"ABUNDANT WILD LIFE-KRUGER NATIONAL PARK " a Kruger National Park Travel Page by lynnehamman

Our last visit to the Kruger National Park holds many memories. I will get to that in a while.
Kruger Park is world famous for its prolific wild life, bird population and beautiful scenery.One of the largest wild life parks in the world, it covers an area of almost 20,000km, it is situated in northeast South Africa, about 5 hour drive from Johannesburg.There are many private game parks and rest-camps situated within the borders of the park, and many trails that can be followed. That being said, one can, however, see game everywhere within just a short space of time. The birdlife is varied and prolific, and the flora is colourful. In parts there is short scrubby bushland, savannah and thorn bush. African trees, particuarly the Boabab, are abundant.It contains 2000 species of plants.

We all had our own transport, so we were able to drive into the park. Usually this was very early morning, before sunrise, or late afternoon before sunset. The animals are most visible at these times. The best way to spot anything ,we found, was just to stop the car, and wait. Within minutes, we saw game. The park has a wide variety of wildlife., The sound of these magnificent animals was all around us. Its really like being in another world. We did get to see the "Big Five"
It is possible to take a guided tour- but these are always hasty affairs, and one is limited by the time that they allow on stops.The photo opportunities are irristable.

.My brother-in-law had planned this family reunion at the Kruger National Park as a celebration for his 50th birthday. After much logistical planning, which involved gathering family from different parts of the world, we all finally met up. It was a very joyeous first night celebration-My parents-in-law finally had all their children and Grandchildren gathered around them.
My mother-in-law, who despite being very ill, was determined to make the trip. With the help of a private nurse, and in a wheelchair, was especially happy to be there. She had been ill for along time.
Tragically, the very next morning, she passed away quietly, in my daughter's arms- I think she knew that she was going, and had hung on until she could see us all once more. She was cremated the next day at a nearby town. We held a beautiful farewell service for her at sunset, on the banks of the river. my father-in-law, as head of the family, decided that we should stay on for a few days, so we did. Mom would have wanted that. It was a sad week. Fortunately Mom did get out with everyone to see the animals on our first day. Thats a memory to treasure.