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Photo Essay: Kruger Park Safari 1

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This is part 1 of a 2-part photo essay.

In late November 2008, I embarked upon a 5-day safari of Kruger National Park in South Africa.

My camera was a standard point-and-shoot,  Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS (aka PowerShot).

Because fencing marks the perimeter of the park, there is an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5.  I managed to see them all, except a leopard, which is considered the hardest to spot.  There were also a few cheetah running around, but I didn't see them either, as they are often stationary during the midday heat.  I saw a white rhinoceros on my last day, however it was too far back in the brush to capture clearly on camera.

Giraffes were a common sighting
Giraffes were a common sighting
A herd of elephants enjoy a swimming hole in the distance
A herd of elephants enjoy a swimming hole in the distance
Breakfast was the same every morning - scrambled eggs, ham, and a mix of mushrooms, tomatos, and onions
Breakfast was the same every morning - scrambled eggs, ham, and a mix of mushrooms, tomatos, and onions
Lizard eating scrambled eggs (someone fed him to get a better photo)
Lizard eating scrambled eggs (someone fed him to get a better photo)
Elephants were often seen feeding, but not usually this close to the road
Elephants were often seen feeding, but not usually this close to the road
The view from our 4x4 safari truck
The view from our 4x4 safari truck
Why did the chameleon cross the road?
Why did the chameleon cross the road?
Monkey
Monkey
A map of central Kruger Park
A map of central Kruger Park
Yawning hippo - catching this was pure luck
Yawning hippo - catching this was pure luck
The rare flightless dung beetle at work
The rare flightless dung beetle at work
A pride of male lions takes shade from the midday sun
A pride of male lions takes shade from the midday sun

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Photo Credit:  All photos are by David Lee, and may not be used without express written consent.

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About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

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Comments

  1. Shawn says

    I don't know if I'm more horrified that they have Carling Black Label beer in South Africa, or that you drank it. Ugh.

    Oh yea, the pictures are cool :) The dung beetle is quite neat and surprising. And that's a wicked elephant – so close!

  2. Dave says

    I knew someone would recognize the beer I was drinking. I honestly can't recall the difference between most of what I've had to drink around the world. I remember Singha from Thailand and Bintang from Bali due to the sheer volume I consumed.

    It was cool to see the dung beetles in action, which involves close up views of fresh elephant crap. They love the stuff.

    The second part will be posted Jan 21.

  4. Adam says

    Love the big photos! I agree with Shawn that the dung beetle is pretty awesome. Wouldn't have expected that in a photo essay from Kruger.

  5. GlobalButterfly says

    Fantastic!!! This makes me miss Kruger terribly! I was lucky enough to spot the Big 5 all on my 1st day–so magical! LOVE your elephant shot. Can't wait to see Part 2. :)

  6. Dave says

    Thanks Adam – appreciate the feedback on the Kruger Park photos.

    The dung beetles were surprisingly cool to watch. On the safari, I learned to appreciate all of the wildlife, big and small.

  7. Search Engine Optimization says

    Great pictures Dave :)
    Whats wrong with Black Lable??? Beggars cant be choosers when its hot as hell and the beer is ice cold!

  8. Dave says

    Hi Francois –

    Thanks for checking out the safari photos. I do have my favorite beers, but they're not to be found in eastern South Africa. :)

  10. TamahomeJenkins says

    These photos are great. What could possibly top them in part 2? Can't wait to find out!