Kruger S.A. July 06

Taking advantage of a three-day weekend from July 22 to 24, 2006, we drove to Kruger, stayed in cute bungalows, took photo safaris and a ranger walk, and
saw 17 varieties of animals and six varieties of birds. This was an amazing experience. Ironically on July 25th, out of the blue, back at our house in Emafini,
a Vervet monkey appeared on our window ledge and his friend was on our carport roof . I only now know the variety because we'd been to Kruger.
I guess we must truly be living in Africa to see a monkey at the window rather than a squirrel.


(Above L) Cape Buffalo personally welcome visitors to Kruger Park. ((Above C) Vervet monkeys clown around and seriously search for food. (Above R) Our accommodations at Pretoriuskop are charming.


(Above L) Our safari truck and guide are ready to take us to the animals. (Above C) The warthog on the termite hill supervises his friend below who is eating some bugs. (Above R) How daintily the warthog kneels to dine. The warthog is Wendy's favorite African animal because of its amusing antics. When warthogs move, their skinny tails go straight up like antennas for friends and children to follow. They also appear to run quickly on their toes (places to go, things to do, people to see, so clear the way).


(Above L) We've approached 6 lions parading along the road, ignoring us in the truck. (Above C) Then regally enters his majesty, the king. But he does take a rest quite frequently, even near the safari truck (Above R)


(All 3 above) The lions must take a break from their hectic journey to find food, and don't care whether they are in your way or not.


(All 3 above) We get closer and closer to the giraffes. Though a favorite meal of lions, giraffes can avoid lions (they can see for a mile) or if necessary put up a good fight by kicking with their sharp hooves and long legs.

		(Far L) Hippos have such busy lives that they need a lot of beauty sleep. But they are efficient even while sleeping (L) because they hire birds who eat the nasty ticks that become embedded during hippos' business / food-seeking trips. Though not one of the "Big Five" (buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard who are the most unpredictable), hippos kill more people annually than the any of the Big Five.


(Above L) Elephant family stops traffic as they head to their next feeding ground. (Above C) Elephant buddies watch each other's backs. (Above R) Profile for match.com?
		(Far L) Playing hide and go seek, can you find me? (R) Aren't I too cute?


(Above L) With sunrise literally on the horizon, Rick follows the 2 Park Rangers with rifles on our safari walk. (Above C) Rick plays park ranger. (Above R) the elephants and the Walleighs say goodbye for now and head to their respectives homes.