That’s what’s so exciting about going through the Kruger National Park (South Africa), you never know what next to expect around the next corner in the road.

Catching up:

Going on from where we left off with last week’s travel post: After our scare of the mean buffalo bull, we quickly got back on the road to Phalaborwa and surveyed the surrounding countryside for more wild animals.

Next, we came across,

…Some ostriches in the far distance. I must say I was surprised to see them in the Kruger Park. I thought they were mainly breed in the Cape Provence.

Then this fine big Elephant:

The elephant was very close to the road, and maybe not too happy about us been right there in front of him.

Naturally we didn’t stick around to find out what he would do next! And moving on we saw another elephant. And he seemed all alone under a single tree:

Time to stop for lunch:

At one point, we turned off the road and found a lovey picnic spot, and were surprised that we were allowed to get out our cars there.

The place was set up with picnic tables, with braai (open fire cooking) and toilet utilities as well. It was cool and refreshing there under the trees.

After walking around, we chose a table close to the river edge. Taking our food out of our car boot again, we sat down on the benches and spread the tablecloth.

Our daughter always brought along a tablecloth if there was going to be a possibility of picnic. To her it makes a picnic more special and inviting. And it puts a smile on our faces too!

While we ate our lunch, we leisurely surveyed our surroundings. Looking up and down the river this is what we saw:

After spending a quiet hour or two there, we packed up and got back into our car again.

Just a few yards down the road:

We saw a family of elephants ambling along, making their way along, below the road, close to the same river. I zoomed in with my camera to get these photos of them:

Seeing these elephants you get the impression of peace and feel their contentment, through their closeness and gentle concern for each other.

Moving on we found this Nyala buck:

He was foraging happily on the side of the road. Not worried about us at all.

I tried to collage those two photos, but it somehow it took away the splendour of its pose.

Next week’s travel post:

Included in the next travel post will be an oil painting of one of the scenes…

Kruger National Park is indeed a very well known park today

And has been for many years. One of the must-dos if one comes and tours South Africa.
One does see a lot when viewing TV wildlife programs at home, but been right there in the game park, you get the feel of what's it's really like. The atmospheric conditions, right down to the wee little things. Like following bird behaviour as well.

This make me remember the last time I made a visit to national parks here in my country, all looks good. It is awesome exploring nature madam.

I love been outdoors and exploring Nature. Such a pity we have to work indoors most of the time!

I hope as you say, don't expect it better

When people go through a game park they expect to see the BIG FIVE all in one day, or lots of dramatic action, like a grand kill by the lions right next to your car. It's not like that.
It's looking for things you may see, but also having fun with your companions in the car too.

I love kruger park. My wish is to visit kruger park one day. You are so lucky to visit this great and beautiful park. Elephants and his kids looks so beautiful. Your doughter is very charp. And see big elephant. He is very wonderful. River and tress also looks so beautiful. You and your family are so enjoying your travel. I m also enjoying your travel. Thanks for sharing.@artguru.

Thanks for `coming along for the ride'. It's a joy to share with you.

I so like your photos

That's very nice of you to say so. But some were either a bit blurry or perhaps too dark. But if you tilt your laptop screen it may improve the tone levels.

Great tip , now it's look much better :)

@mukhtatilyas, very happy with the zoo. @artguru. Because it can add insight to children. thanks. Greetings from Aceh

Woow, I think this is a park everyone should be to, it looks to have a variety of animals in large numbers.

The elephant in the first picture looks so close, you must be having enough guts

Between, I love the fact that you randomly meet game animals as you try to penetrate through the park. It looks like a great adventure.

Always the un-expected!