40°C when we arrived, welcome to Africa; very pleased to have Richard meet us at Hoedspruit airport with his air-conditioned Land Cruiser and off we headed to Kruger. Through the gates to the park, remember, “you’re part of the food chain when you step out of the car” but all we can see are little antelope, lots of Impala, maybe some bigger kudu, who’s worried! 5 kms down the road, 2 lions under a tree, maybe we need to listen to this guy.

Then the giraffe cross the road in front of us, past the lake with hundreds of elephants, more antelope and the highlight, a 10 minute old zebra calf, mum kicking the vultures and jackal to give it a chance of life, amazing experience and its only day 1.

Birds everywhere, was there one Richard didn’t know, maybe one in 9 days he wasn’t quite sure about, his knowledge was fantastic of all the flora, fauna and local history; all helped to enhance the safari experience.

Off to the mountains for a couple of days, change of atmosphere and temperatures, scenic beauty aplenty, relaxation, forest walks, good food and drink, time to go back on safari, lets head for Sausage Tree Camp.

On the edge of the Kruger, and part of the Greater Kruger, much drier here, safari patrols in the morning and evening, open top jeep with a guide and tracker, Kevin and Temba were amazing, the elephants and hippo at the river were easy but the rhino and lions took real skill and time to find.

Sausage Tree Safari Camp; chef produces great food, communal evening dinner in the Boma for discussing the days trekking with fellow guests, couple of local beers , watching the splayed legged giraffe drinking from the local waterhole, great way to spend your first 9 days in Africa.

Amanda and Richard organised an amazing trip for us, bucket list ticked but think we’ll have to come back for Botswana next….

John Harvey