Day 5…Kruger National Park…We’re back from another game drive…

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Last week, we spotted a lion with a Cape buffalo kill on the guided 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.

With the dense bush, taking photos was tricky.

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.

A “parade” of elephants crosses the paved road.

2. Biodiversity:
The park is home to an astonishing diversity of life:

  • 500+ bird species

  • 140+ mammal species

  • 100+ reptile species

  • 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.

It’s always exciting to see elephants cross a road.

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.

The females always protect the calves.

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.

A lone elephant, perhaps searching for the family.

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.

We must keep our distance from large male bulls who can easily charge a vehicle and tip it over.

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:

In Kauai, the sun is waning on a less cloudy evening. 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.

Day 3, Kruger National Park…Guided game drive…Leopard day…excellent night game drive and dinner…

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Of course, the leopard was seen at quite a distance in a tree, which hampered the photos’ quality.

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.

Leopard loungin in the tree.

Here’s a chart with rhino poaching statistics from this site:

South Africa: A rhino poaching hotspot

Chart showing rhinos poached in South Africa 2006 - 2024

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.”

When sharing a vehicle with other passengers, we can’t sit as long as I’d like to get good shots, as the leopard frequently moves on the tree.

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.

The heaviest wild leopard in Southern Africa weighed around 96 kg (212 lb) and measured 262 cm (103 in).

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!

The heaviest wild leopard in Southern Africa weighed around 96 kg (212 lb) and measured 262 cm (103 in).

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:

These Angel Trumpets at the Princeville Botanical Gardens are known to be hallucinogenic and abused by some who partake in its effects. We’d seen these flowers in Madeira, Portugal, and had no idea their drug-like properties. For more photos, please click here.

Day 1, Kruger National Park…Guided game drive…Very cloudy day…

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This scene at sunrise prompted us to take photos.

Being ready to head out the door to the safari vehicle at 5:00 am was a bit challenging. Still, the three of us managed to be prepared to go when Martin, our Kruger guide, arrived in the 10-person safari vehicle with two other guests already in tow.

We were concerned that in a 10-person vehicle, one or two of us may be stuck in the middle of three seats across and unable to take photos easily. As it turned out, there were only five of us. Lisa and I sat in one seat with Tom alone in front of us. We’d have no problem taking photos from our prime positions in the tiered seating game drive vehicle.

What’s the difference between a black-headed vulture and a red-headed vulture? But once again, they found that hemoglobin — and not carotenoids — is the main pigment responsible for the red coloration of the turkey vulture’s head skin, whilst eumelanin is the source for the coloration of the black vulture’s black head skin.

Since it was so early in the morning, the 20-minute drive to the Crocodile Bridge Gate was windy and cool. We’d all bundled up in layers and wore hats, and the time passed quickly while we were cool in the early morning temperatures.

Once we arrived at the gate, the guided safari vehicles were first in line, while tourists self-driving were in another row. By 6:30, we were processed and heading into the park. We used our Wild Card annual pass, and Lisa purchased a single-entry pass. Louise had arranged the guided tour at Marloth Park Info Centre for the six-hour morning game drive at the cost of ZAR 980, US $50.33.

Vultures only eat dead meat. They do not hunt for live wildlife.

Although we saw four of The Big Five with no rhinos in the areas we traveled since they’ve all been moved for safety reasons (to avoid poaching), we didn’t see a tremendous number of animals, not as many as we often see when we do a self-drive.

However, the sightings that Martin pursued after communicating with other drivers were worth the long distances we drove to specific locations. There, we saw the elusive leopard and, later, further away, male and female lions with a Cape buffalo kill.

Vultures are often seen in dead trees because the sturdy, leafless branches provide stable perches, unobstructed views, and a safe place to roost, especially for scavenging birds with flat, chicken-like feet.

We spent most of the six hours racing in the bouncing vehicle. My Fitbit registers the bouncing as if it were steps. At the end of the six hours, my watch registered almost 6000 steps when we only walked from the parking lot where Martin parked the vehicle to the Mugg & Bean restaurant in Lower Sabie, where Lisa and I had an early lunch. Tom wasn’t hungry and didn’t order.

An hour later, we were back on the road, with multiple elephant sightings in the process, as we returned to the Crocodile Bridge, where our six-hour tour was ending.

Spotting elephants in the wild is always an extraordinary experience.

