot.

Tomorrow is our last day and night at Satara, hopefully we will have yet another amazing day in Africa.

Sweet dreams
Xxx