A busy day in Kruger with stunning sightings…

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We couldn’t have been more thrilled for yet another example of “safari luck.”

It couldn’t have been a better trip to Kruger National Park, when yesterday, after an early morning departure, we headed to the Crocodile Gate to begin our trek in search of the elusive rhino. Here are some stats on the rhino population in 2025:

In Kruger National Park, the rhino population in 2025 is estimated to be approximately 2,060, comprising both white and black rhinos, according to a report by Africa Geographic. This represents a significant decline from a high of 9,383 in 2013. 

“Safari Luck” prevails one more time. We were thrilled Lisa had an opportunity to see a rhino in the wild, a rare occurrence for most tourists.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Why Are Rhinos Being Poached?

Rhinos, magnificent creatures that have roamed the Earth for millions of years, are facing a grave threat: poaching. Despite international efforts to protect them, rhinos continue to be killed illegally, and their populations are dangerously low. Understanding the reasons behind this poaching crisis reveals a complex web of cultural beliefs, economic pressures, and organized crime.

It was as if they stopped foraging to provide us with photo ops.

At the heart of the issue is the demand for rhino horn. Rhino horns are highly valued in certain parts of the world, particularly in Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, the horn is believed to have healing properties. It has been used for centuries to supposedly treat ailments ranging from fevers to cancer, despite scientific studies proving that rhino horn, primarily composed of keratin— the same substance found in human hair and nails — has no proven medicinal benefits. Still, old beliefs persist, and in places like Vietnam and China, rhino horn is often regarded as a symbol of status. Wealthy individuals might display it or gift it to others as a show of power and prestige.

The monetary value of rhino horn on the black market is staggering. It can fetch prices higher than gold or cocaine, creating a powerful incentive for poachers, especially in impoverished areas where legal employment opportunities are scarce. In some rural communities near rhino habitats, poaching offers a life-changing payout. This economic desperation makes it easier for organized crime networks to recruit locals to hunt rhinos, offering them equipment and bribes.

This rhino had her horn removed to prevent her being killed by poachers, who only sought the horn for financial gain.

Organized crime plays a significant role in the poaching crisis. International criminal syndicates manage the trafficking of rhino horns from Africa and parts of Asia to markets around the world. These groups have the resources to smuggle horns across borders, launder profits, and evade law enforcement. They treat wildlife trafficking with the same seriousness as drugs or arms smuggling, making it a significant global crime issue, not just a conservation problem.

Another layer to the problem is the lack of vigorous enforcement and corruption. In some countries where rhinos are found, wildlife protection agencies are often underfunded, understaffed, or poorly trained. Poachers may bribe park officials, police, or customs agents to look the other way. Even when poachers are caught, legal systems often hand out light punishments that fail to deter future crimes. Without consistent, harsh penalties and real political will, poachers and traffickers feel emboldened to continue their activities.

They were foraging when we encountered them.

Habitat loss adds more pressure to rhino populations. As human populations grow and agriculture expands, rhino habitats are shrinking. When rhinos are confined to smaller areas, they become easier targets for poachers. In addition, fragmented habitats make it harder for rhinos to find mates, reproduce, and thrive, compounding the effects of poaching.

Conservationists and governments are fighting back. Anti-poaching patrols, dehorning programs (where rhinos are humanely sedated and their horns are removed to make them less valuable targets), and community engagement projects are all part of the effort to save rhinos. Some countries, such as Namibia and Botswana, have achieved success with programs that involve local people directly in conservation, giving them a financial stake in protecting wildlife rather than poaching it.

And then, they were gone, disappearing into the bush.

Still, the battle is far from over. As long as there is demand for rhino horn, there will be those willing to risk everything to supply it. To truly end rhino poaching, a global effort is needed — one that addresses the cultural beliefs driving demand, the poverty that drives poachers, and the criminal networks that profit from the slaughter.

The plight of the rhino is a stark reminder that the survival of a species depends not only on the animals themselves but also on the choices humans make. Every horn that is bought, every bribe that is paid, and every rhino that falls to a poacher’s gun brings us closer to losing one of nature’s most iconic giants forever.

