20th January – 7th June 2019
This trip has been the realisation of a dream and right at the outset I would like to record my gratitude to Renette for making it possible. I do not think that there are many wives who would give up their homes and willing adopt a caravan life for 5 months in the bush.
Of course, the past five months have been a kaleidoscope of so many memories as the days flashed by. It all began at Satara on the 21st January where we first settled in for a fortnight. We remember the patchiness of the rain whereby Nwaswitsonto was lush whereas north and west of Satara was drought stricken.
In early February, we then moved to Punda Maria which was even drier but we had such a lovely campsite right next to where the ellies came to drink.
Here the rains finally started and although Punda only received little, reports came through that the rest of the Park had had heavy rain.
The magnificent Luvuvhu Valley and the Pafuri area.
On 11th February, we moved from Punda down to Shingwedzi, without doubt one of my favourite camps in Kruger.
Memories of those summer storms, the rain, the warmth and the beautiful Shingwedzi swimming pool.
18th February we moved to Letaba where, on the S131, we found that beautiful and productive pan of water.
We remember so many lovely people that we met, none more so than Bob and Katrin who we shared lunch with at Letaba.
On 25th February we moved back to our beloved Satara, now rain soaked and wet but with the streams still not flowing.
On 6th March Renette flew to Cape Town from Skukuza to prepare for Gareth’s wedding. I followed to Cape Town on the 14th March after moving to Lower Sabie from Satara. Steven, Renette’s brother, looked after the caravan whilst we were away. We returned to Lower Sabie on 25th March.
On 29th March we moved to busy Skukuza. Lake Panic saves the day.
Whilst at Skukuza we hear the sad news of the passing of Auntie Toppies in Jo’burg.
We move to beautiful Pretoriuskop camp on 8th April. So lovely but so lifeless – no birds, no animals.
On 12th April Renette flies to Jo’burg to be with family. I moved to scenic Bergendal on 15th April.
Warren brings Renette back on 17th April. David, Steph and the children arrive for the Easter weekend on 19th April. That afternoon – bingo!!
On the 22nd April we move to Lower Sabie together with our grandson, Callum, who spends the week with us.
From there we drive to Jo’burg on 26th April for Auntie Toppie’s memorial. I drive back to Lower Sabie on the 28th whilst Renette stays on with Cheryl and Basil Jones for a week.
I collect Renette on 3rd May and we head to Satara for 14 days. The weather has turned into winter mode and the clouds are disappearing.
I return home to Ballito 5th – 8th May to tend to various matters. Meanwhile Roley and Verona visit us for a delightful week and finally leave on 15th May – catless.
On 17th May we move back to Skukuza in preparation for the visit from Chris and Renette Denny on the 18th.
On the 24th May we move to Bergendal and on the 28th, Werner and Noleen from the Freestate join us.
Together with Werner and Noleen, we all head for Satara on 31st May.
On 6th June Werner and Noleen leave for home and we decide to follow suit and move to Lower Sabie.
Our joyous time in Kruger comes to an end as we travel south through Swaziland on to Ballito in KZN. We loved it.
4 Comments
Rhona June 10, 2019 at 6:53 pm
AMAZING FRED! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos of your time in Kruger.
We were so lucky to have you as neighbours in Bergendal camp.
Richard Grant June 11, 2019 at 1:47 am
Lovely to see and Gordon there Rhona. We will definitely be calling in for a cup of tea when next we visit Marion.
Fred Simpson June 12, 2019 at 3:05 am
Stunning pictures to go with running commentary, Fred. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Richard Grant June 12, 2019 at 5:54 am
I look forward very much to our next adventure Fred.