Bush Traditions

[Flutterby]

What are your traditions, superstitions, secrets, etc. when you're in Kruger, or any park for that matter?

[Mel]

I'm glad you added 'any park', Flutts.

Let's see:

- Trying to get bookings to stay at least 3 nights in one camp.
- Getting up early and leaving at gate opening time.
- Driving with open windows if temperature permitting.
- Never having any music going.
- Taking a siesta at the camp from about noon to 4 pm, depending on what might delay us on our way back to the camp.
- SO wearing a hilariously bright yellow-greenish shirt to attract the cats. (On 3 trips we had a 100% quota so far.)
- Taking a cold one to enoy as a sundowner at a waterhole.
- Returning to camp with gate closing time.
- Having another cold one.
- Taking a shower.
- Lighting the fire and preparing the sides.
- Going to bed early unless there is someting interesting that keeps us awake.

Great topic, Flutts!

[Flutterby]

Nice Mel....I'm sure many of us are going to have some of the same answers...will be interesting to see how people differ.

Any pics of your SO's garish shirt?

[Twigga]

Interesting topic!

When it comes down to traditions and food in Kruger we have alot!
-We have to have an ice cream at least once down by the riverside (or every day )
-A Kruger holiday without "rice crispie cookies" is like going to a war without a rifle, my mom started this tradition and it never faded.
-Bacon & eggs at a picnic site (at least once)
-Braaing every night (when weather permits it and when we aren't going on night drive)
-Going on a night drive
-We have to stop at Nkumbe viewing site, no matter where we stay in the Park
-When you descent from Nkumbe approx.10km before Tshokwane, there is a dead tree. Don't know who started this tradition, or should I say superstition but we can't drive past without having to photograph it, stupid I know.


Wildtuin Julie (1) 2009 137 by twigga2011, on Flickr


Wildtuin Des 2010 209 by twigga2011, on Flickr

-Karma is a she dog, we learnt that the hard way. Nowadays we always direct oncoming traffic to a worthwhile sighting, seeing if we know the creature will stay around for a while
-Have to take a sunset photo everyday
-When we're driving a "dry" stretch without any action for a while, we sometimes just switch off the engine, open up all windows and listen. It's amazing how many sounds and smells you acknowledge, Kruger you beauty!

(P.S.-Do not attempt last tip, 2 o'clock in midday heat, you will die OR in CRAZEE,BUSY winter holidays, people will think you're freaky)

[Flutterby]

Interesting Twigga...love the pics of the tree!!

I love the idea of just sitting and listening when there's nothing else happening...although will keep your tips in mind! -O

[Sprocky]

If I am driving and not seeing much I light a smoke. Within seconds I will be juggling the camera and cigarette to get a shot.

[Mel]

-O Sprocky!

I find that cigarette thing works with anything when you have to wait:
food at the restaurant, the train, ...



Nothing stupid about taking photos of the same tree all over again, Twigga!
We do the same with the museum at Auchterlonie in KTP. After a few visits
we got a nice collection of it. As for the rest of your traditions - nice ones.

Flutts, the shirt is here.

[harrys]

Interesting topic

I like to book long in advance.
Drive with open windows and no seatbelts .
No music or radio .
When I am alone I like to drive the whole day leaving at gate opening and coming back just before the gate closes .
Make a fire whether we are braaing or not, I just love sitting at the fire and talking nonsense or discussing the days sightings. I usually take 2 bags off wood for everyday

[Sprocky]

Harry, I seriously think we need to spend a night around the same fire!

[harrys]

Sprocky thats a great idea , When we come down in December I will book at Phalaborwa tourist resort for 1 night and I will let you know when