On foot with the Big 5 | Kruger Track and Trails

A game drive is a great way to get to see nature without having to get down and dirty, but if you really want to get up close and personal nothing beats a bush walk in Big 5 territory.

By Benno Stander

According to Kruger Track and Trails owner, Stephen Pieterse, one tends to miss out on all the amazing smaller things when not on foot. “Many people come on a walking safari with the intention of getting closer to the Big 5, but end up enjoying the countless smaller things just as much. There is so much to see on the ground that on could probably stop every five steps and see something unique and interesting.”

Walking is a great way to explore the smaller things you would normally miss from a vehicle.

So to get a closer look, and verify the claims made, I decided to join Stephen on hike in the coveted Sabi Sands Reserve. The day starts rather early and after just over an hour on the road we were just in time to catch the sunrise before arriving at Tydon Safari Camp outside Sabi Sands. While trying to capture some of the hundreds of hues in the sky on camera our first sighting for the day, a lone elephant bull, leisurely walked into frame.

Sunrise in Sabi Sands

After a cup of coffee and some rusks everyone was more than ready to get going before the heat sets in. By now some of the visitors from colder parts of the world have learnt that the African sun is all but kind to fair skin. We headed off into the heart of Sabi Sands with a bush vehicle before getting off to do the rest of the exploring on foot.

Our first discovery was felt on foot before it was seen as we happened to stop the vehicle right on top of an ant nest. A rather big one we discovered while looking like over eager members of a marching band all while Stephen was trying his best to keep a straight face during the pre-walk briefing. I missed much of what was said but one point was highlighted enough for me to catch it: whatever happens, don’t run!

At this point I had to constantly remind myself, no matter what happens, don’t run!

From here onwards it was clear to see that we were now in Stephen’s natural environment. He stopped frequently to explain just about every fascinating fact from flowers that are a sign of edible plant roots to all the different ways that dung beetles use their dung balls. While discussing the wonder of land snails we also managed to bump into a night adder which was just as disheartened at the sight of us as the overseas visitors were at seeing him. He hastily made off in a surge of shutters before disappearing under some rocks.

The night adder is not a very big snake but can deliver a nasty bite if threatened.

The next sighting was substantially bigger and slightly more intimidating. Even more intimidating than the night adder. We slowly moved around in thorn brush, this way and that until we could get a clear view. At this point I had to constantly remind myself, no matter what happens, don’t run!
And there she was, viewed from behind the safe confines of a fallen tree; a female rhino and her calf no more than 50m from us. They were totally unaware of us and as we watched them grazing away on the new grass sprouts, we retreated as quietly as we approached.

Rhino mother and calf totally unaware of the onlookers.

Even after we had reached a safe distance the group was still much quieter than before. Presumably everyone took some time to process and savor the unique experience of stepping foot into the world of such a magnificent animal. The ride back was very eventful with some amazing sightings of buffalo, elephant and even a leopard cub waiting for its mother up in a tree. These all gave amazing photo opportunities but somehow being on the ground with the rhino, without the safety and comfort of the vehicle, still kept a firm first place as the highlight of the day.

Leopard cub waiting for its mother to return after going out to hunt

Find out More

Kruger Track and Trails specialise in Big 5 Safaris, Hunting Safaris, Fishing Safaris and McNab Challenge events. Call Stephen Pieters on 082 851 6548 or visit the Kruger Track and Trails Website