We have our T-Mobile WiFi on our phones so I can post this message but preparing a post using it uses too much roaming data.
There’s a power outage to the tower according to the service provider. It should be repaired by tomorrow.
Have a great day!💐
A rare and special sighting in Kruger National Park…Quiz Night results…
Jackals in Kruger National Park: The Clever Canids of the Savanna
In the vast expanse of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuary, jackals may not be as imposing as lions or as majestic as elephants. Still, they are among the most fascinating and adaptable creatures in the park. With their sharp wits, resourcefulness, and eerie calls that echo through the bush at dusk, jackals play a vital role in Kruger’s ecosystem.
There are two species of jackals found in Kruger: the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the side-striped jackal (Canis adustus). Both are members of the dog family and are known for their cunning nature, often likened to foxes or coyotes in behavior and appearance. The black-backed jackal is the more common of the two and is easily recognized by the dark saddle of fur running down its back, which contrasts sharply with its rusty-colored body. The side-striped jackal, less frequently seen, has a grayer coat with light stripes running along its flanks.
Black-backed jackals are highly visible in open savanna areas, particularly during early morning and late afternoon. They are vocal animals, often heard before they are seen. Their haunting, high-pitched howls and yelps serve as a form of communication with family members and a warning to rival jackals. Visitors to Kruger often hear their calls at night, part of the park’s wild, nocturnal soundscape.
Jackals are opportunistic omnivores, which means they will eat almost anything available. Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, reptiles, fruit, and even the leftovers from predator kills. They are excellent scavengers and are often seen trailing behind larger carnivores, such as lions and hyenas, in hopes of snatching scraps. Despite this, jackals are also skilled hunters in their own right and can take down small antelopes, especially when hunting in pairs. Their intelligence and adaptability allow them to thrive in both open plains and more wooded areas.
One of the more fascinating behaviors of jackals is their monogamous pair bonding. A male and female will form a lifelong pair and defend a shared territory. They often raise their pups together in dens, with both parents actively participating in feeding and protecting their young. In some cases, older offspring from previous litters may remain with the family to help raise the next generation, a trait more commonly associated with social species, such as wolves.
In Kruger, jackals play a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance. By scavenging carcasses, they contribute to natural sanitation and help limit the spread of disease. Their predation on rodents and insects also controls populations of potential agricultural pests.
Though jackals are abundant, they often go unnoticed by tourists, who are more interested in spotting the Big Five. However, for those who take the time to watch these intelligent creatures, jackals offer an intriguing window into the subtleties of life in the bush. Their interactions, vocalizations, and social dynamics reveal the complexities of survival in a challenging environment.
Side-striped jackals, more elusive than their black-backed cousins, prefer areas with thicker vegetation and are primarily nocturnal. They are less vocal and more solitary, rarely seen during game drives. Yet, their role in the ecosystem is just as important, and spotting one is a rare and rewarding experience for any wildlife enthusiast.
In a landscape dominated by giants, jackals remind us that intelligence, adaptability, and cooperation are equally powerful tools for survival. Observing them in Kruger is a testament to the park’s biodiversity—not just in size and spectacle, but in the subtle, everyday lives of its quieter residents.
Last night, we headed to Giraffe Pub & Grill for Quiz Night, and although we didn’t win, we came in fourth place and won back the per-person entry fee of ZAR 30, equivalent to US $1.68. It was such fun to play, and we will return on our own next Tuesday, the day that Kady and Rich leave to return to the US.
Tonight, we are going to braai and stay in for the evening. They are having a great time, and it’s been delightful to share the wonders of the bush with them. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 9, 2015:
Yep…We saw rhinos again yesterday morning in Kruger National Park…South Africa rhino stats…
We figured that when we took off yesterday morning in search of rhinos in Kruger National Park, we had a slim chance of seeing them again, since we’d seen them when our friend Lisa was here in April.
We entered the area within several kilometers of where we’d seen them a few months ago, and there they were, perhaps the same pair or another pair, as the exact number of rhinos in this area is not disclosed.
We cannot disclose the specific location of the rhinos we spotted due to the risk that poachers may read our article and then head out to poach them. Enough have been lost already.
However, the opportunity for our visiting friends Kady and Rich to see rhinos in the wild for the first time in their lives was an indescribable joy. How many people have ever seen rhinos in the wild? This number is impossible to determine since stats are not documented. However, overall, based on the world’s population, it is undoubtedly a small number.
In the past, we have posted rhino statistics several times, but seeing them again prompted us to post them once more.
