23 March 2026 – Monday
Seven out of our group of eight students set off on what would turn out to be an unforgettable trip to the Kruger. We left just before midday, full of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. The drive north carried us through changing landscapes until we finally reached Phalaborwa just before sunset, with the sky glowing in deep oranges and reds.
We checked in at the Forever Resort, where we had about an hour to unwind after the journey. The atmosphere was relaxed, but there was still more to come. At 18:30, we attended a meeting with the Honorary Rangers, which gave us a deeper appreciation for the work being done in conservation. After the meeting, we returned to the resort, where the evening slowed down. We spent the rest of the night relaxing, sharing laughs, and preparing ourselves for the long day ahead.
24 March 2026 – Tuesday
The next morning started early. There’s something special about waking up before sunrise when you know you’re heading into the bush. We made sure to be at Phalaborwa Gate by 07:00 sharp, knowing we had a full day of traveling through the park.
Our first stop was Letaba Rest Camp, where we took a short break and soaked in the peaceful surroundings. From there, we continued to Olifants Rest Camp. Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned—there was no cellphone reception, and due to flood damage earlier in January, the card machines were offline. Some of the group were disappointed since we couldn’t buy anything, but it quickly became just another story to laugh about later.
We pushed further south to Satara Rest Camp, which turned out to be a highlight stop. We spent about an hour there, exploring the shop and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Almost everyone picked up a souvenir—a small reminder of a big experience.
By around 15:00, we left Satara and headed toward Orpen Gate. Along the way, we filled up Jayson’s bakkie with diesel for the last stretch of the journey. As the sun began to drop, we made our way back to Limpopo Wildlife Eco College, arriving around 20:00.
Tired but satisfied, we ended the day in the best way possible—sharing pizzas we had bought at Satara, laughing about the day’s events, and reliving the best moments.
Highlights of the Trip
This trip was honestly one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in a long time—one I would repeat without hesitation.
Some moments stood out more than others:
Watching a herd of buffalo cooling off in the heat of the day
An elephant crossing the road just 10 meters in front of us—close enough to feel the power of the moment
And the absolute highlight: spotting a white rhino cow with her calf just before reaching Orpen. It was a rare and unforgettable sighting, and one that truly captured the magic of the bush
A special thank you to Johann, Kyle, Reinardt, Jayson, Waldie, and Lienca for making this trip one of the most memorable experiences of the year so far. It wasn’t just about the wildlife—it was about the people, the moments, and the memories we created together.
