She writes:
One of the best things about a holiday in the Kruger is the feeling that I am partaking in a family tradition – my Grandad has been going the Park since he was just a little baby, and my Dad too.
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On a recent family trip, while having ‘sundowners’ at Lower Sabie rest camp, looking over the beautiful Sabie River, Grandad began telling me about his memories of the Park in the ‘old days’. I’m sure many of you/ your parents/ grandparents, have similar stories to share…
“When I was a little baby, my mother and I were sitting on the back seat of the Chevy when we met a big lion in the road. In those days, motor cars didn’t have proper windows, just cellophane covers that you had to clip on at the side . The lion put his feet on the ‘running’ (step on the side of the car) and came right up and sniffed inside the car. My mother had to pick me up and put me on the other side of her. It was getting dark and the lion wouldn’t let us pass. Each time it walked around the car, my mother would have to pick me up again and move me! Eventually, we took a chance and managed to get past it. We arrived late at the camp gate, but because of what had happened to us, we didn’t get into trouble.”
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“We hardly ever saw elephants in those days. I remember one time – we on our way to Letaba – there were lots of cars stopped in the road, and a ranger was there who said we should all get out and walk with him. We walked a little way, and there in the river bed, was an elephant. It was very exciting! Even if you saw one from miles away, it was a big event.”
[This is because there was still a lot of hunting going on, after the hunting stopped, elephants moved back into the Park from Mozambique]
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”The huts didn’t have windows, but were open at the top, and there was a hole in the door. As a little kid I used to peer out at the moon, expecting to see a lion jump out at any minute! There were still no fences in those days.”
[Camps were fenced for the first time in 1932]
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Isn’t it amazing how times have changed and yet the beauty of the Kruger is undiminished.
Read the full article and see more images of Kruger back through the years here.
(Re-published with permission)
About the blogger
If not adventuring in the African bush, the chances are I’m dreaming about it. My childhood played a big role in this passion as I was privileged to travel much of Southern Africa from an early age.
Needless to say, I’m happiest barefoot with a sketchbook in hand – watching elephants at a water hole or listening to lions roaring around a campfire. Wildlife, children and storytelling are a big part of my life.
Read my blog here: http://www.bushboundgirl.com/
Find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BushBoundGirl
Stay in Kruger
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In the heart of the African wilderness, lies the tranquil retreat of Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge. Set in the vast Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Park, the unfenced eastern boundary allows animals the freedom to roam. Explore this unspoilt eco-system and game reserve with your ranger in an open Landrover or on guided walks. Relax at the sparkling pool or with an aromatherapy massage in the bush spa.