Today is a busy day for cooking and celebrating Easter. We will be back with photos and more tomorrow.
Be well.
Happy Easter to all who celebrate…
Where is Easter observed worldwide?
People who celebrate Easter around the world are incredibly diverse, but they’re often tied together by a few beautiful common threads: community, tradition, hope, and renewal. Let me paint you a little picture:
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In Europe, you’ll see grandmothers in Poland carrying baskets of food to be blessed, kids in England chasing chocolate eggs across village greens, and entire towns in Spain solemnly marching in centuries-old processions, wearing traditional robes and carrying statues of saints. Some people are deeply religious, while others enjoy the festivities and the sense of springtime.
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In Latin America, Easter feels almost like a full-body experience. Streets fill with color, music, and devotion — think families weaving huge palm fronds in Guatemala, or entire neighborhoods in Mexico creating carpets of flowers and colored sawdust for processions to walk over. It’s emotional, joyful, and very communal.
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In Africa, Easter is often a mix of deep religious observance and vibrant celebration. You’ll find congregations in Nigeria dressed in their absolute best, wearing brightly patterned and embroidered clothing, as they sing and dance in packed churches. In Ethiopia, after weeks of fasting for Lent, families come together to feast and pray, connecting generations.
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In North America, it’s a blend — you’ll see families getting dressed up for Easter Sunday services, parents hiding colorful eggs in parks, and huge brunch gatherings. Some people focus on the religious meaning, while others see it as a time for family, joy, and the beginning of spring.
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In Asia, especially in the Philippines, Easter Sunday can feel like a joyful explosion after a long, serious Holy Week — big, outdoor masses at dawn called Salubong celebrate the meeting of the risen Christ and his mother Mary, with singing, dancing, and sometimes fireworks. In other parts of Asia where Christians are a smaller group, Easter is quieter, celebrated mostly within tight-knit communities.
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In Oceania, Australians and New Zealanders might be off camping for the long Easter weekend, bringing chocolate eggs to the beach, or attending relaxed church services. There’s a laid-back, outdoorsy spirit to the way they celebrate.
At the heart of it, Easter people — no matter where they are — often celebrate life, hope, and new beginnings, whether through sacred rituals or simple, joyful gatherings.
Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 19, 2015:
Day 8…Kruger National Park…Stunning sighting in Marloth Park last night!…Leopards and lions…
South Africa’s Easter holiday season begins today with Good Friday and will continue through the end of the month. With so many tourists in Marloth Park, we will see fewer animals in our garden. As we’ve mentioned many times, when the park is packed with tourists, the wildlife scatters to their holiday homes for not-so-good treats.
Hopefully, animals will visit us in the garden during the remainder of the month, allowing us to continue enjoying activities with Lisa for the next 12 days, until she begins her return journey to the US.
Here is an article we came across today from The Citizen newspaper.
Search for Kruger National Park lions continuing into Easter weekend.
The search for escaped lions near the Kruger National Park is continuing into the Easter weekend.
Multiple communities bordering the park have reported possible lion sightings after four of the predators were believed to have escaped the park.
Areas near Bushbuckridge and Hazyview have reported lion sightings, and officials say they will continue searching until the park confirms their return.
Dogs are called to assist.
Two lions were initially reported to be on the loose on Sunday, with that number rising to four by Wednesday.
A resident near Belfast sent a grainy snapshot of a lion on a tar road to the Lowvelder on Sunday, prompting the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) to begin a search.
As of Thursday, MTPA was still searching and had brought in canine reinforcements to assist.
“Our team is still on the ground searching for these lions. Today we are searching with dogs. We are confident that we will find the lions if they are still outside the park,” MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube told The Citizen.
“We advise the community to avoid any confrontation with the lions and to report sightings to the authorities,” he added.
Loss of habitat is a concern.
Loss of habitat and disease are listed as one of the biggest threats to the African lion population, with African Impact warning the animals could go extinct by 2050.
“Lions now occupy less than 92% of the land they once did. This loss of habitat has severe consequences. Lions no longer have access to the vast stretches of savanna grasslands they need to find food, viable mating partners, and thrive as a pride,” African Impact states.
This has resulted in increased interaction between lions and communities, while a range of illnesses has affected the lion population.
