South of the Equator

For the first time I'm south of the Equator. Leaving behind the snow and travel disruption in London, I arrived after a first class meal, a couple of films and a good nights sleep at the front of a 747 in the brand new airport in Johannesburg. It appears that it is a requirement of airport design to ensure you allow people to walk off the calories they've consumed on board their flights with a long walk through the airport.

After quickly clearing immigration, and being meet at arrivals it is onto a mini-bus for the transfer to Kruger park. Quite a contrast to the space in First Class on a 747, but a great way to see a little of the real South Africa. The country has clearly made giant leaps forward, but there are still great differences in quality of life for some. Somehow the vast amounts being spend on new football stadiums (and airports) doesn't still quite right with the conditions some of population still endure.

Then I transfer from the minibus to an open top Safari vehicle and we leave behind the populated townships for an area reserved for wildlife alone - as far as the eye can see is open space - and somewhere in there are the animals I've come to see. The wettest weather in recent years means more undergrowth than normal. There could be dozens of wild animals with yards - but the grass is great camouflage!