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Update on our family trip from Denver to Yellowstone
Hi Xialin,
It’s the FREE plan with 35 GB abroad.
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Account of our trip to South Africa in July
Hi Virginie,
So glad you liked this travel journal!
I booked the Paris/Johannesburg flights in November and paid 615 € per person with Qatar Airways.
Happy trip planning!
So glad you liked this travel journal!
I booked the Paris/Johannesburg flights in November and paid 615 € per person with Qatar Airways.
Happy trip planning!
Our South Africa trip report – July
Hi there,
Day 21: A peaceful drive to the airport with a stop at Azul Petroport on the N4 to see rhinos, which we didn’t spot much of in Kruger. The roads were great all the way, despite a few construction zones. And that’s a wrap on our first trip to South Africa. Definitely not the last—there are so many regions left to explore! Hope this little travel journal was interesting and inspired you to visit this beautiful country if you’re planning a trip. Feel free to ask any questions!
Day 21: A peaceful drive to the airport with a stop at Azul Petroport on the N4 to see rhinos, which we didn’t spot much of in Kruger. The roads were great all the way, despite a few construction zones. And that’s a wrap on our first trip to South Africa. Definitely not the last—there are so many regions left to explore! Hope this little travel journal was interesting and inspired you to visit this beautiful country if you’re planning a trip. Feel free to ask any questions!
Our South Africa trip report – July
Hi there,
Day 20: We’d planned to stay near Pretoria so we could visit either the Cullinan Mine or the Cradle of Humankind the next day before our late-afternoon flight. We made sure we weren’t too far from the airport on the last day. But nature called, and we ended up staying an extra day in Kruger. We entered and exited through Malelane Gate. We spent quite a bit of time around Berg-en-Dal. We didn’t mind retracing our steps—every encounter is different, and the landscapes look completely new depending on the direction. We never get tired of it! 🙂 For our last day, just landscape photos from Kruger—it’s absolutely stunning.
Day 20: We’d planned to stay near Pretoria so we could visit either the Cullinan Mine or the Cradle of Humankind the next day before our late-afternoon flight. We made sure we weren’t too far from the airport on the last day. But nature called, and we ended up staying an extra day in Kruger. We entered and exited through Malelane Gate. We spent quite a bit of time around Berg-en-Dal. We didn’t mind retracing our steps—every encounter is different, and the landscapes look completely new depending on the direction. We never get tired of it! 🙂 For our last day, just landscape photos from Kruger—it’s absolutely stunning.
Trip report: Our South Africa trip in July
Hi there,
Easy transition for a few bird photos we came across in Kruger. It’s not often talked about, but some are really beautiful with shimmering colors. Others are less appealing, like the southern ground hornbill holding a dead bird in its beak. But it’s still always a great encounter.
Easy transition for a few bird photos we came across in Kruger. It’s not often talked about, but some are really beautiful with shimmering colors. Others are less appealing, like the southern ground hornbill holding a dead bird in its beak. But it’s still always a great encounter.
Trip report from our South Africa trip in July
Hi Alain,
Indeed, "my" civet has the characteristic markings of a genet on either side of its muzzle. It *is* a genet. Thanks for correcting me. For the fawn, I’m also leaning toward a harnessed bushbuck, and the one in the grass a Sharpe’s grysbok. And an elongated red lechwe. It’s not always easy to tell all the antelope species apart—there are so many! But it’s always a joy to see them!
Have a good afternoon
Indeed, "my" civet has the characteristic markings of a genet on either side of its muzzle. It *is* a genet. Thanks for correcting me. For the fawn, I’m also leaning toward a harnessed bushbuck, and the one in the grass a Sharpe’s grysbok. And an elongated red lechwe. It’s not always easy to tell all the antelope species apart—there are so many! But it’s always a joy to see them!