“The spread of feline herpes virus and feline immunodeficiency virus has devastated huge populations due to the low pathogenicity of these diseases,” it said.
May those who observe the Easter Holiday have a blessed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 18, 2015:
Day 7…Kruger National Park…Birds in the park with our photos…Exciting experience last night…Thermal Game Drive…
Although we aren’t avid bird watchers, we enjoy seeing some of the many species of birds in Marloth Park and Kruger National Park. We see many interesting species while stopping at Sunset Dam in Lower Sabie.
How Many Types of Birds Are in Kruger National Park?
When people think of Kruger National Park in South Africa, they often picture lions lounging under acacia trees, herds of elephants crossing dusty roads, or leopards draped over branches. But there’s another world in Kruger that’s lighter, faster, and more colorful — the world of birds.
Kruger National Park is home to an astonishing 500 bird species. That’s right—within its 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 square miles), Kruger holds one of the richest bird diversities on the African continent. This vibrant collection of feathered creatures includes everything from massive eagles to tiny sunbirds, offering a full spectrum of colors, shapes, and sounds.
Of those 500 species, about 253 are permanent residents. You can spot these birds year-round, no matter when you visit. The remaining species are either migratory — flying in from Europe, Asia, or other parts of Africa during certain seasons — or nomadic, moving based on the availability of food and water.
The sheer variety is breathtaking. You might see a lilac-breasted roller flashing its iridescent wings as it swoops to catch insects, or a martial eagle surveying the savannah from high above. In the riverine forests, if you’re lucky and very quiet, you might even spot the elusive pel’s fishing owl, a bird so secretive that finding it feels like winning a prize.
Among Kruger’s many bird species, a few stand out so much that they’ve earned a special title: the Big Six Birds. Modeled after the famous Big Five mammals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), the Big Six Birds include:
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Lappet-faced vulture: The largest vulture species in Africa, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.9 meters (over 9 feet).
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Martial eagle: A powerful bird of prey known for its strength and sharp eyesight.
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Saddle-billed stork: A striking wading bird, unmistakable with its bright red and black bill and towering height.
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Kori bustard: One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, often seen solemnly striding across open areas.
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Southern ground hornbill: A large, charismatic bird that spends most of its time walking the ground, foraging for insects and reptiles.
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Pel’s fishing owl: The mysterious, nocturnal hunter, usually found near large bodies of water.
Each bird species contributes its thread to Kruger’s life fabric. The park’s diverse habitats — from dense riverine forests to open grasslands and thorny bushveld — create countless niches where different birds can thrive. Whether it’s the acrobatic swoop of a bee-eater catching a dragonfly mid-air or the solemn flight of a heron skimming over a dam, every moment feels alive with movement.
Visiting Kruger during the summer months (October to March) can be especially rewarding for birdwatchers. Many migratory species have arrived to breed during this time, and the park pulses with even more energy. Birds wear their brightest breeding plumage, and their calls fill the air from before dawn until long after sunset.
Birdwatching in Kruger isn’t just about spotting species to tick off a list, though many enthusiasts enjoy that aspect. It’s about slowing down and tuning into a world that’s always there but easy to miss. It’s about noticing the tiny weavers meticulously building nests, the stealthy herons poised at the water’s edge, or the flash of a kingfisher darting like a jewel across a river.
In short, Kruger National Park is not just a paradise for the “big” wildlife seekers; it’s equally a treasure trove for bird lovers. With around 500 species filling the skies, trees, rivers, and bushveld, the park offers an endlessly rewarding experience for anyone willing to look a little closer and listen a little longer. Every visit holds the promise of a new feathered friend to discover.
Last night, we went with resident Rodger on his Thermal Game Drive in Marloth Park. Rodger is sending me a few videos of what we saw. Once we receive them, we’ll post the videos and our photos. It was a fascinating experience we’re anxious to share.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 17, 2015:
Day 6…Kruger National Park…More photos…
Following are the top ten facts about elephants, along with more elephant information:
Elephants are fascinating creatures with many remarkable characteristics. Here are 10 amazing facts about them:
1. They are the largest land animals: Elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth, with African elephants being the largest.
2. They have incredible memory: Elephants have an impressive memory, known for remembering specific locations and recognizing individuals after long periods.
