other animals, Kruger National Park

Be aware that you have encroached in the world of wild animals. Even when youre in the camp which is exceptionally well fenced and secure from the outside wildlife, accidents do happen and wild animals do get in! Although this is rare if you are prepared then you will be safe.

Remember that monkeys and baboons can climb and getting into the camp presents no challenge to them. They are interested in everything from your cars number plate to the lipstick in your handbag. They will steal food and dont forget they have posable thumbs so merely zipping up your tent is not going to keep them out. A travel padlock is an absolute must!

They may be cute, but a bite from a baboon can be fatal although almost unheard of. DO NOT FEED THEM. This completely defeats the purpose of a wildlife park. They will see you as an easy target and your life will become hell.

Be sure to note how to contact a ranger during the night. If a lion or elephant gets into camp you will need guidance.
Do not leave car windows open or anything valuable unattended.

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It doesn't matter what type of animal you come across in the bush, you should always be wary of them. Although some take no notice of you, sitting next to them in a jeep, you can be sure that they are keeping a wary eye out to ensure that you are not going to encroach on their private territory. It is not just meat eating animals such as Lions and Leopards that can be dangerous to your health. Almost everything in Africa can be dangerous if not approached with care. You can catch Malaria from the mossies that you can barely see upto being trampled by a couple of tonnes of Elephant or Rhino. You might think the Hippo was harmless but they are reputed to have killed more people in the bush than lions!

The pics show some of the animals that can have a profound affect on your life if they decide to get nasty.

Elephants are extremely protective of their young and can turn nasty if you get too close.

Rhinos are protective of their area but have bad eyesight so unless they smell you, they generally go their own way.

Leopards are always looking for a kill and their coat makes for great camouflage so don't have a quick look around and think there is nothing to bother you, should you wish to get out of the vehicle to go to the loo.

Water buffalo are just palin ornery. They go where they want and woe betide anything that gets in their way.

Wart Hogs are just pigs with tusks right? Anyone see the British program Big Cats week where the Wart Hog charged the Leopard that had grabbed its kid? The cat was half way up a tree when the Hog charged it and hit the cat with such force that it was very nearly knocked off the tree. How it held on, I shall never know but I do know that I will try not to upset one of these creatures if I can help it.

Watch out for elephants and rhinos crossing the road – if your car gets between a mother and child, they may attempt to charge your car to frighten you off. Lone bull elephants can also be territorial – don’t get too close, and watch out for their warning signal to back off: waving their ears back and forth.

Instead of switching off your engine, as it is sometimes customary when viewing game for a while, err on the side of caution and keep it running if you are in the vicinity of the lone bulls or mothers and their children.

It is best to be ready to beat a hasty retreat should the need arise!

Monkeys and baboons are very cute and can be entertaining for young and old, but please do not feed them. Remember that by feeding them, you are signing their death warrant, as they become aggressive. By feeding these animals you do not only aggravate the situation but you also make these animals lazy and they become dependant on this food supply.
Before going out in the morning in search of animals please make sure that you have put all foodstuffs securely away. Remember that these monkeys and baboons have learnt to open up fridge doors and cupboards

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It was about 5:50pm, and we had ten minutes to get to the gates of the park, otherwise we would face a stiff fine as a penalty for being in the park after the 6pm curfew.

We came over a hill and this is the sight that befell us. We were gob smacked to say the least! A couple hundred buffalo in front, and to the left and the right of us. And, in the midst of them, standing tall, was a proud white rhino.

We could do nothing and go nowhere. They stood on the spot and just stared at us. We took the odd photo but were worried this would frighten them and we get into trouble... about 15 minutes later they started moving off, and we were free to drive on.

Phew!

Memorable indeed.

If, as you are slowly driving along a dusty road, you suddenly have a young deer run across the road in front of you... apply brakes and QUICKLY... because there is a very good chance there are ALOT more deer behind it wanting to cross the same road/path to get to the other side... this one might just be leading the way!

(especially buck and deer as they travel around in large herds)

Make sure you close your car doors and shut your windows in the park. As smart as I try to be about keeping animals out of my vehicle, vervet monkeys made a real ass out of me at N'wamanzi Viewsite. I was out of my car two seconds before they ran into my window and stole my bread. They can be really aggressive. Baboons are worst and are much much larger.