Kruger - The time has come *

[Jillinflorida]

September 19th - It's time to leave this idealic spot and head off for our next adventure. Sigh. I will come back here.

Along our way we saw Elephants (yes they were VERY plentiful), Gnu, Crested Barbet, Ostrich, LEOPARD and FINALLY Rhino. Okay, have seen the big 5, can go home now - NOT.



MD thought there was to be a chase but it was not to be. Too many others were stopping to look and we went on our way.





We stopped at Satari for lunch. Until now it had been very hot. While here the wind started blowing and the temps dropped. Felt good after the heat. After refreshing ourselves we made our way to our next night stop - Tamboti. For those that don't know, it's a tented camp. Permanent tents, full bathrooms with kitchen outside on the decking.

MD has been trying to convince me how wonderful camping is. I was not so convinced, but MD was using this night to try and convert me. We had two tents - one next to the other. MD's mom and her friend stayed in one. I decided to stay with MD and SO. There was a double bed and a convertible couch (the reasons I'm telling you this will become apparent in a bit)

The birds were very happy to see newcomers. Wanted to come and investigate, see if we were going to feed them.







The cars were unpacked as much as they would be and it was time to make afternoon tea for me and coffee for the others. As I said earlier - the wind was blowing a gale. I turned on the faucet to fill the kettle, when a gust of wind blew the water sideways - totally OUT of the sink - drenched me as well. I started laughing and was disappointed there was no one else to witness this.

Since there was now some water in the sink - someone thought they'd take advantage..





We thought we'd have an early dinner, which I said I would take care of, while MD went for a walk. Now I'm a fair cook but I'm in the open trying to keep the meal from burning on an electric ring that would not adjust to allow for simmering.... so it was either going to be cold or burnt.... I was thinking - hurry back MD before I ruin it all!! It was all fine in the end and evening descended. The wind was still blowing and the tent, as tents are wont to do, was flapping and shaking. Thought I should make up my couch - about the same time as MD's cell phone rang. It was her son to check up on us. MD threw a pillow at me - I started laughing. SO decided to 'help' by finding me a blanket - which he threw at me, so I threw the pillow at him. MD's and SO's son asked if we'd been drinking - No, no - Daddy and Jill are having a pillow fight.

Eventually we all settled down - with lanterns on for reading - tent flaps flapping and all was peaceful. Around 4 am we were woken by a crash out on the deck. Obviously something had decided our garbage was worthy of investigation. MD decided to investigate. Power had been lost at this point so it was torch/flashlights. We heard a OMG and MD came back in the tent rather hurriedly - the resident honey badger had run over her feet. Oh and should I mention it had been drizzling too.

MD decided to go back on the deck and stand on the table, with her camera, in case the honey badger came back. Well no I think MD had frightened it off for good. Now we hear a voice saying - I don't suppose either of you care that I can't get off the table. Well no, we weren't worried - we were warm and snug in our respective beds but that started me laughing again.

By morning the wind had died off, the drizzle had stopped and while overcast, it was a pleasant morning. The cars were packed and (as usual) I was the last one ready to depart. So much for MD convincing me camping is the way to go. Don't tell her, but it was really okay and a permanent tent with full bath and kitchen was terrific. (I'm not sure we should be allowed to sleep in the same quarters again though - we probably frightened all the animals, never mind other residents with our laughing and talking at 4 am...no one would know we were mature adults - well adults anyway.

[Jillinflorida]

Sept 20th

Got a late start out of Tamboti. Took us 5 hrs to go 43 K - some 'slight' detours!!! Saw Ellie's, giraffes, warthogs, baboons under sausage tree, perverts, kudu, steinbok & duiker.

One of my favorites was this mom with her baby.

[Moggiedog]

5 hours from Tambotie to Satara - which became Jills favourite camp. I will let her do the honours of why it was her best camp.
On route we had seen a lot of general game. Elephant a plenty and the baboon and pervert monkeys had kept us well entertained.
The bird life was fantastic - which is normally the case in Satara. That evening three elephant at the waterhole - in no hurry to move off. Two eventually evaporated into the shadows - but the third took his time having his shower and bath. Finally he to wandered off into the darkness. The call of pearl spotted owl had accompanied us on our walk down to the waterhole but unfortunately I could not find them. We only had one night at Satara so packing up the next morning was a simple process.
It was weighing heavily on my mind that our trip that had been so long in the planning was almost over. Two nights left - where had the time gone?

[Jillinflorida]

I will never stay at Satara again. We had lunch there on the way to Tamboti the day before and enjoyed the food - fresh and hot.

Thought it would be a nice treat to give MD the night off from cooking. We all went to the restaurant where - the best thing I can say is seeing an elephant drinking at the Satara webcam waterhole. Service was non existent, half the food on the limited menu wasn't available - including the specials on the board outside. When our food finally arrived two of us had cold meals (no it wasn't supposed to be cold) - At the end I was SO angry that if they hadn't presented my bill the minute I went to ask for it I would have happily walked out without paying...in fact I should have!

The next morning I went to the shop to pick up a couple of little things. I was IGNORED by the cashier, while the line behind me got longer and longer - but she was happily talking to the other person she was working with in their native language and it was painfully obvious that it was a question of 'let them wait - who cares'. No reason to not serve us. I put my things on the counter and walked out. This time we did lodge a complaint with the manager on duty.

Everywhere else we'd been, everyone had been very nice, helpful and friendly - Satara let the side down badly and I'm thankful that was toward the end of our trip.

