The Kruger
A private safari at the Kruger National Park is a must-do and should be high on even an experienced travelers list. Fall 2017 I was lucky enough to have some time between photo contracts where a block of two weeks opened in my calendar. My dad being a senior captain at Delta Airlines was able to bid his September schedule to where he had a similar window of time open. We did what thrill seekers and adventure travelers do when they get together, we talked about how we have always wanted to go on a private safari as a family but never have.
The Idea quickly escalated to an actual plan, And before I know it I was online searching for a place to stay and the best private guide in South Africa. It was very last minute and many rentals were already booked as well as guides. After dozens of emails back-and-forth to guide companies I was referred to one in particular that just had an opening the same week we were than planned to go. After an email introduction I was in contact with Dave Pusey (pew-sey) from Leo Vantage, expert animal tracker, private safari business owner and hobby photographer with a professional eye. Dave just so happen to have a few days open which fit perfectly with our schedule.
We talked to Dave about our expectations and our trip length. I started to charge my camera batteries and packed a small bag for a week of what would be learning and photo opportunities. My father and I were both living in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the time and flew Delta Airlines from Minneapolis, St. Paul (MSP) to Atlanta (ATL) where we would catch a non-stop flight on one the same route and aircraft my dad flies, the Boeing 777. We embarked on the 17 hour one-way flight from ATL to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
After Shuffling through customs we found ourselves at the hertz rental car desk. I pulled up the Rent-A-Car confirmation on my phone and began reading our reservation number. Lo and behold to find out that the price paid a few days before Is not going to be the same price I have to pay for the rental. Apparently when you book through a third-party and pay for the insurance that third-party insurance is not identified to the actual rental car company insurance. Because of this the insurance rate and last minute booking price was ultimately higher because of the computer processing the rental that very moment instead of the handful of days before, if my memory serves me right now writing this almost an exact year from the date. Long story short it was a nightmare. It was nearly 23:00 when we left Johannesburg to drive north to the Kruger national Park. Thankfully we both had purchased sim cards at the airport for our phones and were able to type in our Airbnb address. Nearly 24 hours later we had arrived. We had made it to the Kruger Riverside Lodge in Marloth Park. A place you wake up with giraffes, Giselle, and other animals right in the yard. It is a quick 15-minute ride to Crocodile Bridge in Kruger, a well-known and major spot in the park. It is certainly a top-notch bed and breakfast lodge, and at a reasonable price too. The owners live in a separate room in the lodge and are the best storytellers around. Their art inside is breathtaking, do a great job feeding you before your big day, and have an amazing spread for you when you return.
Set your alarm for 4:30 am because Dave is there ready to get you at 5:00 am. Your guaranteed sightings, fun facts, great stories, and memories that will last a lifetime.
