Kruger Park South Africa

Kruger Park, South Africa, May 2009 / Geoff Sutton

 I visited Kruger Park in South Africa in May 2009. The adventure began early in the morning as I drove a van full of university students to the park. Fortunately, my South African friend, Johan Mostert, took the wheel as we approached the park. This post includes photos and videos of our visit.

Soon after we entered the park, we watched a female lion reject a male's interest. They roared close to the road. We're pretty excited. What majestic animals!

Here's my short video from YouTube.

A large elephant approached our kombi so we zipped out of the way!

 Luckily, I got a good shot. I also posted a video on my YouTube channel.

At one point we stopped as zebras meandered across the road in front of us.

Off to the side, a secretary bird took flight.

Watching the giraffes is an awesome experience. It's like being in a nature film.

Following are some additional photos from this amazing park.

Gacelle

Hippopotamus

We spent a night in the park, which I highly recommend.

This Baobab tree symbolizes so much of the cycle of life because they can live for thousands of years.

See more wildlife at KENYA SAFARI

    and India's Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

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Google map of Kruger National Park

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum Springfield MO USA

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum in Springfield Missouri USA is an entertaining and educational experience. The galleries are first class. The adventures take visitors on a wide-ranging safari across North America and into Africa with side trips to view wildlife in other parts of the world.






I've been to natural history museums in the US and elsewhere and find the Wonders of Wildlife galleries as good or better than those you will find in places like Chicago, New York, and London. Of course, you do not see the variety of natural history exhibits that you would elsewhere since the focus here is on wildlife. But when combined with the adjacent aquarium, you have a full day's worth of an awesome experience.


You enter up the stairs near the main entrance to the Bass Pro Shop. You can get tickets online or onsite. The tour begins with an optional film then a walk through the Native American Gallery, past Theodore Roosevelt's Cabin, along the Lewis & Clark journey, and into America's National Parks.

Bass Pro Stuff

The galleries include Boone & Crockett, Bucks & Bulls, Sheep Mountain, Penguin Cove, and the Polar Expedition.











The Great African Hall is like a miniature Kruger or other African preserve-- especially when you add Africa After Dark, Lion's Den, and Operation Rhino.









You exit into the large entry by the gift shop and aquarium (Great Oceans Hall).


INFORMATION

Location:  500 W. Sunshine St. Springfield, Missouri, USA 65807

Hours: Mostly 10:00 am to 8:00 pm - some variations so check the website for details.

Entrance Fees: It is expensive but not more than you would pay at a large city aquarium.

TIP: Check closely as there are a variety of tickets for individuals and families with discounts available. We plan to go back so we purchased an annual pass. Ask about the upgrade rules before you leave if you bought a one day ticket and want to return.

Refreshments: There is a place to eat inside. You can find a number of restaurants nearby.

Parking: The parking is free and so far, there has been plenty of spaces available.

Website:  http://www.wondersofwildlife.org/visit.html

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Here's a few more photos

Wildlife Safari Kenya

My trips to Kenya rank high in my list of favorite places to visit. The wilderness landscapes and wildlife were the highlights.

I visited with a friend , Grant Jones, and several university students. We capped off a week of helping children and families with a visit to a wildlife park and animal preserves near Nairobi.

We had not been in the park long before seeing this lion eyeing a giraffe. Even better, I got video of her chasing a giraffe. See video below for those scenes.




It was good to see people invested in the care of animals- for example this refuge for giraffes ( aka Giraffic park).




The care facility for orphaned elephants was a winner with our whole team.

Elephant

These vehicles are relatively inexpensive inclusive of a driver from Nairobi.





I'll add a few photos to wet your appetite for a safari.

Buffalo

Rhinoceros

Impala

On our way back from the park, we saw a sign about a boat ride to view hippopotamuses- so we turned in- an amazing close to the day!

I'll close this off with some notes. But first, here's a link to a YouTube video from the adventure.

A few notes.

We found the people of Kenya very friendly during both visits.
We exchanged U S dollars for Kenyan shillings at a Nairobi bank.
We hired vans and local drivers rather than risk our own driving skills. Besides, we were busy taking in all the scenery.
you can travel light by having clothes washed inexpensively in town.
It can be really hot in the summer months.

We did not have problems but you do need to be careful- there are pick-pockets.
Our return flight was full but we were well taken care of by the Kenyan Airline who put us up at a five star hotel near the airport. A few of our team did get on the scheduled flight-- bumped up to first class.
You'll pass a lookout over the rift valley on the way to the park. The toilet stop is not fancy.




You might work up an appetite - all of us enjoyed The Carnivore.




I recommend the show put on by locals at the park where we spent the night.




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