Allreds in South Africa: African Safari

Welcome to Kruger National Park!

African Water Buffalo were plentiful. We know we waited for over one-hundred to cross, and they were still coming, so at a break, we nosed our way through. It kind of made us feel like we were in Yellowstone National Park.

We came right upon a huge herd of elephant

White Rhino taking a rest

Hungry, Hungry Hippo

Here are some Southern Ground-horn Bills.These hornbills are omnivorous - although mainly carnivorous. They have very strong legs and spend most of the day walking along the ground looking for food, occasionally running after their prey. They will eat reptiles, frogs, birds, snakes and large insects, using their sharp bills to stab their quarry. Only if absolutely necessary will they engage in aerial pursuits. The hornbills are often seen walking with impala, zebra and other bushveld animals, catching food which has been flushed out. At night they will roost in trees or on high rocks.

Kudu

Waterbuck

Grey Heron: The grey heron is the largest heron. It has a long neck, a strong, dagger-like bill and long yellow legs. In flight, the neck is folded back, and the wings are bowed. The grey heron feeds mainly on fish, which it hunts by patiently standing completely still at the side of the water, and striking rapidly when a fish comes into range.

African marsh eagle

We found many Marabou Storks in the park. They are a large, unusual looking bird. In addition to hollow leg bones, marabou storks have hollow toe bones. In such a large bird, this is an important adaptation for flight. The African Marabou storks reach a wingspan of 2.6 metres and a height of 1.5 metres. Marabou storks are bald-headed.