Enjoy today’s rhino photos. We cannot disclose where we spotted the rhinos to prevent poachers from learning about our location at the time, which would prompt these evildoers to investigate that area.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today,  April 23, 2015:

The Wai’oli hui’ai Church in Hanalei, Kauai, was built by the congregation in 1841. For more photos, please click here.

A world unto its own…Life is good…

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We saw over 300 zebras crossing the road while in Kruger.

We hope everyone had a lovely Easter Sunday. We did. Our friend Frits joined us for dinner at our place, and the conversation flowed with ease. I ruined the cheese pie by overbaking the crust in the overly hot oven, especially since I baked it in a metal pan instead of a glass pan. Thus, it was inedible.

The cherry cobbler came out nicely, and Tom and Frits seemed to enjoy it. Of course, our usual homemade keto pizza was a treat for everyone. The evening passed quickly, although we saw few animals in the garden, since all the holidaymakers were still here.

It looks like this will be the case for the remainder of the month, with multiple holidays interrupting the quiet and peaceful state of the bush. There is nothing we can do about it. Instead, the three of us will continue to languish in our time together with animated conversations and occasional distractions by the appearance of a bushbuck or kudu gracing us with their presence.

We couldn’t believe how many zebras crossed the road. We watched them for 30 minutes.

This morning, while I was still in bed, Tom fed the mongoose tidbits of meat left from yesterday’s pizza prep. Most likely, they will appear again before the end of the day.

Frits invited us for a braai at his Marloth Park house next Sunday, located along the Crocodile River. We’ll bring our meat to cook on the open fire. After checking out the chest freezer in our house, I found three New York strip steaks, which we’ll bring to his house along with our favorite Greek salad, which I have been making each time we eat in.

Life is easy here. Although there are occasional power outages, we have an inverter system, which provides us with power and WiFi. Even during load shedding, so far, since we’ve been here, not a single load shedding period has had an impact on us. We often don’t even realize it’s happening.

It felt like a mini-migration, similar to what is seen in Kenya and Tanzania.

The insects and snakes are scarce this time of year, and fortunately, the weather has been cooling by a few degrees each day. Today is a perfect day.. The humidity is only 45%; the dew point is 59°F, and now, at noon, the temperature is a comfortable 83°F, 29 °C.

Life is good. We’re both feeling well and rested and have no apprehension about leaving for Minnesota in 33 days. Packing will be easy since we’re only staying for three weeks. By June 17, we’ll be back in Marloth Park for the remaining 90 days until we depart for Spain.

Load shedding just started. I need to wrap this up in case we lose Wi-Fi, which can happen during load shedding when power to the cell towers is interrupted.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 21, 2015:

In Kauai, two intertwined white Hibiscus flowers. For more photos, please click here.

Where is Easter observed worldwide?

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Happy Easter, Everyone!

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

Formerly, Taylor Camp in Kauai, beyond the second row of trees, is a. dense forest and cliffs that we weren’t about to tackle. For original photos of Taylor Camp, please click here.

Day 8…Kruger National Park…Stunning sighting in Marloth Park last night!…Leopards and lions…

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Last night, Honorary Ranger Jaco Minnaar took this leopard photo in Marloth Park.

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.

Interesting rock formation in Kruger.

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.

By Jarryd Westerdale\

“Lions were spotted outside the Kruger National Park on Sunday, and provincial authorities are continuing the search.

Elephants in the Sabie River.

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.

There were countless elephant sightings in the park.

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.

Along the drive, we spotted many giraffes.

“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.

Traffic stop.

“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.

Our guide explained that elephants brought down this tree. Elephants rub against trees for several reasons, including removing parasites, keeping their tusks sharp, and accessing nutritious bark and roots. They also use rubbing as a form of communication, particularly males during musth, marking their territory with secretions. Additionally, elephants may rub against trees for comfort and to help them fall asleep.

“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:

Tom donned a huge leather hand and arm protector and was handed a massive chunk of fresh meat to feed this vulture at the rehabilitation center. It was quite a thrill to get this photo. I love the look on Tom’s face! As their injuries healed, these vultures would soon be returned to the wild. For more photos, please click here.