We generously tipped Martin for a good day and were anxious to get in the house to review our photos. Later, we had a lovely dinner, and we all headed to bed early to make up for lost sleep. For the first time since we arrived, I slept well for over eight hours, woke up refreshed, and was ready for a new day.

The three of us are seated at the table on the veranda using our laptops. Tom is listening to podcasts using his earbuds, and Lisa and I are working on our respective websites, posting photos and information about our safari day. Here’s the link to Lisa’s site.

This is a younger elephant whose tusks are continuing to grow.

Tonight, the three of us are going to Girafe Bar & Grill for dinner and then “quiz night,” a three-hour group trivia game with many other locals and tourists in attendance. The locals take this game very seriously, so it should be fun.

We’ll add the remainder of our many photos over the next several days. Please check back.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 8, 2015

A juice bar on wheels in Hanalei, Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Did an old friend find us!…Is it him?…

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Could this be our old friend Little, whom we haven’t seen in the past few years? He responded enthusiastically to my voice, as far as a warthog can be enthusiastic.

Often, tourists perceive negative thoughts about the safety of traveling to South Africa. Like any major city, the big cities in South Africa can be unsafe and rife with crime and corruption. We avoid spending time in big cities anywhere except for a few days to discover their wonders, culture, and history. From there, typically, we head to rural areas where we can embrace scenery, nature, and wildlife.

Tourism in South Africa is thriving in 2025, offering travelers a dynamic blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. This vast and diverse country continues to enchant visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. South Africa has positioned itself as a must-visit destination as the world embraces a new era of travel—one shaped by sustainability, digital convenience, and a desire for deeper, more meaningful experiences.

There are a few contortions for an itch.

Cape Town: A World-Class Destination

Cape Town remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel spots, and for good reason. The Mother City’s iconic Table Mountain is a silent guardian over a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis where history and modernity intertwine. In 2025, Cape Town has expanded its reputation as a scenic retreat and a place where visitors can engage with local communities, explore world-class art galleries, and enjoy sustainable dining experiences.

One of the biggest tourism trends this year is the rise of immersive experiences. Tourists no longer just visit Cape Town—they become part of it. Walking tours through the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, with its candy-colored houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, offer insight into a community that is striving to preserve its identity amid increasing gentrification. Local guides share stories that go beyond the postcard-perfect facades, giving travelers a chance to understand the complexities of life in this historic quarter.

Three hungry zebras. Many zebras visit daily.

Another major draw is the city’s flourishing food scene. Sustainable and locally sourced cuisine is at the forefront, with restaurants emphasizing indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Just a short drive away, the Cape Winelands continue to lure wine enthusiasts with their exquisite vintages and picturesque settings. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch remain at the heart of South Africa’s wine industry, but newer, lesser-known regions are emerging, offering more intimate and off-the-beaten-path tasting experiences.

Safari Reinvented: Luxury Meets Conservation

No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari, and in 2025, wildlife tourism has evolved to focus even more on conservation and responsible travel. Uber’s latest innovation—Uber Safari—has made it easier than ever for travelers to experience the Big Five without the hassle of traditional bookings. Now, visitors in Cape Town can order a safari day trip through an app, seamlessly connecting them with game reserves just a few hours away.

Big Daddy jumped the little fence to stand on this mound by the pool.

More importantly, game reserves across South Africa are placing greater emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters. Gone are the days of large-scale, disruptive tours. Instead, smaller, more intimate game drives provide an immersive experience while ensuring minimal environmental impact. Places like the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve lead the way, offering luxurious yet eco-friendly lodges that prioritize conservation efforts. Travelers witness Africa’s iconic wildlife and contribute to preserving these magnificent creatures.

Big Daddy is reaching for leaves on a tree.

Urban Adventures and Cultural Experiences

Johannesburg, often overshadowed by Cape Town, has firmly established itself as a cultural powerhouse in 2025. The city’s vibrant art scene, particularly in Maboneng and Braamfontein, showcases contemporary African creativity. Galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and street art tours offer visitors a deeper understanding of South Africa’s artistic evolution.

History lovers are drawn to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, where the country’s complex past is explored with depth and honesty. But Johannesburg isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the future. Trendy rooftop bars, gourmet food markets, and music festivals make this city an exciting destination for young, curious travelers eager to engage with the heartbeat of modern South Africa.

Big Daddy, Hal (wildebeest) and a few warthogs.

