Safari in Kruger National Park

Lions in Love

(Thursday 8th December, 2022)

A fish eagle hanging out at the lake side early morning.

Breakfast today was at 5:00 so we could enter the park bright and early. I was not able to eat so much at that point, but nonetheless we went to the pickup point and met our driver for the day, Zora. When I asked if she thought she had a dream job, she readily agreed and admitted to thinking so.
As we drove out, the day was fresh and cool, later it turned quite sunny and warm, and later yet we were hit with some stormy thunder and rain. All in one day.

On our first bit of the drive, we saw a couple of honey badgers, some little mongoose and some other, general animals. We had a little refreshment break at Skukuza camp to go bushy-bushy and a quick beverage. When we drove off again, we managed to find a lion couple mating intermittently – and quite up close. They were having some of their fun right next to us on the road. It’s an experience, seeing the mating and then the fighting afterwards, observing the impatient male trying his luck too early, and the lioness growling and swiping at him. It’s real powerful.
Later on we also found a band of lion brothers seeking shelter under some trees, but they were a bit further away. There was also a large herd of buffalo right next to the road at one point, which was cool to observe for a bit. Other than that, we had lovely but not super special viewings.

Just a still of the foreplay right before the mating act.

At our lunch stop we managed to (okay, I managed to) find a few souvenirs. I bought a book about the wildlife in Kruger for myself also.
In the afternoon, most of the animals were out of view and we saw only some impalas and an elephant. Overall, it was a good day – as it always is on safari, for me – but not an exceptionally lucky one in terms of sights.

However, I found it really nice to be back on a game drive. It gave me energy in a noticeable way and I’d like to think it also magically fixed my stomach. At least it feels better, and I had some appetite later in the day.
Kruger at this time is green and lush. We were told they had a lot of rain in a short amount of time, meaning the water reservoirs are full. They also told us it’s a bit too early in the season for that amount of rain, though.

Anyways, I found it very enjoyable; seeing the animals, the fresh air outdoors, training my eyes to look far into the distance and for subtle movements, spotting any game. The beauty of the surroundings and the experience as a whole.

Some of the other Nomads went on a sunset drive, but Thorkild and I decided to save ours for the next day, combining it with another full-day game drive. When they came back from their sunset drive, it was time for the common dinner. Then, I went back to the hut to just relax, read and reflect on today’s experience. Safari drives do take a lot of energy while giving energy also. It’s quite an interesting but also maybe confusing mix..