Here are the latest rhino population and poaching stats for South Africa:
Rhino Population Overview
Total Population
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South Africa is home to around 16,000–18,000 rhinos, the world’s largest population, including both white and black rhinos
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White rhinos dominate, with approximately 13,000 in 2021, comprising roughly 12,968 in South Africa
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Black rhinos number around 2,056, representing about 44% of Africa’s total black rhino population
Poaching Trends
2024 Highlights
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420 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2024, a 16% drop from 499 in 2023.
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Of these, 320 were from public reserves (e.g., national parks) and 100 from private land
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KwaZulu-Natal province has seen significant progress, with 232 rhinos poached in 2023, down from 325 in 2022, thanks to dehorning and anti-poaching efforts.
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Kruger National Park recorded 88 poaching incidents in 2024, slightly up from 78 in 2023
They wandered off for better grazing.
Early 2025 Update
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Between January and March 2025, 103 rhinos were poached—65 of these within national parks, averaging more than one animal lost daily, mirroring the pace of early 2024
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Four provinces—Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape—reported zero poaching during this period.
Conservation & Anti-Poaching Efforts
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A recent Scientific study found that dehorning reduces poaching by ~80%, costing just 1–1.2% of protection budgets in the Greater Kruger region
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Other initiatives include:
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Radioactive horn implants to deter smuggling attempts
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Enhanced law enforcement, polygraph vetting, anti-corruption measures, and community engagement.
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Translocations of black rhinos to bolster genetics in private reserves
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Summary
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Population: ~16k–18k total; ~13k white rhinos, ~2k black rhinos.
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2024 poaching: 420 killed (16% decrease from 2023); significant reduction in KZN.
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2025 Q1: 103 killed; rates remain concerning, though some provinces saw zero loss.
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Key responses: Dehorning, surveillance technology, arrests, and horn marking—effective but require broader support and continued funding.
With the two rhinos’ backsides facing us at a distance, we weren’t able to take many good photos. But, we were thrilled to capture the few that were possible.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 8, 2015:
No post today… Off to Kruger, hoping to see rhinos
Introducing our friends to a lively night at Jabula!…Tourist transportation hazards…
Last night couldn’t have been more fun. We arrived at Jabula a little later than usual. We wouldn’t have been sitting at the bar, given the vast number of sports enthusiasts watching the rugby game, so we headed directly to our assigned table on the veranda.
The service, the food, and the ambiance couldn’t have been more perfect, even amid the vast, rowdy crowd. The staff provided exemplary service and food. Thanks to Dawn and Leon, Corrine, and all the staff for a superior experience. We even got into the exuberant dancing on the dance floor to the lively popular music after the game ended. What a fun place to share with our friends.
On another note, here’s an important article that may be of interest to our readers who rent portable personal transportation while traveling.
From Travel & Leisure at this link:
“Major Tourist Destinations Have a Hidden Transportation Hazard That Leaves Travelers and Locals Vulnerable—What to Know
Are micromobility devices a growing safety crisis? By Published on July 5, 2025
- E-bike and scooter injuries have surged, according to researchers at UCSF.
- Many tourist cities are restricting the use of micromobility devices due to an increase in accidents and safety concerns.
The newest travel hazard in cities might be something you aren’t expecting at all.
Electric scooters and e-bikes are ubiquitous throughout many cities worldwide, and they aren’t inherently dangerous. But the sheer number of them, combined with the potential for serious accidents, makes them a real and serious travel hazard for visitors.
A 2024 study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that injuries from e-bikes have doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, and injuries from scooters have risen by 45 percent annually.
“This increase in accidents not only introduced a demographic shift but also underscores an urgent need for added safety measures,” co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, a chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology, said in a statement on the UCSF website. “There are undeniable health and environmental benefits to micro-mobility vehicle use, but structural changes must be taken to promote safe riding.”
In response, many major tourist destinations, including New York, Madrid, and Paris, have taken steps to ban or severely limit e-scooters, while others are on the verge of becoming scooter-free. Often, e-bikes and e-scooters behave in ways around pedestrians that put both riders and walkers at risk of injury.
Though serious injuries are rare, they do happen. In 2024, a woman was severely injured in West Hollywood when she was hit by a motorized scooter, suffering a fractured skull and brain swelling that required hospitalization. An American man in Sydney nearly died after being hit by an e-bike that was being ridden in an area where it was not permitted. He needed emergency brain surgery and spent weeks in a coma.
And most run-ins between people and micro-mobility devices go unreported. Many more people have close calls or are injured by speeding scooters, and these experiences can make people nervous in cities, which in turn affects tourists. Tourists can also be responsible for close calls, as they rent e-bikes and scooters to joyride around unfamiliar cities, leading to potential accidents. Riders of e-devices might feel unsafe riding on main streets alongside cars but then become a hazard to pedestrians on sidewalks. Designated scooter lanes can be helpful, but they are not always available.
