A Week in Kruger National Park: First Impressions of the Wild

After our first semester on the Bushwise 6-month Field Guiding course, some of us had a precious week off. While a few headed off to other places, a small group of us decided there was only one way to spend it: exploring the legendary Kruger National Park.

We rented a car from Avis in Hoedspruit, packed our cameras and snacks, and hit the road. Every day followed the same rhythm — leaving camp at 5:30am to make sure we were one of the first cars at Orpen Gate by 6am. From sunrise to sunset, 12 hours straight, we explored the stretch of Kruger between Orpen and N’wanetsi. And what a week it turned out to be.

White Lions at Sunrise

An encounter which set the tone of the trip. Just minutes after entering Orpen Gate, we stumbled upon something few people ever see: a white lioness resting with her pride. The morning light was soft, the road empty, and for over an hour we sat watching them yawn, stretch, and eventually melt into the bush as the day began to heat up. It was the kind of sighting that makes you forget time exists.

Running with Wild Dogs

On another day, Orpen delivered again. As the first vehicle through the gate, we came across a pack of African wild dogs trotting along the road. Blood on their faces showed they had just finished a meal, and we followed them for as long as we could. Wild dogs are the rarest carnivore in Southern Africa, and to see them moving as a pack, playful yet purposeful, was a true privilege. Eventually, they slipped into the bush, their formation disappearing into the tangled vegetation.

Eagles and Dams

One of the most striking moments of the week came at Bobbejaankrans, watching African fish eagles soaring across the landscape and landing on their distant nest. Later, at Nsemani Dam, we spotted another fish eagle perched with a freshly caught catfish. Capturing that moment — talons gripping the fish, wings stretched — resulted in one of my favourite photos yet.

Hyenas at Home

Between Orpen and Satara, spotted hyenas were everywhere. The highlight was spending time at a den, watching three generations interact — mothers, subadults, and tiny cubs full of energy. At one point, a cub curled up next to our front wheel and fell asleep, making us prisoners in our own car until it woke up and wandered off. Encounters like this remind you just how wild and unpredictable Kruger can be.

Elephants and Giants

Of course, no trip to Kruger is complete without elephants, and they were in abundance. We saw large herds moving together across the savannah, but the most memorable moment was meeting a bull in musth — a towering, unpredictable presence who reminded us why it’s always best to keep a respectful distance.

Leopards Twice Over

Leopards are the ghosts of Kruger, and to see one is always special. On one drive, we spotted a leopard walking through a drainage line, rubbing and scent-marking the trees. The following day brought an even more dramatic sight: a leopard high in a tree, guarding an impala kill. When we returned later, there were two leopards at the site — likely a mother and her older cub — sharing the spoils.

The Rest of Kruger

Not every moment was about the big predators. We were treated to encounters with kori bustards, secretary birds, martial eagles, saddlebill storks, nile crocodiles, and even a leopard tortoise ambling along the road. Every corner of Kruger seemed alive with something new, from the tiniest bird calls to the distant shapes of giraffes on the horizon.

Reflections on a First Visit

Kruger has a reputation for being one of the best wildlife destinations on Earth, and after a week inside its gates, I can say it more than lived up to the hype. From white lions and wild dogs to leopards in trees and hyenas under our wheels, every day brought something unforgettable.

For anyone considering visiting: go early, stay patient, and let the park surprise you. Kruger is never the same twice, and that’s what makes it so magical.