2. They have incredible memory: Elephants have an impressive memory, known for remembering specific locations and recognizing individuals after long periods.
3. They communicate with vibrations: Elephants communicate not only through sounds but also through vibrations in the ground, allowing them to communicate over long distances.
4. Their trunks are incredibly versatile: An elephant’s trunk is not just a nose but also a hand, mouth, and breathing tool for smelling, drinking, bathing, and more.
5. They have the longest pregnancy: Female elephants have the longest pregnancy of any mammal, lasting around 22 months.
6. Their skin is incredibly thick: Elephant skin is thick, often 2.5cm, and folds to retain more water, helping them cool down in the heat.
7. They are excellent swimmers: Despite their size, elephants are good swimmers, using their trunks as snorkels.
8. They are extremely intelligent: Elephants are considered one of the most intelligent animals on Earth, capable of self-awareness and recognizing themselves in a mirror.
9. They have a keen sense of smell: Elephants have a remarkable sense of smell, allowing them to detect water sources up to 12 miles away.
10. They can’t jump: A fascinating fact is that elephants, despite their robust build, cannot jump.
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth and are known for their intelligence, strong social bonds, and iconic physical features like their large ears and tusks. There are two main species:
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African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) – Found in grassy plains and woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa. They are the larger of the two species and have curved tusks and large, fan-shaped ears that help them stay cool.
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African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) – Smaller, with straighter tusks and more rounded ears. They live in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa and were only recently recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.
Some cool facts:
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Matriarchal societies: Elephant herds are led by the oldest female, the matriarch. She’s like a wise grandma who remembers migration routes and watering holes.
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Communication: They use rumbles and infrasound to communicate over long distances—sometimes even miles apart.
- Memory and emotion: “An elephant never forgets” isn’t just a saying. They’re known to mourn their dead and show empathy.
Sadly, they’re also under threat. Poaching for ivory, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict have caused a decline in their numbers, especially for forest elephants. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with national parks, anti-poaching laws, and international wildlife protections in place—but challenges remain.
We continue to enjoy trips to Kruger with our friend Lisa at least once a week after she leaves on May 1. It’s been such a joy sharing this stunning bush lifestyle with her.
Last night, we attended Quiz Night at Giraffe for another excellent evening. Kathy, Don, Connie, and Sandra joined us. We didn’t win but came in fifth of 12 groups. There were 64 players for the night, a massive group for this fun event.
Soon, Tom will drop Lisa and me off at the Imbewe Spa for a pedicure for me and a massage for her. We booked the Thermal Game Drive for tonight at 7:00 pm, but we’ll have to change the date if the rain continues since the roads are so much worse in Marloth Park in the rain.
That’s it for today, dear readers. Hoping all is good with you.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 16, 2015:
Day 5…Kruger National Park…We’re back from another game drive…
Here are some facts about Kruger National Park we’d yet to share:
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic and expansive wildlife reserves. Located in northeastern South Africa, it spans the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and covers nearly 20,000 square kilometers (7,700 square miles)—roughly the size of Israel or New Jersey. It’s a major bucket-list destination for nature lovers, safari-goers, photographers, and anyone seeking a wild, immersive experience in the African bush.
Highlights of Kruger National Park:
1. The Big Five:
Kruger is one of the best places in the world to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—in their natural habitat. Spotting all five in one trip is common if you’re lucky and spend a few days exploring. There are no rhinos in the areas we visit on our safaris. At some point, we’ll drive further north to spot rhinos in a protected area to avoid poachers.
2. Biodiversity:
The park is home to an astonishing diversity of life:
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500+ bird species
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140+ mammal species
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100+ reptile species
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Countless plant and tree varieties
3. Self-Drive Safaris:
Unlike many other parks in Africa, Kruger is self-drive-friendly. You can rent a car, grab a map, and set out on your game drive. It’s safe, relatively easy, and gives you total freedom over your safari adventure. We make a point of embarking on a self-drive in Kruger once a week. We prefer self-drive to guided safaris since we can tour at our own pace. We often arrange a guided safari for the extra experience when guests visit.
4. Accommodations for All Budgets:
From luxury lodges like Singita and Royal Malewane to SANParks rest camps (like Skukuza, Satara, and Lower Sabie), there’s something for every budget and travel style. Many rest camps even have shops, restaurants, and guided game drives. Since we have such a lovely holiday home in Marloth Park, we don’t see a reason to pay for the rest of the accommodations in Kruger.
