Kruger National Park
May 8, 2007
As part of our Autumn vacation (seasons are opposite in the Southern Hemisphere), a group of us went to the famed Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa. It was an amazing trip, and is definitely something everyone who vists South Africa should see. Although we were there for a short time, we managed to see 4 of the Big 5 on a daytime game drive. Of the Big 5, we saw Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, and a Leopard. The 5th that we did not see were Lions.
The Leopard was a rare sighting, since it is nocturnal. We managed to see it in the middle of the day taking a nap on the side of the road, no more than 10 feet away from it! My friend Victoria, who also goes to Wheaton, spotted it on the side of the road, cleverly camoflauged and hiding in the grass. Not only were we able to see most of the Big 5, but we also saw many other animals, such as Hippos, Crocodiles, Tortoises, Giraffes, Kudu, Guinea Fowl, Zebras, Warthogs, Duikers, Impala, Wildebeest, Bats, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, plus many other as well as a variety of birds including Eagles. My numerous pictures surely serve as a testament to
the rich and diverse flora and fauna of South Africa.