As a big fan of animals, especially the big five, I was ecstatic to find out that I was getting to visit Kruger Park during my stay in South Africa. The four - night experience was not to be forgotten! Upon arrival, I was handed the keys to a massive 11- seater Kombi and wished good luck. Climbing aboard the beast that was to become my transport for the upcoming weekend, I fearfully tried to drive off. Just managing to move forward I was gaining confidence, until we thought we had missed our turn off and would be forced to reverse. Having never driven anything beside my instructor's mini and my little car (Peugeot 207), driving the Kombi was nerve racking enough without the added issue of not being told of the reverse mechanics. In a VW you have to PUSH down and slide the gear stick into 1st gear, rather than pull the stick back like I was used to. A fact that we eventually learnt as night fell when we managed to find our way to the reception of our first chalet. The driving got smoother after that!
It was a lovely weekend with much jovial banter going on between us all. We had some interesting learning experiences with Peter making his first ever fire at aged nineteen! Having a braai (BBQ) for supper each night and making do with the cooking facilities we had in each chalet. It was nice indulging in some of my childhood meats such as boerwors and sipping my favourite wine in it's country of origin - even if the cork did get stuck in the neck of the bottle forcing me to push it right through!
Each day I would take us all on a seven hour drive around Kruger Park, driving the big Kombi. Whilst in the bush we cam upon some exciting scenes: two leopards about fifty yards away from us, many herds of elephants, giraffe, zebra, lions mating again about a fifty yards away from us and lots of monkeys among other animals. We were very fortunate to see the lions and especially the leopards as one can go a decade without seeing one!
Our final adventure within the park was on our way out, about forty km away from the exit and just past the half way point between the exit and the nearest petrol station (gas station) we realised that we had hit the reserve tank. Calling the Kombi's owner to check how far it would take us we were informed that there was a good chance we wouldn't make the exit before running out of petrol. The frightening, adrenaline pumping experience was not one to forget. We made it to the nearest petrol station - just - before starting the seven hour bus ride to the hotel we were to spend the next four nights.
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a good article… but what can I
say… I procrastinate a lot and don't seem to
get anything done.