5. Night and Guided Walk Safaris:
Beyond daytime game drives, Kruger also offers night safaris and guided bush walks—incredible ways to see nocturnal wildlife and learn about smaller animals, insects, and plants you’d probably miss otherwise. We are going on a Thermal Night Drive in Marloth Park tomorrow night.
6. Nearby Attractions:
While Kruger could easily fill a trip, it’s also close to scenic areas like the Panorama Route, featuring Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, all of which we previously visited.
The three of us are going to Quiz Night at Giraffe Pub and Grill tonight. At 5:30, friends Kathy and Don, her sister Connie, and Don’s cousin Sandra will join us for dinner and to play the game. It should be extra fun with our friends.
Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Be well.
Photos from ten years ago today, April 15, 2015:
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| In Kauai, the sun is waning on a less cloudy evening. For more photos, please click here. |
Lucerne Day in the bush…
It was a fantastic day as the three of us were mesmerized by the steady stream of wildlife coming to partake in the treat we provided. Daisy’s Den delivered two bags of pellets and the lucerne yesterday morning. A bale of hay costs ZAR 265, US $13.85, delivered, and was well worth the day’s enjoyment for each of us.
Of course, while Lisa is still here and thereafter, we will continue to buy the hay for the days we don’t have much to do and plan to stay at the house most of the day. The excitement of the lucerne seems to last only for a day when it’s first delivered. From there, the volume of the spread-out hay diminishes by the hour as wildlife breaks down the volume in the pile.
After a full day of sitting on the veranda, by 4:45 pm, we were freshened up and ready to head to Jabula for our 5:00 pm reservations at the Cheers-like bar for drinks, food, and an endless stream of guests, some we knew and some we were yet to meet.
It was fun to see Lisa having such a good time. It’s been easy having her here. She’s a delightful house guest who is easygoing without annoying quirks and possesses a passion for everything she sees and everything we do. Her lovely personality has made meeting our friends and others delightful for them and her.
It will be disappointing to see her go in 2½ weeks. As always, we’ll return to our usual routine of entertaining ourselves as we revel in the special aspect of living in Marloth Park, close to Kruger National Park and the entertainment resources nearby.
Last night, Jabula was another fun fest, as usual. The lively and animated conversation swirled around at the bar as we enjoyed our drinks and, eventually, our dinner while chatting with others surrounding us.
Once we returned to the house around 9:00 pm, we all sat outside on the veranda, thoroughly entertained by a thick-tailed bushbaby making sounds we’d never heard in the past. We used a spotlight to see it in a tree and wondered why it was making so much noise.
When we wandered to bed after 10:00 pm, the bushbaby was still screeching while we wondered what it was all about. About 20 minutes after we went to bed, the noise stopped, and we could get to sleep.
It’s been a busy morning with many visitors stopping by. As soon as I upload today’s post, we’ll head to Komatipoort for grocery shopping. Leon is coming for dinner tonight, arriving around 3:00 pm today.
Have a great Sunday. We may not post tomorrow since we are going to Kruger National Park in the morning.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 13, 2015:
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Day 4, Kruger National Park…Guided game drive…Another fantastic evening at Jabula…
This morning, Daisy’s Den delivered two bags of game pellets and a bale of lucerne:
“Lucerne, also known as alfalfa, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It’s a highly nutritious forage crop used to feed livestock and is also known for improving soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil.”
The animals are gathered around the broken-down bale and having the time of their lives. They are all getting along well and enjoying chomping. Tomorrow, we’ll share some photos we’ve taken today of their hilarious antics while eating the lucerne.
We’d planned to go to Komatipoort to buy a few groceries, but now that the lucerne was here, we didn’t want to leave and miss the opportunity to see the animals gathering around the bale. It’s such fun to watch them devour this great source of nutrition.
Norman just arrived, but Big Daddy is busy at the bale, and Norman gets all fluffed up to illustrate his dominance. Tom gets the squirt gun and sends Big Daddy away since he’s had plenty to eat. Now Nina and the kids and grandkids are here, and they are making their way toward the bale. Hopefully, the entire family will have an opportunity to dine together.
