When we arrived at the camp on the afternoon of 14 August the tents had already been set up by Doug (our expert guide) and his assistant Theo.
Maroela Camping Safari
After a bit of lunch we set off exploring in the specialised safari vehicle.
Specialised Safari Vehicle, Maroela Camping Safari
Sightings on the first afternoon included warthog, kudu, Cape vulture, crocodile, giraffe, waterbuck, elephant and a fork-tailed drongo.
Doug is an expert on birds and mammals and we all learned a lot from his running commentary. He also knows the Kruger like the back of his hand, so he was able to take us to all the best places in the area. But the cherry on the cake was the fact that Doug is also a gourmet chef, which meant that we ate like kings every evening. Turns out he ran a lodge and a restaurant for several years before becoming a guide full time. Lucky us!
Dinner Preparations, Maroela Camping Safari
Dinner Menu, Maroela Camping Safari
Rising early for game viewing and photography is essential. At about 5 am every morning we had coffee, tea and rusks (the South African variety) before setting off on our day’s adventure.
Morning Coffee, Maroela Camping Safari
On our first full day we saw giraffe, elephant, impala, kudu, an African fish eagle, rhino, zebra, buffalo and baboons. But the highlights for me were a small pride of lion (including a couple of lion cubs) and an African Barred Owlet.
Three Lions, Kruger National Park, South Africa
African Barred Owlet, Kruger National Park, South Africa
The second full day turned out to be rather incredible, as we came across two of the only 120 cheetahs in the Park (compared to about 2,000 leopards and 2,000 lions). Sadly, Doug is of the opinion that the days of the cheetah in the wild are numbered, so it is a privilege to see them while we still can.
Cheetah in Road, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Other sightings on the day included a brown snake eagle, a dark chanting goshawk, a martial eagle, black-backed jackal, wildebeest, an African scops-owl, another lion pride feeding, vultures, lots of elephant (including babies), and a lone hyena.
Elephant Profile, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Back at the camp it was time to relax around the fire and discuss the day’s events over a glass of wine.
Maroela Camping Safari
Campfire, Maroela Camping Safari
The next morning brought sightings of giraffe, elephant, buffalo, kudu, ostrich, hippo and the somewhat elusive nyala antelope. Sadly no leopard sightings on this trip, but there’s always next time!
Nyala Antelope, Kruger National Park, South Africa
After our morning game drive it was time for a farewell brunch and a champagne celebration of our fantastic time, many wonderful sightings and great pictures.
Breakfast Table, Maroela Camping Safari
Celebrations, Maroela Camping Safari
Happy days!
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