Today’s tidbit: “Traveling–it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” — Ibn Battuta

As I mentioned last week, we drove along the beautiful Panorama Route to our next destination, Casa do Sol, where we stayed for 2 nights. The second day we woke up very early and headed to Kruger National Park for an all day game drive. By now we had done a few different sanctuaries and game drives, but each was special and unique. I loved every second out in the open vehicle with the sun shining and wind blowing. It was the perfect day to spend driving along paths all over the park spotting and stopping to capture the amazing wildlife. We lucked out and were able to see monkey + baboon + giraffe + elephant + rhino (black & white) + lion + buffalo + leopard + warthog + crocodile + hippo + zebra + a variety of birds & antelope. As you can imagine, I was in animal and photography heaven!

Sneak peek image: Baby elephant walking out right in front of our vehicle

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

Unlike my other game drive, which was broken down by species (remember the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve post), I have broken down this post into the morning, afternoon and evening…

{best way to start a day} We got up very early and reached the park while it was still dark out. As we waited in line for the park gates to open there was a gorgeous sunrise. I have never seen such vibrant and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets as I saw in Africa, almost every day! Incredible.

Waiting to enter the park.

{Morning adventure} Finally inside the gate, we all loaded into our open vehicle for the day and got the journey started! It was cool in the morning but it quickly warmed up. The early morning is the best time to see the animals as many are awake munching away.

The pictures below take you on a tour of what we saw, starting from of the morning up until lunch…

Pictures below: Morning traffic jam… the guides were radioing in to each other to say they spotted a leopard! There hadn’t been a leopard sighting in over a week so we were VERY lucky to see one! Although it was off in the distance and you had to look very hard, I was able to make it out with my big lens. See it in the shade?

{Lunch break} After that thrilling morning, we took a break at a picnic area. Apparently the monkeys knew about this spot because the sneaky guys all crept closer as we ate. I got up to get closer and take some pictures… and in the 2 minutes I was gone one jumped down and stole my apple. Others stole the protein bar and orange from people in our group. Naughty monkeys. Made for some good pictures though!

{Afternoon adventure} After that fun lunch break, we headed back in the vehicle for the afternoon drive. Our guide said most of the animals would be hiding in the shade taking their naps but that some would be crossing over to the other side of the park to get water. You never know what you’re going to see… and we got very lucky seeing so much in the afternoon.

The pictures below take you on a tour of what we saw, starting after lunch up until the evening…

Pictures below: Afternoon traffic jam… like the morning with the leopard, we again got lucky as the guides were radioing in to each other to say they spotted lion very close to the paths!

{Ending a wonderful day} Our open vehicle with our amazing guide at the end of the day.

It days like this that really do leave you speechless and then make you a storyteller.

As the website states, “The only way you can experience the magnificence of the Kruger Park is to come and experience it for yourself, and while you’re at it, experience this country with its unique peoples, heritage and beauty – a world in one country.” Read more.

{end of day} We ended that amazing day back at Casa do Sol, where we sat out on the patio area again sipping wine and watching the sunset. Perfect.

As you live through my experiences I am reliving it all as well, and it’s just as exciting the second time around! I hope you are enjoying it. Check back later this week as we head to Durban.