The Napi Trail

Returned back from a great couple of days in the Kruger this afternoon. Had a great time, with some great friends - saw lots, laughed lots, and walked lots.

Set off on Wednesday morning - without too much hassle with luggage. Arrived at around lunchtime and did a bit of a drive around before heading into Pretoriuskop Camp. Dave and Leigh, Andy and Julia, K and I then met up with Brad and Mandy. We were collected from Pretoriuskop, and driven to the Napi Wilderness Area. Set in the heart of the bush, along the Biyamiti and Napi rivers was our tented camp.
Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and getting used to the sounds of the bush.

Thursday morning started bright and early, as we set out on our morning walk. The morning walks started at about 6am, and we walked for about 4-5 hours, before returning back for brunch. First walk saw us spot a couple of steenbok, a giraffe, and a sleeping elephant bull, which was quite exciting, as we happened to only spot it on the bank of the river, behind a tree as we walked through the riverbed, about 15 meters from where it was sleeping. Needless to say, the rangers had us scramble up the opposite bank, whilst we watched him wake up after making a bit of noise.

Came across this young bull on our way to our afternoon walk. Got nice a close.

And a white rhino...

Afternoon walk saw us finding 5 white rhino. Watched them for a while whilst the storm clouds gathered overhead, before opening up and soaking us all. Was a bit uncomfortable being soaked wet, but an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. We decided to call it quits for the rest of the afternoon, found a nice lookout point on top of a rock, and settled in for a great sunset after the rains with a couple of ice cold, and well deserved drinks.

The wet ground after a 15 minute downpour...

Perfect lighting after the rains...

The magnificence of the sunset, after the storm.

The following day we were treated to a rare sighting of wild dog. There are only an estimated 300 wild dog in the park, and with these animals being on the endangered list, we counted ourselves very lucky to have stumbled upon a pack of 15.

Another magnificent sky...

Family of warthog grazing as we pass by.

Another day down, another sunset atop a rocky outcrop.

The view from our tent - sunrise Saturday morning. The Biyamiti river pictured here - with the Napi joining it from the right of our tent.

We happened to see plenty of Kudu on the trip - something that I also consider quite a treat, as these have to be one of the most beautiful looking antelope in the bush.

Lone giraffe...

This was also quite a nice sighting, as I believe that the ground hornbill is also quite a rare spot. This guy was just walking along the side of the road with his mate.

Wildebeest, taking a breather under the shade of an acacia tree.