I’m often asked what is the thing I miss most about being away from South Africa. The answer is always the Bush. For me, school holidays were defined by long trips up and down the Kruger National Park, the world renowned nature reserve that is nearly 2 million hectares.
So on our trip to South Africa we made a four day trip to the Bush so that I could get my nature fix. The drive from Johannesburg is about five hours, and we always break the trip with a brunch stop at Millys Trout Farm, which is conveniently half way and has a cracking menu served on a veranda overlooking the trout dam.
Next stop – Malelane Gate. Checking into the Park can be a slow process. Make sure you have your passport with you (foreigners have to pay a little more than locals). After a fair amount of paper work, you’re in and eyes open wide looking to see what you can see. Some folk don’t fancy the self-drive safari as you can go endless hours without seeing more than an impala. But I grew up on them. I love the challenge of trying to find the next interesting spot. However the park has strict speed limits and you must stick to the road and stay inside your vehicle. Don’t be another side story on the news!
On our way to our overnight stop in Skukuza we were lucky enough to see rhino, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, and a host of other interesting animals and birds. Our accommodation in Skukuza was basic but perfect for our night’s stay. We had a barbecue (aka braai), toasted marshmallows whilst watching the stars and listening to the sounds of the African bush at night.
The next day we were upgrading our safari experience to more luxurious Umkumbe Lodge just outside the Kruger Park, inside the Sabi Sands conservation area. If the Kruger is the rustic basics, these guys are rustic chic – with two open vehicle game drives a day, a bush walk and all-inclusive food. You’re generally guaranteed to see most of the Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino and elephant), which we did during our time there.
There were several highlights including watching a pair of very big male lions wander through the bush at night. One even eyed me up a little too much for my liking! We also saw loads of elephants, and chased a leopard through the bush. The guided walk was also interesting and informative as our guide Cameron explained bits of the bush that you normally wouldn’t see.
This combo of the Kruger and upscale lodge worked, Tiara loved both and if you’re looking to experience two very different safari experiences then this is it. Plus it helps ease the impact on the pocket as the upscale lodges can be quite pricey.
Tip: If you do drive yourself make sure to get a vehicle that is quite tall, like a proper 4×4 or utility vehicle. You’ll see so much more plus some of the roads are just sand paths.
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