[Moggiedog]

The feedback has been sent to Kruger regarding the disgusting (I am using that word as no other can describe the service) service we received at Satara. It was very sad as the cottage was beautiful and well maintained but unfortunately we all left with a bitter taste in our mouth.
To add to Jill's tale of woe - when our food was returned - the waitress could not remember whose plate belong to who - not only that it had been nuked and the almost edible food was now inedible - and still not hot but warm!!.
the table cloth was filthy - service was non existent.
Jill was very polite in her post.

[Jillinflorida]

Well now you've started me MD.


I am well aware of what people think of those loud mouth Yanks we've all had the misfortune to come across. In this restaurant it would have been warranted. Usually I keep my voice low and well modulated - well for a Yank anyway. I was about a half an inch from blowing a gasket I was SO angry. (ask MD - she knew I had steam coming from my ears) I had to get up and go find wait staff to ask for drinks (none were offered when the 'waitress' came to take our orders), an extra set of silverware - one set was missing from the table - to request our food be served hot as it should be - and then the last straw was the bill. (I'd forgotten about the dirty tablecloth)

I followed the poor young man to where they ring up your purchase - I was afraid I would have to wait forever for my change (if it appeared at all) and believe me there wasn't one rand left as a tip. I didn't even say thank you and that isn't like me. I think, had I not been so tired, I would have asked for the manager then and there.

WHEN I return to Kruger and IF I stop at a restaurant heaven help them if we don't get the service we should.

Lisbeth - I'm sorry you had that happen to you at Lower Sabie too. What will give them a wake up call I wonder?

[Jillinflorida]

9/21 We left Satara and were on our way to Biyamti for our last two nights in Kruger.

On our way saw the southern most Baobab tree (I'm hopeless at spelling) - our third lion sighting; Male, Female and cub.

We stopped off at a picnic spot - (MD, I don't remember the name) for a break. There was a family who allowed their child to chase the ververt, handing it food, then snatching it back. No staff outside, but MD did go and tell the staff inside the cafe... They eventually came out and that awful family left.

This is how annoyed the Big Daddy was.



Once on the road again I saw a tortoise in the road. Just because we were on a blind bend and had 3 cars behind us MD wouldn't stop and do a U turn for me to take a picture - I thought that most unreasonable -O

We saw a Cheetah - I didn't get a great photo, but better than nothing.



Zebra - right after I took this photo we pulled along side and they talked to each other. I was amazed. Thought they'd sound like horses or donkey - the sound was nothing like I expected.



While so many river beds were dry this one was very free flowing



Arrived at Biyamti. What a lovely small camp. Very quiet and lovely cottage.

I should have taken notice of this sign......

It was still hot and this certainly helped me cool off.


Okay I wasn't REALLY hit on the head with a sausage fruit. I was helping unload the car, plonked down a heavy box and thumped my head on the edge of the kitchen counter. Oh did I see stars!!! :? To add insult to injury, MD said, oh we don't need that box!!!

The hide was very close to our cabin - there was a troop of baboons, little babies, nursing moms - big daddy. AGAIN WITHOUT MY CAMERA. (will I EVER learn?)

Elephants bathing in river. Ververt looking for handouts the minute we arrived. There was a pair and they were VERY persistent. Rubber snakes scared them away - our next door neighbors weren't quite so lucky - They stole something from them and the man ran out but of course we know who won that steal.

I loved this sign on a bench. Probably should have cleaned it off before snapping a picture.



Saw this anti poaching unit gearing up - I hope they caught the b******s.



Just liked this photo....





Can't remember if I posted the pic of the rhino. Pity it wasn't clearer but it was a hazy morning.





First night in Bitami I had the light off at 8:15 pm. I'm just tuckered out.

The morning we left camp on Sept 23 to make our exit it was still an adventure, but now I knew our trip had come to an end. Such a long time planning and now it's done. Sigh.

When we left the gate I was shocked by the traffic, noise, people....I was ready to turn around and go back. The peace and tranquility that had filled my veins was now draining away. Welcome back to life.

I can now understand what is meant when you say paradise - how most of you can't wait to go back. The Kruger bug bit me hard - and I can't wait to plan my next trip with my husband in tow. He is going to be amazed.

[Jillinflorida]

Oh I forgot a funny tale.... While at a camp with a shop (shall remain nameless) MD and I were walking down the road and saw a car with yellow and black ribbons tied to the aerial/antenna. We waved MADLY at them. They pulled into the parking lot at the store, so I go to hunt them down.

I finally tracked them in the cold section in said store. I politely said excuse me (mind you I was huffing and puffing from my 'jog' to the store by then) They thought we were just very friendly people waving at them.... :roll: They had borrowed this ladies mom's car and it happened to have the ribbons on the aerial because she'd been on some convoy or other. NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY FORUM'S. I was very embarrassed as I went babbling on about how we belonged to forums for the national parks, bla, bla, bla. Must have thought I was not only a loud mouth yank - but a crazy one too. I don't know WHERE MD had gone - leaving me to accost these strangers

[Moggiedog]

Once in awhile - I'm good at putting my foot in my mouth.... :oops: :oops:

Had forgotten all about that as well. So much happens in eight days - but we certainly had a good laugh about it. The couple in the car must have thought we were bonkers every time we waved like mad at them -O -O -O

(Jill you not the only one . i often only open my mouth to change feet!)