“As micro-mobility vehicles become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing the safety challenges they pose is critical,” corresponding author Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS, the Taube Family Distinguished Professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology, said on the UCSF website. “By doing so, we can harness the full potential of micro-mobility to create more sustainable, healthy, and safe urban environments.”
Today, we’ll stay in and enjoy the bush, along with an excellent homemade meal. Perhaps we’ll play cards, and without a doubt, the conversation will be lively and animated.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 6, 2015:
Another stunning day in the bush with friends…WiFi security at airports…
Last night, the four of us went to Jabula for Kady and Rich’s first experience at our favorite restaurant. They loved the environment, the bustling crowds, and, of course, the food. We had another fine evening together in the bush.
The following article appeared in my search results this morning, which I found imperative to share with our readers.
From Travel & Leisure Magazine:
“This Is One of the Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes You Can Make at an Airport, Experts Warn
Travelers may want to think twice before connecting to free airport Wi-Fi. By Published on June 17, 2025
Cybersecurity experts are aligned that travelers should avoid public Wi-Fi at airports. Please continue reading to learn why it’s such a significant risk and how to access the Internet safely while traveling.
While cruising an airport’s public internet network may feel like a convenience, criminals can easily exploit those networks to steal sensitive data from unsuspecting travelers, experts warn.
“It’s definitely among the worst things you can do at an airport,” Matthew Hicks, a cybersecurity expert and associate professor of computer science at Virginia Tech, told Travel + Leisure.
Public Wi-Fi is a shared internet connection, often over an unsecured network. Users are therefore vulnerable to hackers, who can intercept data like credit card details or account passwords, and install malware onto consumers’ devices, according to experts.
About 40 percent of Americans have had their data compromised while using a public Wi-Fi network, according to a recent Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 workers who regularly use public internet. Yet, 23 percent of users said they think public Wi-Fi is entirely safe, and another 43 percent said it’s somewhat secure, the Forbes survey found.
Anything you do on airport Wi-Fi should be something you’d be comfortable with the rest of the world knowing about.
Because travelers often have ample downtime before flights—and may be in an area without cellular connection—airports are a common access point for public Wi-Fi, Hicks said.
Consumers reported losing more than $16 billion to internet crime overall in 2024, a record high and a 33 percent increase from 2023, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Personal data breaches were among the top three most common complaints received by the FBI, it said. “As nearly all aspects of our lives have become digitally connected, the attack surface for cyber actors has grown exponentially,” B. Chad Yarbrough, operations director for the FBI’s criminal and cyber unit, wrote in the Bureau’s annual internet crime report. “Scammers are increasingly using the Internet to steal Americans’ hard-earned savings.”
Be careful of fake Wi-Fi networks.
Scammers also often try to trick travelers into logging onto fake Wi-Fi networks, John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud at the National Consumers League, a consumer advocacy group, told T+L.
Someone trying to connect to the O’Hare Guest Wi-Fi network may unknowingly access another—perhaps “O’Hare Guest 2” or “Chicago Airport Wi-Fi”—controlled by a criminal. “Make sure [the network] is the one run by the airport, and not someone setting up a honeypot,” Breyault said.
In 2024, the Australian Federal Police charged a man for allegedly establishing one of these so-called “evil twin” networks to steal people’s personal data. He did this at airports in Perth, Melbourne, and Adelaide, among other places, AFP reported.
Accessing the correct network will “eliminate most of the real attackers,” Hicks said, adding that travelers can ask airport personnel if they’re unsure.
How to safely use Wi-Fi at the airport
Using your cell phone to establish a personal internet hotspot is among the safest ways to access the web in an airport. This simple step will reduce the number of attackers to “near zero,” according to Hicks. That’s because it’s a private cellular connection instead of an open Wi-Fi network. “You’re not sharing that connection with everyone else in the airport,” Breyault said. “Your data will be much safer in transit.”
If that’s not available, experts recommend using a device with a “virtual private network” or VPN, which is an encrypted connection that offers an additional layer of security. Hicks’ best advice is to buy one from a reputable, U.S.-based company.
Travelers should ultimately avoid logging into financial, email, social media, or other sensitive accounts over airport Wi-Fi, Breyault noted. “If you’re just checking the weather, that’s one thing,” Breyault said. “If you’re checking your bank account balance, that’s something different.”
“Anything you do on airport Wi-Fi should be something you’d be comfortable with the rest of the world knowing about,” he said.”
