Our first big game drive!

By Randi Bromm

Today we embarked on our first game drive! Leaving Wits Rural, we packed everyone up in our Game Drive Vehicles (very similar to large jeeps) and set off to officially enter Kruger National Park. After a short trip, we entered the park through the Orpen gate. Upon approaching we were greeted by a red-billed hornbill who perched in a tree next to the gate as we checked in with the South African guard. He looked over at the bird and then smiled at us as he told us Zazu was here to greet us. We all found it intriguing and entertaining that he knew exactly what American tourists were looking for.

As we made our way along the Timbavati River we were all taken aback by zebra, impala, kudu, mongoose and wildebeest but little did we know how much we would actually get to see. It was not long at all before we saw buffalo and elephants, two of the big five. Our drive was actually brought to a brief stop as we waited for a family of elephants to cross the road.

Taking a detour south, we drove down towards the Nwatinungu and circled around what was called the Lions Loop where we in fact saw lions. An entire pride composed of two males, three or four grown females and several cubs. They were all lounging in the sun within the bush, the adults deep in sleep barely opening an eye to acknowledge approaching vehicles while the cubs rolled around, tugging on ears and nipping at tails. This now makes three of the big five!

We were then on our way up towards Satara and our next friend we came upon was a lone warthog who was scavenging for greens that were growing along the side of the road. We spent the next 15 minutes contemplating why they kneel to graze. Some of us thought it might be because of their tusks and the angle is much more advantageous for them.

Not only did we find a leopard just in time to watch him saunter off into the depths of the bush but we also saw cheetah! These guys were said to be the rarest sighting on these game drives so we were all sure to soak up the moment. This was followed by encountering an entire family of baboons. There had to of been over two dozen ranging in shape and size from fully grown males to tiny babies that cling to their mothers. We learned that those that cling to their mothers bellies are younger than those who ride on their mothers backs!

Our eight hour game drive brought us to Olifants Rest Camp, a beautiful camp site that sits along a ridge overlooking the Olifants river. From this vantage point we have been privy to an eagle eye view of the popular gathering point for wildlife below. We have already spotted several hippo and many species of birds through binoculars within the river below and colonizing the camp itself. It is absolutely breath taking and I look forward to my next two days here!