National Parks

South Africa is also famously known for its national parks, in particular the Kruger and the Pilanesberg, but also the two parks of Mkuze and Hluhluwe/Umfolozi in Northern KwaZulu/Natal. These two parks contributed greatly in the conservation of the white rhinoceros. This specie was almost extinguished in the late 50s, whereas now there are more than 1800 between the two parks. I was very happy to see many of them, certainly more than 30 in total. Most of the time, they were enjoying a mudbath.

What I enjoy the most in these parks is that one drives his own car and chooses to go to this direction, to that water hole, up this hill and so on. There can be a surprise around every corner... as it happened this time when we came face to face with two hyenas. They had a terrible look on their face. This encouter happened right at the entrance of Hluhluwe, so I was not quick enough to take a good picture. It is a nice feeling to drive in a park and to go to the discovery of nature. In both parks, they also have hides. One is then allowed to get out of his car and walk towards a hide, overlooking a water hole.

It was then great to come accross nyalas. It is my favourite antilope. But as it is a shy one, it was not easy to get a good picture. I hope this one does justice to its kind.

Of course, a little round up of wild animal has to mention the impala, the most common but also the most recognisable antilope. I think it is still highly elegant.

Another must is the zebra. Who could tell if it is a male or a female? Well, the stripes of the male are black/white/black, whereas the ones of the female are white/black/white. Surely this tip helps you...

Then there is the giraffe. As a comment I would say that in South Africa, there is not need to be so tall to see that the weather is fine...

From the tallest to one of the smallest: here a nice picture of a warthog and his little one. Cute?

And since I am trying to advertise for South Africa, I have to put a picture of an elephant.

Good connoisseur of animal life would have noticed three ommissions, and those of symbols a further one. South Africa portrays itself as the land of the Big Five - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. I took a picture of a buffalo, but it is not so special, whereas I did not get the chance to see any lions or any leopards this time around. As for the last ommission, I am taking about the Springbok - the national symbol of the highly successful South African rugby team. Well, the springboks are not to be found in this area of the country. But you might get a chance for a picture later on. Keep watching this space.

All in all, we saw many other different species, such as hippos, kudus, wildebeests, duikers, monkeys and baboons.