 May 1st, 2026
What an amazing extra-long 4-day weekend in the Kruger National Park with three fellow students from LWEC. Unfortunately, all the camps inside the park were fully booked, so our only option was to stay at Inn Africa Safaris near Orpen Gate.
Early Friday morning at 6:00, the four of us set off, full of excitement to see animals—and of course, birds. About three hours later, we arrived at Phalaborwa Gate. Just a few meters into the park, we had our first sighting: a breeding herd of elephants crossing the road. Suddenly, a grumpy bull charged out of the bush toward the bakkie. All of us shouted at once—what a terrifying but incredible start to the trip!
We stopped at Letaba Rest Camp, which was still closed after the floods. After a quick bite, we continued to Satara Rest Camp for a short stop at the shop and bathrooms. Later, on the road toward Orpen Gate, we were lucky enough to see two lion prides on our very first day, along with buffalo, rhinos, and plenty of elephants.
After exiting at Orpen Gate, our accommodation was just 1 km away. We stayed in large, comfortable tents with outdoor showers and bathrooms. That evening, I, Jaysen, Lienca, and Mr. Kyle sat around the fire and enjoyed delicious T-bone steaks and garlic bread.
May 2nd, 2026
We were up early and ready for the day. We had booked a 10-hour game drive with Inn Africa Safaris, and at 06:30 they picked us up. It was freezing, so everyone had jackets on—the open safari vehicle made the cold even sharper.
Just 10 minutes after entering through Orpen Gate, we spotted something incredible: white lions on an impala kill. We were the first vehicle there, but within minutes nearly 20 cars had gathered around us.
Driving along the Orpen–Satara road, the number of raptors we saw was unbelievable—Tawny Eagles, Bateleurs, African Hawk Eagles, Fish Eagles, Snake Eagles, and many vultures including White-backed and Hooded Vultures.
We stopped briefly at Satara Rest Camp, then continued south toward Tshokwane Picnic Site. Along the way, we saw Southern Ground Hornbills and many elephants.
At Tshokwane, in the intense midday heat, I had an unforgettable moment—I saw a lifer, an African Mourning Dove, from just two meters away. After grabbing some cold water, we continued.
On the way back, we came across a traffic jam—always a good sign. It was lions again: two females, a large male, and two cubs walking through the grass. We also saw white rhinos wallowing in mud near a dam, along with a massive crocodile over 3 meters long. As we returned toward Orpen, the heat drove most animals into hiding.
May 3rd, 2026
Around 7:00 we headed back into the park. Just before Orpen Gate, we witnessed an intense encounter between two elephant bulls. They were pushing, head-butting, tossing branches, and fighting right in the road. Suddenly, one turned and charged toward us, trumpeting wildly. Jaysen handled it calmly and professionally—an unforgettable moment.
The rest of the day was more relaxed. Once again, we saw many raptors, especially Bateleurs, along with Lappet-faced, Cape, and White-backed Vultures.
At Satara Rest Camp, we had lunch at Cattle Baron Satara, a great spot overlooking the bushveld. Mr. Kyle and I had burgers, while Jaysen and Lienca had chicken cordon bleu.
While there, I heard a Pearl-spotted Owlet calling. Naturally, I went off to find it—and I did! I even got to show it to two visiting birders from India who hadn’t seen one before.
Later, we took a turnoff toward N’wanetsi Picnic Site, near the Mozambique border. The lookout there had stunning views over the river. I spotted Black Crake, African Fish Eagles, Yellow-breasted Apalis, and African Pied Wagtails.
We returned to Orpen after a quieter drive, seeing mainly elephants and plains game. That evening, we enjoyed a braai and listened to Fiery-necked Nightjars around the fire.
May 4th, 2026
Our final day in the park. Once again, we entered through Orpen Gate, greeted by elephants, zebras, and impalas along the road.
On the way to Satara, a guide told us about cheetahs nearby. We found them resting under trees about 70 meters away—my first time ever seeing cheetahs in the park. It was incredible.
Near a large dam, we followed a crowd of vehicles to a dirt road where a leopard had been seen in a tree with an impala kill. Unfortunately, she had left the tree, and after waiting 15 minutes, we moved on.
Close to Satara, we had an amazing close encounter with a Southern Ground Hornbill just a meter from the car. Cameras went crazy! We also saw Kori Bustards along the road.
After a quick lunch at Satara, we headed toward Letaba. The road was quiet, but we spotted a Red-crested Korhaan. Crossing Olifants River Bridge, a guide told us about lions nearby—and he was right. A male and two females were resting right next to the road.
We stopped at Letaba briefly, then made our way to Phalaborwa Gate. Along the way, we saw massive elephant bulls standing in the road—perfect for photos.
We exited the park around 14:00 and drove back to Bandelierkop, arriving around 16:30 after a very sleepy drive.
What an incredible weekend with great friends. A big thank you to Jaysen, Lienca, and Kyle for such a lekker trip!
Sightings:
Lions – 5 times
Rhinos – 2 times
Buffalo – 5 times
Elephants – 20+ times
Cheetah – 1 time
Leopard – 0