Four warthogs arrived and are also working in the bale. It’s been quite an eventful day in the garden, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share this excitement with Lisa.
Speaking of sharing the excitement with Lisa last evening, we had a spectacular time at Jabula. We hung out with Leon, Fritz, and other people we knew and met some new people. The evening was festive and entertaining, with lively music on their sound system and YouTube videos accompanying the songs on the TV monitor.
The evening was perfect. The food was exceptional, as always, and the staff and manager, Corrine, provided excellent service. Dawn had gone to Joburg to visit her daughters.
Yesterday morning, we headed to Kathy and Don’s house to visit and drop off a bag of pellets for them. It was delightful seeing them, their sister Connie, and their cousin Sandra. On Tuesday night, they’ll join us for dinner and Quiz Night at Giraffe for our new team, Smarty Pants. That should be fun!
Today is a lazy day; tonight, we’ll head back to Jabula for dinner again. We have a busy week ahead and look forward to another excellent week.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 12, 2015:
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A glorious evening in the bush…Back to Kruger photos tomorrow…
Last night, we had a wonderful time at Lefera Restaurant at Ngwenya Resort, a few kilometers outside Marloth Park. We sat on the veranda having sundowners, and at 6:00 pm, we went indoors to their dining room to have the buffet dinner.
I was disappointed that I had forgotten to bring the camera, as the views of the river were spectacular. Here are a few photos.
It’s unbelievable that the all-you-can-eat buffet is priced at only ZAR 200, USD $10.35. Tom hosted the dinner for the five of us, and the total bill, including drinks, tax, and tips, was only ZAR 1548.65, US $80.16, averaging ZAR 309.69, US $16.03.
The ambiance on the veranda, overlooking the Crocodile River with many animal sightings, was superb, and the service was impeccable. The food on the buffet was top-notch, and we all enjoyed hefty plates of delicious meats, vegetables, salads, and other side dishes.
I enjoyed the desserts, including a local favorite, Malva pudding, and another sweet and creamy concoction. I took a small taste of each and swooned with delight. But I had to stop for my health and commitment to losing weight, which is going well but slower after a month of working on it.
Sweets are not included in my diet unless I bake something suitable using keto sweeteners, almond, and coconut flours that don’t raise my blood sugar.
Soon, we are leaving to bring a bag of pellets to Kathy and Don’s home on the river. We wanted Lisa to meet them and to see them again for a few minutes.
We’ve had a lot of visitors this morning, including about 60 mongooses, six kudus, Mac, the impala, and a friend, Norman’s family without him, several bushbucks, and much to our delight, finally, two funny hornbills with their delightful antics. The bush sounds were outstanding this morning; we all reveled in the majestic environment.
That’s it for today, folks. We hope you enjoy your weekend. We sure will!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 11, 2015:
Day 3, Kruger National Park…Guided game drive…Leopard day…excellent night game drive and dinner…
As mentioned earlier, seeing the Big Five is unlikely in this area since the rhinos have been moved further north to more protected areas. Poaching has caused the obliteration of tens of thousands of rhinos in South Africa for many years.
Here’s a chart with rhino poaching statistics from this site:
South Africa: A rhino poaching hotspot
As a result of moving the rhinos, the likelihood of seeing The Big Five in this area is slim to none. The Big Five are described as follows:
“The Big Five refers to African lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo. Today, the phrase is usually used to market safaris, but it was first coined by big-game hunters more than 100 years ago.”
Thus, spotting four of The Big Five, except the rhino, on our morning drive on Monday was quite a thrill to share with Lisa and a joy for Tom and me. But, it isn’t so much about The Big Five as the experience of being in the park and the sightings of many other species, which we’ll continue to share over the next several days, including photos from last night’s night drive and dinner in the bush.
Today, we only have to run to the ATM at the Bush Centre, and tonight, we’re taking Louise and Danie out to dinner with us in Ngwenya for the Thursday evening buffet. It’s hard to believe the cost of their “all-you-can buffet” is only ZAR 200, US $10.30! Amazing!
We’ll be at Jabula tomorrow and Saturday evenings, so I won’t cook again until Sunday and Monday. It’s fun being so busy with so many activities.
That’s it for today, folks! We’ll be back tomorrow with more photos of our adventures.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 10, 2015:
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