South Africa Part 1
Between wilderness and wonder
Arrival in South Africa – On the way to St. Lucia
We'll be picked up at Richards Bay airport and driven to St. Lucia. Even during the drive, the landscape changes. The roads become quieter, the greenery denser, the air warmer. Gradually, you leave the journey behind and realize: now the trip truly begins.
St. Lucia welcomes us with its unique blend of coastal resort, wilderness, and adventure. And it soon becomes clear why this place is so famous.
Here, hippos are part of the city.
Arrival in St. Lucia – The City of Hippos
Within minutes, we know this place is different from many other travel destinations. Warning signs are posted on every corner. At night, we later learn, the hippos leave the river and wander through the streets in search of fresh grass. It's perfectly normal to discover their tracks on sidewalks or in front gardens in the morning. For nature lovers, the adventure doesn't begin in the national park here. It begins right on their doorstep.
The first animals were already there on the day of arrival.
We don't have much time to settle in. The first adventure is already on the agenda for the afternoon of our arrival: a hippo and crocodile boat tour.
The boat glides slowly through the calm water as our guide scans the surroundings. After a short time, the first hippos appear. Some lie almost motionless in the water, while others curiously raise their massive heads from the surface and yawn. But it's not just the large animals that make the tour special. Birds are everywhere.
Herons, ibises, and even an eagle accompany us along the river. I'm particularly fascinated by the kingfishers. We can observe several species, each with its own unique colors and behaviors. Sometimes they sit motionless on a branch above the water, sometimes they dart across the surface like arrows, or plunge into the depths to catch a fish.
South Africa showcased its incredible diversity on the very first afternoon. Even before our first safari began, we had already encountered hippos and an impressive array of birdlife. A perfect start to the days to come.
The first safari kilometers
We set off before sunrise. The air is cool, a light mist hangs over the landscape, creating a mystical atmosphere that I love. The first rays of sunlight paint the sky orange as our vehicle slowly rolls through the wilderness. Every bush could hold a surprise. Every bend, a new vista. It's precisely this feeling that makes a safari so special.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi – In the land of the Big Five
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of the oldest protected areas in Africa. The landscape is constantly changing. Open plains give way to rolling hills, interspersed with rivers, bushland, and vast savannas. Shortly after entering the park, we spot our first elephant – a large bull. Although I've seen elephants before, their size always impresses me anew; my adrenaline surges, and my fear of elephants resurfaces instantly.
A short time later, the next encounter follows: rhinos. They graze peacefully among the bushes. Their massive bodies seem almost prehistoric. It's a special feeling to observe these animals in the wild, knowing how threatened they are today.
The Kings of the Savannah
Later that day, we spot lions. At first, just a movement in the tall grass. Then two large males appear, their impressive manes gleaming. They are lying in the shade, resting from the day's heat. One male raises his head and looks in our direction. His gaze is calm and confident. For a moment, time seems to stand still. I am once again impressed. Out here, they are the rulers of this landscape.
The power of the buffalo
Among all the famous animals of Africa, buffalo are often underestimated. Unjustly so. When we encounter a large herd, it immediately becomes clear why they are among the Big Five. The animals appear massive, powerful, and yet unpredictable. An old bull stands a little apart. His horns bear the marks of many years. He watches us attentively before slowly returning to his herd. A quiet but impressive encounter.
iSimangaliso – Where wilderness meets the sea
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park area is completely different from the savannas of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Here, lakes, coastal forests, wetlands, and bushland meet.
The landscape changes around every bend. It is precisely this diversity that makes the area so fascinating. And right here awaits one of my many wonderful encounters of the trip.
The Leopard
We had been driving through the reserve for some time when our guide suddenly slowed down. "There's a leopard!" he shouted. We saw it immediately.
His body is perfectly adapted to his surroundings. Only on second glance, however, do we realize how large and beautiful the animal is. His elegant posture and watchful gaze make him unmistakable. He walks leisurely along the road in front of us, pausing every now and then to look back at us, but more importantly, to sniff and mark his territory. It quickly becomes clear that he is a young male. Just as he disappears into the bushes, and we think he's gone, we see him again as we drive by, still watching us.
For me, this encounter will be one of the highlights of the trip.
Later, we even spot a cheetah. It remains shyly hidden in the dense undergrowth. We only manage to catch a glimpse of it for a brief moment before it disappears again among the branches. Even though the sighting is short, we are impressed by the elegance and grace of this rare animal.
When the sun sets
As evening falls, the wilderness transforms. The colors soften, the shadows lengthen. Daytime animals slowly disappear, while the inhabitants of the night awaken.
The night safari is starting right now.
Eyes in the headlights
Darkness engulfs the landscape. Only the beam of the searchlight moves slowly across bushes and trees. Every reflection could betray an animal. Suddenly, two glowing eyes become visible on a traffic sign. An owl. It sits there motionless, observing its surroundings. Not even its head moves. In the light, its eyes seem almost supernatural.
A short time later, we discover more nocturnal inhabitants.
The World of Chameleons
While many visitors search for large mammals, I'm often fascinated by the little things. Our guide spots a chameleon in a bush right next to the road. We would never have seen it without his help. It sits cautiously on a branch, holding on with its prehensile feet. Its eyes move independently, simultaneously scanning its surroundings. In the beam of the flashlight, the delicate textures of its skin gleam. The lighting conditions make photography a challenge, but we manage it well.
What fascinating creatures and little wonders of evolution!
Africa remains in our hearts
As our visit to St. Lucia comes to an end and before we continue our journey in South Africa, I think back on the many encounters.
To the hippos of St. Lucia.
To the elephants and rhinoceroses of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.
To the mighty buffaloes and the resting lions.
To the leopard that gives us an unforgettable view.
And to the owls and chameleons of the night.
South Africa showed me why Africa is so fascinating for nature photographers.
Every day brings new surprises.
Every sunrise tells a new story.
And sometimes the adventure begins in a small town where hippos stroll through the streets at night.
Sequel follows...
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