Have a good afternoon
Trip report from our South Africa trip in July
Hi,
Day 19: We decide to enter the park as soon as it opens via Crocodile Bridge, 15 minutes from our accommodation. We arrive at 6:00 AM. There’s a long line of cars ahead of us... We get in at 6:45 AM. We missed the sunrise in the park. That’s one of the downsides of staying outside the park—or you have to arrive *very* early to be among the first. We head toward Lower Sabie before turning west. We drive a bit randomly on the roads, trying to follow the waterways. A hyena is lying down with lots of vultures nearby. Maybe a carcass isn’t far off. We’re rewarded a little when, overlooking a river, we spot a lion walking along the bank. But it suddenly changes direction and disappears into the bushes. That’ll be our only lion—briefly and from quite a distance 😕. Later, a huge herd of buffalo blocks the road for quite a while, then it’s elephants. One starts eating while staying in the middle of the road, followed by a young one. Another elephant heads toward us, acting agitated—full reverse! We keep our distance from the herd, where there are several calves. A car overtakes us but quickly reverses. We’re stuck for a good 15–20 minutes. We crossed a completely burned area (around S118, S119, or S121—I can’t remember which) where even the impalas were still around. They’re really everywhere. On our way out, near Berg-en-Dal (a pretty area), we spot 2 rhinos. By the time we reverse, they’re already behind some bushes. Those’ll be our only rhinos too.
Day 19: We decide to enter the park as soon as it opens via Crocodile Bridge, 15 minutes from our accommodation. We arrive at 6:00 AM. There’s a long line of cars ahead of us... We get in at 6:45 AM. We missed the sunrise in the park. That’s one of the downsides of staying outside the park—or you have to arrive *very* early to be among the first. We head toward Lower Sabie before turning west. We drive a bit randomly on the roads, trying to follow the waterways. A hyena is lying down with lots of vultures nearby. Maybe a carcass isn’t far off. We’re rewarded a little when, overlooking a river, we spot a lion walking along the bank. But it suddenly changes direction and disappears into the bushes. That’ll be our only lion—briefly and from quite a distance 😕. Later, a huge herd of buffalo blocks the road for quite a while, then it’s elephants. One starts eating while staying in the middle of the road, followed by a young one. Another elephant heads toward us, acting agitated—full reverse! We keep our distance from the herd, where there are several calves. A car overtakes us but quickly reverses. We’re stuck for a good 15–20 minutes. We crossed a completely burned area (around S118, S119, or S121—I can’t remember which) where even the impalas were still around. They’re really everywhere. On our way out, near Berg-en-Dal (a pretty area), we spot 2 rhinos. By the time we reverse, they’re already behind some bushes. Those’ll be our only rhinos too.
Our South Africa trip report – July
Hi there,
Day 18: a quiet day between Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie. No lions or rhinos on the menu :( but our first jackals, wildebeest, mongooses, and tortoises, plus all the other species we never get tired of watching. And still some beautiful landscapes.
Day 18: a quiet day between Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie. No lions or rhinos on the menu :( but our first jackals, wildebeest, mongooses, and tortoises, plus all the other species we never get tired of watching. And still some beautiful landscapes.
Our South Africa trip report – July
Given the shape and the spots, I’m leaning more towards a leopard. But maybe I’m wrong—any other thoughts?
Trip report: Our South Africa adventure in July
Hi there,
Day 17: This time we enter through the Paul Kruger Gate. We head onto the H1-2/H12/H4-1 loop. Just after the intersection with the S83, several cars are stopped: a leopard with its prey in a tree. We stay a good while to watch it. I’ll share a photo from the actual distance and one with zoom. A few kilometers later, more cars stopped on a bridge: since we don’t see anything, we ask another car—turns out a leopard just hid in the bushes in the middle of the river. We missed it by a hair but decide to wait to see if it comes out. After a while, a herd of impalas arrives and slowly moves forward to drink. Watching the first one’s behavior, we think it sensed the big cat’s presence. But it keeps moving "carefully," and the herd follows. They drink from the little water left in the river. Some impalas get close to the bushes to eat. Nothing happens for long minutes until suddenly, panic erupts—the impalas bolt, jumping and running. The leopard lunges out to catch one. It misses and immediately gives up the hunt, not bothering to chase them. No luck this time—it slinks back into the tall grass empty-pawed. A nearby hippo didn’t even flinch. What a moment! We finish our loop and head down to Malelane Gate via the S114, where we still spot quite a few animals. We end with crocodiles under the Malelane Gate bridge. A civet visits us at Marloth Park when we arrive after dark. Amazing day.
Day 17: This time we enter through the Paul Kruger Gate. We head onto the H1-2/H12/H4-1 loop. Just after the intersection with the S83, several cars are stopped: a leopard with its prey in a tree. We stay a good while to watch it. I’ll share a photo from the actual distance and one with zoom. A few kilometers later, more cars stopped on a bridge: since we don’t see anything, we ask another car—turns out a leopard just hid in the bushes in the middle of the river. We missed it by a hair but decide to wait to see if it comes out. After a while, a herd of impalas arrives and slowly moves forward to drink. Watching the first one’s behavior, we think it sensed the big cat’s presence. But it keeps moving "carefully," and the herd follows. They drink from the little water left in the river. Some impalas get close to the bushes to eat. Nothing happens for long minutes until suddenly, panic erupts—the impalas bolt, jumping and running. The leopard lunges out to catch one. It misses and immediately gives up the hunt, not bothering to chase them. No luck this time—it slinks back into the tall grass empty-pawed. A nearby hippo didn’t even flinch. What a moment! We finish our loop and head down to Malelane Gate via the S114, where we still spot quite a few animals. We end with crocodiles under the Malelane Gate bridge. A civet visits us at Marloth Park when we arrive after dark. Amazing day.
Our South Africa trip report in July
Hi there,
I read somewhere—maybe on the Sanparks website—that things can get tricky during school holidays and public holidays. That wasn’t our case, so we didn’t worry about it, and we were always able to get in.
I read somewhere—maybe on the Sanparks website—that things can get tricky during school holidays and public holidays. That wasn’t our case, so we didn’t worry about it, and we were always able to get in.
Trip report: our July trip to South Africa
Hi Muriel,
On our way back around 8 AM (Paul Kruger Gate, Malelane Gate, and Crocodile Bridge Gate), it took us 10–15 minutes to fill out a questionnaire and check in. There was a bit of a queue at the registration desk, but nothing too bad. I filled out the questionnaire while waiting for my turn. We had the Wildcard, so it went faster. It’s well organized. However, we arrived at Crocodile Bridge one morning at 6 AM and it took us 45 minutes to get in. That’s one of the downsides of staying outside the park.
On our way back around 8 AM (Paul Kruger Gate, Malelane Gate, and Crocodile Bridge Gate), it took us 10–15 minutes to fill out a questionnaire and check in. There was a bit of a queue at the registration desk, but nothing too bad. I filled out the questionnaire while waiting for my turn. We had the Wildcard, so it went faster. It’s well organized. However, we arrived at Crocodile Bridge one morning at 6 AM and it took us 45 minutes to get in. That’s one of the downsides of staying outside the park.
Trip report from our South Africa trip in July
Hi there,
So glad this travel journal helped you discover new places! There’s just so much to see—it’s always tough to choose. Robberg Nature Reserve is absolutely stunning; I highly recommend it +++. Kirstenbosch Gardens must be gorgeous in full bloom, but July isn’t the best season. It’s still nice, but in my opinion, it’s not a must-see. Now, onto Kruger 🙂.
Day 16: Kruger, the long-awaited park. It was love at first sight—just incredible, both the wildlife and the landscapes. We didn’t sleep inside the park due to budget reasons (4 nights just outside cost the same as one night inside at a similar comfort level), but staying overnight must be amazing, especially in the smaller camps. We had a picnic in Skukuza, and honestly, it wasn’t great—way too crowded. We entered through Phabeni Gate, just 7 minutes from our hotel. The S1, a beautiful route teeming with wildlife (impalas, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, eagles), took us to Skukuza, then we looped H1-1/S64/S4/S3. More amazing sightings there: giraffes, elephants, hyenas (including a mom with her newborns), zebras, and monkeys. A fantastic first day!
So glad this travel journal helped you discover new places! There’s just so much to see—it’s always tough to choose. Robberg Nature Reserve is absolutely stunning; I highly recommend it +++. Kirstenbosch Gardens must be gorgeous in full bloom, but July isn’t the best season. It’s still nice, but in my opinion, it’s not a must-see. Now, onto Kruger 🙂.
Day 16: Kruger, the long-awaited park. It was love at first sight—just incredible, both the wildlife and the landscapes. We didn’t sleep inside the park due to budget reasons (4 nights just outside cost the same as one night inside at a similar comfort level), but staying overnight must be amazing, especially in the smaller camps. We had a picnic in Skukuza, and honestly, it wasn’t great—way too crowded. We entered through Phabeni Gate, just 7 minutes from our hotel. The S1, a beautiful route teeming with wildlife (impalas, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, eagles), took us to Skukuza, then we looped H1-1/S64/S4/S3. More amazing sightings there: giraffes, elephants, hyenas (including a mom with her newborns), zebras, and monkeys. A fantastic first day!
Trip report: Our South Africa trip in July
Hi there,
Days 13 & 14: The second part of our trip. After a peaceful drive to Blyde River Canyon via Dullstroom—reminding us of some small American towns—and the Long Tom Pass, we arrived in the Sabie area for 2 nights. The scenery between Dullstroom and Sabie is stunning. The road has been redone, so it’s smooth with no potholes. We stopped at the Long Tom Cannon to see the cannon and the view, then ended the day at Mac Mac Falls, a pretty waterfall accessible after a short walk.
The next day, our first stop was Lisbon Falls. The guy at the entrance told us his card machine wasn’t working due to no signal, so cash only. Since we didn’t have the exact amount, we said we’d leave. And—oh, miracle—the signal came back! We left anyway. The same trick happened at Bourkes' Luck Potholes, but since we really wanted to visit, we insisted on trying the card machine. And—just like magic—it worked when we inserted our card. We must have a magic card . So, we stopped at Berlin Falls, another pretty waterfall. Then Bourkes' Luck Potholes—well-maintained with a nice walk. We spent quite a while there. A vervet monkey approached while we were having lunch at the picnic area but stayed in the tree, pretty skittish. A little further on, a noisy group of vervets climbed into the back of parked pick-ups, probably looking for food. The parking lot signs warned to keep windows and doors closed, and luckily, they didn’t come near us. We continued to Lowveld View, a beautiful free viewpoint. With the sky looking stormy, we didn’t go further. Stopped at Wonder View, also free, with a nice view of the valley despite the overcast sky. We skipped God’s Window and stopped a bit further down at a small parking spot in a recess. After a short walk, another lovely view of the valley.
Days 13 & 14: The second part of our trip. After a peaceful drive to Blyde River Canyon via Dullstroom—reminding us of some small American towns—and the Long Tom Pass, we arrived in the Sabie area for 2 nights. The scenery between Dullstroom and Sabie is stunning. The road has been redone, so it’s smooth with no potholes. We stopped at the Long Tom Cannon to see the cannon and the view, then ended the day at Mac Mac Falls, a pretty waterfall accessible after a short walk.
The next day, our first stop was Lisbon Falls. The guy at the entrance told us his card machine wasn’t working due to no signal, so cash only. Since we didn’t have the exact amount, we said we’d leave. And—oh, miracle—the signal came back! We left anyway. The same trick happened at Bourkes' Luck Potholes, but since we really wanted to visit, we insisted on trying the card machine. And—just like magic—it worked when we inserted our card. We must have a magic card . So, we stopped at Berlin Falls, another pretty waterfall. Then Bourkes' Luck Potholes—well-maintained with a nice walk. We spent quite a while there. A vervet monkey approached while we were having lunch at the picnic area but stayed in the tree, pretty skittish. A little further on, a noisy group of vervets climbed into the back of parked pick-ups, probably looking for food. The parking lot signs warned to keep windows and doors closed, and luckily, they didn’t come near us. We continued to Lowveld View, a beautiful free viewpoint. With the sky looking stormy, we didn’t go further. Stopped at Wonder View, also free, with a nice view of the valley despite the overcast sky. We skipped God’s Window and stopped a bit further down at a small parking spot in a recess. After a short walk, another lovely view of the valley.
Trip report: Our South Africa trip in July
Hi,
Glad to hear that! 😉
A few photos of Hout Bay and Cape Town.
Glad to hear that! 😉
A few photos of Hout Bay and Cape Town.
Our trip report to South Africa in July
Hi,
You’re right to mention those places—we got so focused on Table Mountain that we "forgot" everything else. And it’s not like we hadn’t read and reread trip reports. Just poor planning on our part. It’s gonna make me regret it even more! But it’s also another reason to go back 😄.
You’re right to mention those places—we got so focused on Table Mountain that we "forgot" everything else. And it’s not like we hadn’t read and reread trip reports. Just poor planning on our part. It’s gonna make me regret it even more! But it’s also another reason to go back 😄.
Trip report: Our South Africa trip in July
Hi there,
Days 10, 11 & 12: We set off under a cloudy sky to see the penguins at Boulder's Beach. Quite a few people on the walkways, but the beach is quieter. We continue to Cape Point National Park. The sky clears up. We stop at a picnic area that’s deserted except for a few ostriches. We’d barely settled in when we spot a baboon running toward us from a distance on the beach. We do the same but head straight for the car. It circles the car before striking a photogenic pose in front of the sea. We’ll have our picnic further away.
We head up to the lighthouse. Lots of people. Lovely 360° view. Everyone’s eyes are fixed on the same spot: a whale appears now and then. We walk to the Cape of Good Hope. An easy stroll along platforms with beautiful viewpoints where we don’t run into anyone except some Cape elands.
We return via Chapman’s Peak Drive. A stunning (toll) road along the cliff. Several spots where you can stop to admire the views.
The next day, Table Mountain is shrouded in mist—no luck today. We were supposed to go to Robben Island, but the site is closed for renovations. Instead, we take a boat trip from Hout Bay to see the seal colony on Duiker Island. The sea is pretty rough. Lots of seals lounging on the rocks. We head to Cape Town via the coastal road. We visit the Waterfront (super touristy) and Bo-Kaap with its colorful houses.
For our last day in Cape Town, we finally see Table Mountain, but the cableway is closed due to wind! It’s a bummer—we won’t be able to go up. Unless we hike, but apart from my boys, no one’s really up for it. Big disappointment, even though we knew it wasn’t a sure thing given the unpredictable weather at this time of year. The real letdown is that we *could* have gone up on the first day and saved the gardens for later. Bad call on our part. Oh well, it happens 🤪. We settle for another visit to the Waterfront to finish up what we missed yesterday and do some shopping at the big mall before heading to the airport in the mid-afternoon.
No Table Mountain, no Robben Island... looks like we’ll have to come back to visit Cape Town again !
Days 10, 11 & 12: We set off under a cloudy sky to see the penguins at Boulder's Beach. Quite a few people on the walkways, but the beach is quieter. We continue to Cape Point National Park. The sky clears up. We stop at a picnic area that’s deserted except for a few ostriches. We’d barely settled in when we spot a baboon running toward us from a distance on the beach. We do the same but head straight for the car. It circles the car before striking a photogenic pose in front of the sea. We’ll have our picnic further away.
We head up to the lighthouse. Lots of people. Lovely 360° view. Everyone’s eyes are fixed on the same spot: a whale appears now and then. We walk to the Cape of Good Hope. An easy stroll along platforms with beautiful viewpoints where we don’t run into anyone except some Cape elands.
We return via Chapman’s Peak Drive. A stunning (toll) road along the cliff. Several spots where you can stop to admire the views.
The next day, Table Mountain is shrouded in mist—no luck today. We were supposed to go to Robben Island, but the site is closed for renovations. Instead, we take a boat trip from Hout Bay to see the seal colony on Duiker Island. The sea is pretty rough. Lots of seals lounging on the rocks. We head to Cape Town via the coastal road. We visit the Waterfront (super touristy) and Bo-Kaap with its colorful houses.
For our last day in Cape Town, we finally see Table Mountain, but the cableway is closed due to wind! It’s a bummer—we won’t be able to go up. Unless we hike, but apart from my boys, no one’s really up for it. Big disappointment, even though we knew it wasn’t a sure thing given the unpredictable weather at this time of year. The real letdown is that we *could* have gone up on the first day and saved the gardens for later. Bad call on our part. Oh well, it happens 🤪. We settle for another visit to the Waterfront to finish up what we missed yesterday and do some shopping at the big mall before heading to the airport in the mid-afternoon.
No Table Mountain, no Robben Island... looks like we’ll have to come back to visit Cape Town again !
Trip report: Our South Africa trip in July
Ah OK. So it’s not *that* secret after all, since there were still quite a few people on this beach where we were 😄. Way fewer than on the other side—groups seemed to stick to that side—but still more humans than penguins (about ten). True, just us already makes 6 people!
Recap of our trip to South Africa in July
Hi there,
Boulder's Beach will be our next stop. But, without giving too much away, no "secret passage" for us—I missed that info 😅.
Boulder's Beach will be our next stop. But, without giving too much away, no "secret passage" for us—I missed that info 😅.
Our trip report to South Africa in July
Hi Michel,
We didn’t notice anything special. The road leading there is pretty, winding a lot, and very busy. We took it several times. We’d go to the local Spar to do our shopping since we were staying in a house 15 minutes from the gardens and near Imizamo Yethu. No issues, but it felt strange having a garden surrounded by electrified barbed wire and a remote with an "emergency" button.
We didn’t notice anything special. The road leading there is pretty, winding a lot, and very busy. We took it several times. We’d go to the local Spar to do our shopping since we were staying in a house 15 minutes from the gardens and near Imizamo Yethu. No issues, but it felt strange having a garden surrounded by electrified barbed wire and a remote with an "emergency" button.