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 5, 2015:
Part 4…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Happy Fourth of July to our US family and friends…
Happy Fourth of July to all of our family and friends in the US. Here’s some information about this holiday for our international friends.
The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule.
What is the Fourth of July all about?
On this day, Americans honor the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. The Declaration of Independence, drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson, boldly asserted that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
How Americans Celebrate
1. Fireworks:
The night sky lights up across the country with fireworks displays—both community-organized and backyard shows. The tradition is tied to John Adams’ wish that the day be celebrated with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”
2. Parades:
From small towns to big cities, patriotic parades featuring marching bands, veterans’ groups, community floats, and flag displays are a common sight.
3. BBQs and Picnics:
Families and friends gather for barbecues, cookouts, and picnics. Grilled burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, and apple pie are classic fare.
4. Patriotic Displays:
The American flag is everywhere—on clothing, homes, cars, and public buildings. People often wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotism.
5. Music and Concerts:
Free outdoor concerts featuring patriotic songs, such as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America,” are held in many cities.
Cultural and Emotional Significance
Beyond the celebration, the Fourth of July is a time for Americans to reflect on the country’s founding values: freedom, democracy, and resilience. It’s a day filled with both pride and gratitude for the freedoms many Americans enjoy.
However, in recent years, it has also become a moment for some to reflect critically on the nation’s history, including issues of racial inequality, colonialism, and the evolving meaning of independence in a diverse society.
Interesting Facts
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The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times every Fourth of July in honor of the 13 original colonies.
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Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island is a quirky tradition watched by millions.
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John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration and former presidents, died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted.
Whether it’s about fireworks over the National Mall, a backyard picnic with loved ones, or a quiet moment of reflection, the Fourth of July is an integral part of the American identity.
May all of our family and friends who celebrate this memorable holiday have a safe and meaningful day.
Last night, the four of us headed to Ngwenya Lodge for dinner at the Fiera Restaurant. The views over the Crocodile River were spectacular, the ambiance inviting and appealing, and the food was indescribable – very delicious for a buffet.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 4, 2015:
Part 3…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Exciting experiences and photos for first time visitors!…
Kady and Rich prefer to spend time on our veranda rather than embarking on tours or long drives through Marloth Park. Kady tends to get queasy riding on the uneven, potholed dirt roads, which ruins the experience. Instead, they are content to watch the wildlife in our garden that arrive in a steady stream, dine out in one of the restaurants in the area, and enjoy our homemade dinners, such as the one we had last night.
We had delicious, well-seasoned lemon pepper chicken flatties, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and a Greek salad. While the flatties cooked on the braai, the four of us played the card game Five Crowns and enjoyed sundowners on a perfect-weather evening in the bush.
After many late nights, we all went to bed by 10:30, and Tom and I managed to sleep for at least eight hours. Feeling much more lively today than we did yesterday, we had only gotten five hours of sleep the previous night.
Today, at 3:00 pm, we’re leaving for Ngwenya to watch wildlife on the Crocodile River and then have the buffet dinner in the restaurant around 6:00 pm. The food may not be quite as good as what we’ve had at our past dining experiences since they arrived last Saturday, but the ambiance makes up for that.
Then again, tomorrow and Saturday, we’ll be making our usual visits to Jabula for dinner, and we’re excited to share the fun times and great food we always love at the lively bar and restaurant, as well as commiserating with owners Dawn, Leon, and their manager, Corrine.
Kady and Rich haven’t completely recovered from jet lag. Combining that with all of our fun late nights, they tend to sleep in while Tom and I are out on the veranda early in the morning. Tom is always outdoors an hour or two before I am, since I stay in bed longer and then shower and dress at the start of each day.
Kady and Rich said this will be the first time in their lives they have been outside the US on the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday, which is celebrated tomorrow. No, there are no fireworks here in Marloth Park for two reasons: one, the fire hazard in the dry bush is high, and two, there are very few Americans here.
This has been our lives for almost 13 years since we began traveling the world in 2012. I think there was one time that we happened to be in the US during the Fourth of July, and we celebrated the occasion with family.
When holidays, celebrated in the US, occur while we are in other countries, we don’t mind at all. We’ve grown accustomed to letting those dates pass without the usual fanfare. It’s all about embracing where we are at any given time rather than hanging onto the past.
Enjoy more of our Kruger photos. We’ll be back tomorrow with more.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 3, 2015:
Part 2…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Exciting experiences and photos for first time visitors!…
Today, we continue with photos from our fabulous visit to Kruger National Park on Monday. Since Kady and Rich have only used their iPhones to take photos, I loaded all the images I took with my camera onto a flash drive for them to take home. I will add to it as we go along, so they will have the complete record of everything we saw during their 17-day stay.