Day 7…Kruger National Park…Birds in the park with our photos…Exciting experience last night…Thermal Game Drive…

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It’s always challenging to photograph a hippo with its mouth open. This was safari luck!

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?

A Cape Buffalo on the shore of Sunset Dam in Lower Sabie. Also, another yellow-billed stork is standing on the back of a submerged hippo.

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.

A spoon-billed stork.

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.

Another view of the spoon-billed stork.

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.

More spoon-billed storks.

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:

  • Lappet-faced vulture: The largest vulture species in Africa, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.9 meters (over 9 feet).

  • Martial eagle: A powerful bird of prey known for its strength and sharp eyesight.

  • Saddle-billed stork: A striking wading bird, unmistakable with its bright red and black bill and towering height.

  • Kori bustard: One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, often seen solemnly striding across open areas.

  • Southern ground hornbill: A large, charismatic bird that spends most of its time walking the ground, foraging for insects and reptiles.

  • Pel’s fishing owl: The mysterious, nocturnal hunter, usually found near large bodies of water.

Black-winged stilt

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.

An Egyptian goose at Sunset Dam.

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.

A Cape buffalo with numerous oxpeckers on its hide.

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.

Lots of hippos.

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:

A lone female was stopping for a drink. The edge of the open vehicle is shown in this photo, illustrating how close we were to her. For more photos, please click here.

Day 6…Kruger National Park…More photos…

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What a magnificent animal!

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.
Some elephants were alone, but most were in small family units and big “parades.”

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.

This parade started crossing the road.

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.

Some tourists were impatient, trying to maneuver their way around the big beasts, which is dangerous. An elephant can flip a car in a few seconds.

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.

We waited patiently for them to clear the road before we continued.

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.

It’s always exciting to see the much larger matriarch who leads the way for the others.

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

There were numerous occasions when they crossed the road.

Some cool facts:

  • 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.

  • 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.
We spotted a yellow-billed stork at Sunset Dam.

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.

This was one of the few photos we could take of Cape Buffalos, one of the Big Five.

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.

We couldn’t believe how many elephants we saw in Kruger.

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.

Bats were in the thatch rafters at the Mugg & Bean in Lower Sabie.

That’s it for today, dear readers. Hoping all is good with you.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 16, 2015:

In Kauai, spotting these yellow-tipped stamen on this Anthurium was a first for us. For more photos, please click here.

Lucerne Day in the bush…

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We laughed all day at their stuffed mouths as they devoured the lucerne.

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.

The wildlife visited all day to dig into the lucerne (hay) we had delivered by Daisy’s Den.

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.

Zoom in to see a piglet lying down and eating.

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.

Even Bossy was in on the action.

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.

Norman was having a good time eating the lucerne. All the animals got along in the pile of hay.

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.

Norman, Nina, and some of their kids and grandkids joined in.

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:

In Kauai, check out the clouds in the mountains. For more photos, please click here.

Day 4, Kruger National Park…Guided game drive…Another fantastic evening at Jabula…

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“What the heck? I’m standing on a hippo!” says the yellow-billed stork, “I thought it was a rock.”

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.

The yellow-billed stork seemed content, standing on the back of the hippo.

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.

Leader of the troop of the baboons.

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.

This marula tree was eaten on the underside by giraffes.

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!

A lone elephant grazing on vegetation. Elephants can eat a significant amount, typically between 150 and 300 kilograms (330 to 660 pounds) of food daily. They may spend up to 16 hours a day eating, and their diet consists of various vegetation like grasses, plants, bushes, fruit, twigs, tree bark, and roots.

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:

The Jackfruit is known for its health benefits. See this link for nutritional details. For more photos, please click here.

A glorious evening in the bush…Back to Kruger photos tomorrow…

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We call this type of sunset photo the “Eyes of God.” Amazing!

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.

Sunset on the veranda at Ngwenya.

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.

Our friend Lisa, enjoying a tropical drink at Ngwenya last night.

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.

Here is another photo from the veranda last night at Ngwenya.

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:

In Kauai, I squealed when I spotted this gorgeous Rhododendron at the Princeville Botanical Gardens. For more photos, please click here.