The Balance of Tourism and Sustainability

While tourism brings undeniable economic benefits, it also presents challenges. For instance, Cape Town faces concerns over mass tourism’s impact on its delicate ecosystems and historic neighborhoods. Bo-Kaap residents are grappling with increased foot traffic, which brings both economic opportunities and the risk of cultural erosion.

To combat these issues, South Africa is pioneering sustainable tourism initiatives. The government and private sector have worked together to introduce limited-access permits for high-traffic areas, eco-friendly accommodation options, and conservation fees that directly support local communities. Travelers are encouraged to make responsible choices, from supporting locally owned businesses to participating in voluntourism efforts that contribute to community development.

Mac and Norman seemed to get along.

Why South Africa in 2025?

So, why choose South Africa in 2025? Because it offers more than just beautiful scenery—it provides depth. It’s a country where every journey tells a story, every landscape holds meaning, and every traveler can leave a positive impact. Whether sipping wine in the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch, tracking lions in Kruger National Park, or engaging with the resilient communities of Johannesburg, visitors leave with more than just photographs. They leave with a sense of connection, an appreciation for history, and a longing to return.

In a constantly changing world, South Africa remains where adventure, culture, and conservation converge. In 2025, it will be one of the planet’s most exciting and meaningful destinations.

Bushbucks are gentle and calm animals.

There are many areas in South Africa we have yet to visit. But, with only 90-day visas, we love the bush so much that we can’t seem to drag ourselves away from Marloth Park. People often push us to explore South Africa rather than just the bush. But our answer is always the same…we are happy here…what more could we ask for?

Norman never fails to bring smiles to our faces.

And isn’t that what travel is about: visiting locations that bring you the most joy? Whether it be a tropical island, a resort in Dubai, a horseback ride on the Grand Canyon, or a cruise to Alaska, there are no rules on where our wanderlust takes us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 25, 2015:

When we visited a cattle ranch in Kauai, we saw the Brangus cattle, who, like other breeds, are often curious when humans approach. For more photos, please click here.

The weekend has begun…Socializing on the menu…New wildlife video…

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It’s a lovely day in the bush. The temperature is in the high 70s, and there’s a cooling, overcast sky, a gentle breeze, and less humidity than usual. With the cooler weather, considering there are many weekend holidaymakers, that reduces the number of animals we’ll see, we’ve had a steady stream of wildlife this morning.

We had a dazzle of zebras who seem to have become regulars along with several bushbucks, our now usual band of mongoose, a forkl of kudus, and our favorite impala, Mac, who’s often surrounded by his herd of impala. Impalas are generally shy, but Mac has taken a liking to us and visits us on his own several times daily.

We’ve yet to see my favorite animal, Norman the nyala, but have heard he’s been grazing across Oliphant, the main road in Marloth Park. Hopefully, he’ll eventually work his way back to our bush area soon.

Zebras stop by daily. Right now, there are eight of them in the garden.

A warthog came to visit that looked like Little, my favorite from 2018 when we stayed at the Orange house, probably a half mile from here. Again, we had him with us when we stayed in the Lovebird’s Nest house. When he showed up a few days ago, I could swear it was him, especially when he became animated when I talked to him while we made endearing eye contact.

My favorite female kudu, Bossy, arrived the day we arrived. I am sure she remembers me, my high-pitched voice, and my demeanor. Although wild, most of these animals are intelligent and can relate to humans, each in their own way. No words can describe how precious the relationships we develop with these wild animals are, not much different than humans would relate with their dog, cat, or other pets.

However, these animals are not pets and this is not a petting zoo. We do not touch, hand feed, or invite them into the house, although mongooses stick their heads inside the door to look for me when I cut little bits of paloney, a large roll of chicken, comparable to the texture of braunschweiger.

Today, I gave these zebras, iced cold carrots which they loved.

Each morning, I slice big rounds off the paloney and then cut it both ways into bite-sized pieces, placing them on a paper plate to toss as they wait in the garden. They squeal with delight when the paloney comes their way and this morning we took the above video to share with all of you.

We realize that over the almost six months we’ll be here, there will be considerable redundancy with an endless stream of photos and videos you may have seen in similar media years ago. After all, we’ve spent over four years living in the bush during our 12 years of world travel. We can’t get enough!

Soon, Tom will drop me off at my favorite local spa, Imbewe, where I will have a much-needed pedicure. I haven’t had one since the first week we arrived in Lake Las Vegas in December. I’ve done my best in the interim, but there’s nothing like a professional service. Also, it will be wonderful to see Patience and her husband, Doctor (not a doctor, just his African given name), after over two years since we’ve been gone.

My girl Bossy, remembered us right away.

Tonight, we’ll head to Jabula, our favorite place to spend Friday and Saturday nights. Of course, if other social plans arise, we’re certainly open to doing something else. But, here in Marloth Park, most people are retired, and particular days of the week don’t dictate when they should socialize. We’re invited to Roz and Les’ house on Wednesday for a braai. It will be fun to see them again.

That’s it for today, folks. Of course, we’ll be back with lots more. Tomorrow is a special day. Please check by to see what we’re celebrating!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 14, 2015:

No photos were posted on this date in 2015.

Part 3…Kruger National Park photos…Grocery and egg prices…What are we spending on food?…

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This mom elephant and her two youngsters were a delight to see.

The photos from Kruger weren’t as clear as they may have been if the wildlife had been so far away. It was a tough day in the heat when the wildlife tends to stay undercover to stay cool. Surely, we’ll return to Kruger each week as the weather cools and hopefully take better photos.

On another note, we grocery shopped last Sunday at Spar in Komatipoort and spent a total of ZAR 4867.67, US $264.90 plus another ZAR 1162.94, US $63.29 at The Butchery, the meat market in Marloth Park at the Bush Centre.

Elephant moving further into the bush.

The total for the next two weeks, considering we dine out two nights a week, is ZAR 6030.61, US $328.19, averages ZAR 3015.10, US $164.10 per week, assuming we selected the finest meats, vegetables, and dairy products we consume regularly.

Plus, with dining out at Jabula every Friday and Saturday, our bill is typically ZAR 918.78, US $50 each night. Thus, we spend another US $100 weekly, making our weekly food bill, including dining out twice weekly, ZAR 3934.07, $262.10. When we dined out in Minneapolis or  Lake Las Vegas, typically we spent at least twice as much for dining out.

It wasn’t easy to get good shots of the wildlife when it was a very hot day and the wildlife were readily visible, as they hid under cover in the bush.

When we compared our weekly grocery bills in the US, we paid at least twice as much as we do here. It’s incredible how much less costly it is to live here.

Of course, from time to time, we will go to the local SaveMor market in Marloth Park for fresh veggies for our salads and side dishes. We purchased these when we first arrived for US $12.90.

Spoonbill stork: The African Spoonbill is a long-legged wading bird. Its height is 90 cm (36′). Its body is predominantly white, except for its red legs, face, and bill. Its wings are 365-403 mm long. This bird can be easily identified by its uniquely spoon-shaped bill. At birth, the African Spoonbill’s bill does not resemble a spoon. It is born with a short beak that gradually develops into its spoon-like shape. It usually resembles a spoon right before it is time to leave its nest. Both the male and female birds are similar in appearance.

Yesterday, we had a fantastic time seeing Kathy and Don at their home on the Crocodile River. We arrived at 11:00 and left around 1:30 to allow them to get back to unpacking. It was wonderful to see them when it had been over three years since we dropped them off at the airport in Nelspruit to return to Hawaii for Don’s US medical care. They are thrilled to be back in the bush.

Surely, we’ll see them regularly during the remaining nine weeks until they return to the US. We have lots of plans to see friends while we’re here and then, the arrival of our friend Lisa in the beginning of April. We won’t be short on social activities, much of which transpires when we are at Jabula.

Notice the last item on this list is for a 24-pack of Alzu free-range eggs. They don’t carry pasture-raised eggs, so this was our best option. The price for the 24 jumbo eggs was ZAR 72.99, US $3.97, or almost US $2 a dozen, the same price we paid two years ago.

Last night, we booked our flights, hotel, and car in a good package deal with Expedia on our site. We’ll be leaving South Africa for Minnesota on May 24, arriving on May 25 (considering the seven-hour time difference), and fly back to Marloth Park on June 17, arriving on June 19.

Notice the circular marking on the waterbuck’s rear end. This is seen on both females and males.

We booked the same hotel we stayed in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a rental car, and our round-trip flights. Fortunately, Maisie’s graduation isn’t until May 29, and the graduation party is on May 31. We’ll have four days to recover from the long flights before the festivities begin.

Waterbuck: This is a large, robust female antelope. Bulls have a shoulder height of 1.4 metres and can weigh up to 260 Kg. Cows are smaller than bulls. Waterbucks have a brownish-grey shaggy coat. The eyes and nose are patched with white, and there is a white collar under the throat. The rump has a characteristic white ring. The large rounded ears are a prominent feature. Only the bulls have long, forward curved horns. Both sexes emit a, not unpleasant, musky smell which typically lingers at resting sites.