They have MacBooks (Apple products) and don’t have USB ports, and didn’t bring adapters to load photos. That’s one reason we never opted for Apple products. We prefer to have ports directly on our PC for HDMI, photos, flash drives, and USB plug-ins. It’s interesting how users tend to be either attached to Apple or Windows products, reflecting their personal preferences.
Last night, the four of us had a great time at Quiz Night. We didn’t win, but we placed in the middle of the pack among the eleven tables, each with three to six players. Daphne was the moderator and did an excellent job, but her questions were tough, tough, tough! The six of us in our group didn’t have a chance.
As it turned out, there was only a spread of four points between first and last place. Nonetheless, Kady and Rich loved it and will join us again next week. They enjoyed the ambiance, the people, the laughter, playing the game, and the food. It’s a great way to share one more fun event with our guests.
Today will be a quieter day. We’re staying in for tonight’s dinner, making two well-seasoned flatties (chicken cut down the middle and flattened) with roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and a huge Greek salad. Most likely, after all of us are done working on our laptops, we’ll play the Five Crowns card game once again.
This morning we had many wildlife visitors in the garden, including Norman’s second son, Nathan. We made sure to provide him with a variety of delicious vegetables, fruit, and pellets, and we expect he’ll return soon. We haven’t seen Norman since our guests arrived, but we hope to see him soon.
Giraffes walked through the garden very early this morning, according to our trail cam, but unfortunately, none of us was up that early after we stayed outside until 1:30 am. When we finally wandered off to bed, I wasn’t able to fall asleep until around 2:30 and awoke at 7:30. I may try for a little nap of about 20 minutes once I finish and upload today’s post.
It’s such a delight to have our friends here. We are enjoying every moment. The time will surely go too quickly, and then they will be gone, taking with them unforgettable memories of their time in the bush. We are grateful to share this adventure with them.
That’s it for today, folks!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 2, 2015:
Part 1…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Exciting experiences and photos for first time visitors!…
The joy of sharing this magical place with friends Karen and Rich, especially as first-time visitors, is hard to put into words. With the hope of providing them with a memorable experience in the bush, we are keeping them busy with activities we know they’ll love.
We’ve been friends with them for many years, and our shared interests are easy to tap into, ensuring that what we suggest will appeal to them. So far, they are exhilarated by everything we’ve done, and our days and nights have been full.
Most of all, Karen and Rich love the endless stream of wildlife, actually squealing with child-like wonder every time one of many species steps into our vast garden. Rich has already narrated over 20 videos thus far, bringing expertise to the content, having worked as a part-time actor in TV commercials in the US.
Karen, a still-working intellectual property attorney, possesses a mastery of words and an intellect that inspires her to learn as much as she can about every species, making it exciting for us to share what we know and work together to research answers to her many thought-provoking questions.
Additionally, the four of us easily engage in lively conversation, interspersed with roaring laughter. On several occasions, we’ve had to temper our uproariously loud laughter to respect the integrity of the bush. It’s so much fun having them here.
Yesterday, we had the glorious experience of embarking on a self-game drive/safari into Kruger National Park. Tom drove expertly through the areas we explored, avoiding potholes and treacherous roads to ensure we encountered no issues. Plus, his expert manipulation of the little car allowed them to take good photos from several angles.
Karen and I sat in the backseat with Tom and Rich in the front. Rich is tall, but we all managed to be comfortable during the five hours we spent in the park.
We stopped at Lower Sabie, had a fine lunch at the Mugg & Bean, and they both loved shopping in the best gift shop we’ve seen in the world. Tom and I have been to Lower Sabie countless times in the past, but were happy to wait for them while sitting at a nearby picnic table with no pressure for them to hurry.
After we returned from the park, we continued to enjoy the abundant wildlife in the garden while playing a favorite card game, Five Crowns. I won, and they made fun of me for doing so, which elicited even more laughter. We cooked burgers on the braai, accompanied by a big Greek salad I had made, which they loved. By 10:30, all of us admitted we needed to get some sleep after two nights, since they arrived on Saturday.
Soon, we’re off to Komatipoort for Karen and I to have “girl time” at Stoep Cafe for breakfast while the guys head to the golf course for lunch. Rich is an avid golfer and looks forward to checking out the local course.
Tonight, we’re off to Giraffe Grill and Pub for Quiz Night. I signed us up for our usual team, I & J, and six of us will play tonight.
Enjoy our Kruger photos, with many more to follow in the next few days.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 1, 2015:
