Kruger Park is in the Northeast part of this country, home to a great assortment of animals including the “big five”: Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and Elephant. I didn’t expect to see them while I was here, but last week I saw them all! Peter came for a visit and we had a wonderful time. Exploring a small section of the 36 506 acre park, we watched a giraffe run right in front of us, saw hippos take an afternoon swim, and enjoyed a herd of elephants, babies in tow, walk past stripping every tree in their path. We also saw wart hogs, wilderbeasts, zebras, impalas, monkeys, a crocodile and a slew of beautiful birds. Then there was this huge African Buffalo. These animals are said to be one of the most fearsome in Africa weighing in the region of 1,320 pounds. This crusty old guy gave us a questionable look with these two birds on his back.

Maybe the most enjoyable experience we had was an early morning guided walk in the park. We rode before sunrise in a high open air 4x4 out of our campsite to the path where we began the hike. Our guide said he had heard a roar that morning and knew a lion must be nearby, so just outside of the camp he looked around with his flashlight and framed a full grown lion not more than 30 feet away. He was beautiful. The camp has an electric cattle guard that keeps animals from coming inside, thank goodness. On the walk, we passed a massive pile of dung, a local toilet for black rhinos, and not too long afterward came across a mother rhino and her calf. She looked for a moment as if deciding whether or not to charge and the tour guide’s assistant cocked and pointed his riffle, just in case. Fortunately, it turned and walked into the brush. What an experience. We saw a variety of footprints, plants, rock formations, learned a lot about the animals including a small coniferous deer. On the ride back we stopped and watched a gorgeous, full grown male leopard up in a tree. Peter and I felt privileged to see such a unique slice of nature. What a creative God we serve, His untamed imagination and gracious character are evident in the wonderful creatures He chooses to have share this world with us.