With the weekend approaching, we’ll see fewer animals when a new influx of tourists arrives, often feeding them foods they love but are unfit for their health and well-being. This is sad.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 13, 2015:

In Kauai, Tom spotted these two chickens. “Must have been a double yolker,” Tom clucked as I laughed. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Kruger National Park photos…Most turbulent flights in the world…

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We spotted this Goliath Heron at the Sunset Dam: This enormous heron stands 1.5 meters tall and has a robust, dagger-like bill. The immature has rustier upperwings than the adult. Its flight is ponderous and labored. Goliath Heron inhabits large rivers, marshes, estuaries, and mangroves, hunting for large fish and other animals, stabbing them with an open bill. It has a distinct, barking “kowoork” call that can be heard from up to 2 km away. Purple Heron has similar plumage, but Goliath Heron is twice the size, has a much larger bill, and has a rufous (not blackish) top of the head. 
The photo wasn’t clear enough to determine this type of bird.

With concerns about flying after several recent crashes worldwide, travelers are more reticent about flying than ever. Educating oneself with statistics about flying can quickly allay some of those fears. Also, as in today’s article, knowing the more high-risk areas, airline ratings, and turbulence-prone flight patterns can put one’s mind at ease when making travel plans.

Small rapids as we drove across the bridge at the Sabie River.

On the other hand, a vacation or holiday is just that—a time to relax and unwind. If you are a terrified flyer, researching your intended route may put your mind at ease. Of course, turbulence can be a factor on any flight route or at any time. Remember that it’s a rarity for a crash or injury during even the worst turbulence. Keeping one’s seat belt on at all times reduces such risks.

Another view of the rapids at the Sabie River at Lower Sabie.
A Cape buffalo lying in the grass on the bank of the Sabie River.

From this article:

“These Are the Most Turbulent Flight Routes in the World—and No. 1 Flies Through Air Notoriously Called ‘Mountain Wave’

By Evie Carrick
Published on March 5, 2025
  • A turbulence tracking company mined data to identify the most turbulent flights in the world.
  • The most turbulent flight is a one-hour journey from Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile.
  • The route passes over the Andes mountain.

A few jolts and bumps during a flight are expected, but specific routes have more than their fair share of stomach-dropping turbulence. A study from turbulence tracking company Turbli, reviewed turbulence forecast data from NOAA and the UK Met Office, to identify the most unstable flight routes in the world.

As always, I perused the offerings at the extraordinary gift shop, the best we’ve seen anywhere in the world. I didn’t buy a thing but it was fun to look around.

At No. 1 is the flight between Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile, which has an eddy dissipation rate (EDR)—EDR is a turbulence intensity measurement of 24.684. That’s a full 4 EDR more than the second most turbulent flight route in the world: the flight between Cordoba, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile.

Another view of the shop.
The Mugg and Bean restaurant at Lower Sabie. We didn’t stop to eat due to our diets.
Starlings are often seen at the Mugg & Bean restaurant. They are prolific scavengers.

Turbulence is most often the result of weather or geographical features. The latter is most certainly the cause of the turbulence between Mendoza’s El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) and Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL). The one-hour flight passes directly over the Andes mountain range, which forces air to rise, creating waves and currents that lead to turbulence in the sky. The effect mountains have on the air above them even has an ominous nickname: “mountain wave.”

The sausage tree, scientifically known as Kigelia Africana, is a notable tree species native to tropical Africa, including South Africa. It is known for its large, sausage-shaped fruits and showy, dark red, trumpet-shaped flowers.
“Sausages” that fell from the tree to the ground

Interestingly enough, the top four most turbulent flights originate in Argentina.

A Cape buffalo on the bank of the Sabie River.

Coming in at No. 5 is the flight passing over the Himalayas between Kathmandu, Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Lhasa, China’s Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA).

Here is the full rundown of the most turbulent flight routes in the world in 2024:
  1. Mendoza (MDZ) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 24.684
  2. Cordoba (COR) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 20.214
  3. Mendoza (MDZ) – Salta (SLA)
    EDR: 19.825
  4. Mendoza (MDZ) – San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC)
    EDR: 19.252
  5. Kathmandu (KTM) – Lhasa (LXA)
    EDR: 18.817
  6. Chengdu (CTU) – Lhasa (LXA)
    EDR: 18.644
  7. Santa Cruz (VVI) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 18.598
  8. Kathmandu (KTM) – Paro (PBH)
    EDR: 18.563
  9. Chengdu (CTU) – Xining (XNN)
    EDR: 18.482
  10. San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 18.475″

Soon, we are leaving to go see Kathy and Don at their house on the river.It will be wonderful to ee them after almost three years!

Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, March 12, 2015:
It’s exciting to see many more flowers blooming in Kauai as spring nears. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Kruger National Park photos…A crazy morning…

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It was a hot day in Kruger National Park. The scenery is always stunning, but wildlife sightings were minimal because they sought bodies of water and shelter from the heat.

During the night last night, when I was awake around 2:00 am, I saw a message through my email stating I’d placed an order at Amazon.com for US $584, ZAR 10659.46, for some bizarre items I’d never ordered. When I didn’t want to get up and wake Tom, I waited until this morning at 6:00 am to get up, get showered, and dressed to go outside for a good phone connection to make the calls to Amazon and my credit card company.

The Crocodile River entrance gate.

Similar fraud has happened to us over the years of world travel, but none for such large sums. After spending over an hour on the phone with Amazon and my credit card company, their combined efforts finally got my credit card issue out of my hands. My credit card was canceled, and a new one is coming to Marloth via UPS within a week or two.

The narrow single-lane bridge crosses the Crocodile River. Boating or swimming is not allowed on the crocodile-infested river.

Amazon would cancel the orders while I removed my credit card information from their system and changed my password. A few minutes ago, another charge came through my email for US $1842, ZAR 33607.23 for ten Smart Tank 5000 Wireless printers at Amazon.

We were startled when we spotted this photo. It looked like a warthog in a tree near the vulture’s nest, but it was likely another vulture or vegetation high up in the tree. The photo is blurry due to the distant scene.

I immediately called Amazon back and reported the new charges, and they explained that they would also take care of this immediately. With the credit card canceled, I will wait and see if it shows up on the credit card today, to determine if I need to call the credit card company again.

A dazzle of zebras.

What a hassle! If this had happened while we were in the US, it would have been easier to handle. The phone signal is weak here, and the calls are difficult to hear on the other end.

Zebras crossing the main paved road in Kruger National Park.

As a result of this commotion, I got little sleep and hope to recover tonight. My Fitbit says I slept 4 hours and 45 minutes, but I don’t think it was that long.

A distant view of a hippo’s ears. We waited quite a while for her to surface but no such luck.

After all that, Tom and I got busy in the kitchen, making dinner for the next three nights. We both love a fantastic keto ground beef casserole with mushrooms, onions, and cheeses. We also had an additional pan, which we froze for two more nights.

A yellow-billed stork at Sunset Dam, beyond Lower Sabie.

We often make one-pot dishes while in the bush, which prevents us from having to cook dinner every night while in the heat in the bush. It is very hot and humid right now. Finally, we finished the task and an hour before dinner, we’ll pop the 3-night portion into the oven. This will get us through to Friday when we return to Jabula for two nights. We’ll heat the balance of this delicious recipe in the microwave on the remaining two nights.

This was the first elephant we spotted, but more later appeared later in the day.

We always add a fresh salad to these meals, which I also made this morning. We’re set for the evening, perhaps leaving time for a short nap early this afternoon. Getting up at 6:00 am, earlier than usual, makes it feel as if we’re further into the day when now it’s not quite noon.

It’s always a joy to see giraffes in Marloth or Kruger Parks.

For yesterday’s self-drive trip into Kruger National Park, once we arrived at the entrance gate, we went into the building to sign up for a 12-month entrance pass to Kruger and other national parks in the country. As mentioned yesterday, we agreed to post the cost of the year-long entrance pass, the Wild Card, which was US $360.15, ZAR 6574.14.

The daily cost to enter the parks for one person is US $29.29, ZAR 535. The annual pass will pay for itself quickly since we’ll enter the park at least once a week over almost six months.

A little further down the road, we encountered two more giraffes.

The attendant processed our Wild Card in about 30 minutes, and we were on our way, 30 minutes later. It wasn’t the ideal day in Kruger for excellent sightings, but we were happy to be there, enjoying the ride and the views. We’ll continue to post more photos in the days to come.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 11, 2015:

We went to a bingo game for seniors in Kauai. A lot of work had gone into preparing the pu pu’s. For more photos, please click here.