For anyone that knows me, they will be aware that I consider Kruger my second home. No matter where in the world I travel to, be it the jungles of Uganda, the wide open plains of the Serengeti or the coastal regions of Wales (more on this coming soon), going to the Kruger always feels that little bit extra special.
This month has seen the release of Issue 16 of a South African publication called Kruger Magazine. Not only do I have a yearly subscription to my favourite quarterly magazine series, I have also been fortunate enough to feature in this edition.
Tackling conservation issues, in depth descriptions of key species and the history of rest camps are just some of the enchanting articles you can find within its covers. Add to this some exceptional photographs and some eye-opening descriptions, you will quickly find out why I love this publication.
In most issues you will also find an article titled ‘My First Trip to the Greater Kruger’ and on page thirteen of issue 16 you will find the story behind first experience in South Africa’s sacred National Park, complete with a few of my pictures from subsequent trips.
Without giving too much away, it was a trip that instantly made me fall in love with a park that I have been lucky enough to explore time and time again. From North to South and South to North, I have ensured every nook and cranny has been investigated. I have witnessed some truly extraordinary things within the boundaries of the Kruger and I cannot wait to return (hopefully sooner rather than later) with my partner in crime.
Here is the opening line from my piece, I hope it gives you a taste of what you will find if you manage to get your hands on a copy:
“My first encounter of this magical park was far more recent than most stories from previous issues, but it was no less spellbinding. After what had felt to be an eternity and having spent my time working between university semesters to save enough money, I left England in January 2017 to become a safari guide…”