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#1
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A few words on S. Africa
Just got back from S. Africa; Cape Town and Kruger Park in particular.
Since I got some pretty sound advice a few months back from this group, I guess I owe this brief report. A summary: what a great country. I keep my fingers crossed that it succeed in the future, against all the odds. Specifics on Kruger Park: I bought a package from Siyabona agency, in some way affiliated with Kruger. 3 days/2 nights in Skukuza camp, including transfer from and to Jo'burg. I think all in all it was a good choice. Everything was professional, service was friendly and efficient. In brief, I got what I paid for. As to the question raised earlier on this group, whether one could see as much, or possibly more, at less cost, by renting a car and doing Kruger individually: perhaps yes. However, certainly not if traveling alone, as I was. Also, although both the roads to Kruger and within it, are well-maintained and well-marked, I could have easily missed half the wildlife sightings were it not for the professional guides accompanying me. Simply put, only occasionally the animals walk across the road. More frequently, they are grazing (or hunting) off the road, and if you are driving, there is little chance you can see them. The choice is easily yours. Here are some pictures I took during those few days including the Cape: http://home.comcast.net/~jurek_k/tra...rica_2006.html Mark, I appreciate your input to this group. Kind regards, jrk |
#2
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A few words on S. Africa
On 4 Sep 2006 16:09:17 -0700, "jrk" wrote:
Just got back from S. Africa; Cape Town and Kruger Park in particular. Since I got some pretty sound advice a few months back from this group, I guess I owe this brief report. A summary: what a great country. I keep my fingers crossed that it succeed in the future, against all the odds. SNIP. SNIP jrk, I'm delighted that you enjoyed yourself, and I can only say that you are always welcome to return here at any time. Regarding your comments about self-driving in Kruger... You certainly have a point about solo driving being a problem for game spotting, but if you have a passenger you should have a great time. The secret is to drive well below the speed limit. You won't see anything but the absolutely obvious if you drive at 40km/h. :-) Other games spotting tricks help, such as: 1) Divide your vista into near, middle, and far distance and scan each zone seperately 2) Always scan right to left because you concentrate better that way (it's opposite to the direction you read, so you mind is more active) Of course, Israeli's and Arabs should scan left to right. 3) Never stare at a spot to see if there's something there because the image burns onto your vision and can obscure your vision 4) Look for inconsistencies in colour or shape, rather than complete animals. Rounded objects are out of place in upright grass for example, and are probably ears or a head. 5) Use your peripheral vision as much as possible. It's easier to spot movement with you peripheral vision that with your central vision. Regards, Marc |
#3
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A few words on S. Africa
"Marc Lurie" wrote in message ... On 4 Sep 2006 16:09:17 -0700, "jrk" wrote: Just got back from S. Africa; Cape Town and Kruger Park in particular. Since I got some pretty sound advice a few months back from this group, I guess I owe this brief report. A summary: what a great country. I keep my fingers crossed that it succeed in the future, against all the odds. SNIP. SNIP jrk, I'm delighted that you enjoyed yourself, and I can only say that you are always welcome to return here at any time. Regarding your comments about self-driving in Kruger... You certainly have a point about solo driving being a problem for game spotting, but if you have a passenger you should have a great time. The secret is to drive well below the speed limit. You won't see anything but the absolutely obvious if you drive at 40km/h. :-) Other games spotting tricks help, such as: 1) Divide your vista into near, middle, and far distance and scan each zone seperately 2) Always scan right to left because you concentrate better that way (it's opposite to the direction you read, so you mind is more active) Of course, Israeli's and Arabs should scan left to right. 3) Never stare at a spot to see if there's something there because the image burns onto your vision and can obscure your vision 4) Look for inconsistencies in colour or shape, rather than complete animals. Rounded objects are out of place in upright grass for example, and are probably ears or a head. 5) Use your peripheral vision as much as possible. It's easier to spot movement with you peripheral vision that with your central vision. You forgot: 6) Walk around with a chunk of raw meat tied to your hat. :-) --riverman |
#4
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A few words on S. Africa
On Tue, 5 Sep 2006 21:43:24 +0800, "riverman"
wrote: You forgot: 6) Walk around with a chunk of raw meat tied to your hat. :-) --riverman LOL |
#5
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A few words on S. Africa
In article , Marc Lurie
writes 2) Always scan right to left because you concentrate better that way (it's opposite to the direction you read, so you mind is more active) Of course, Israeli's and Arabs should scan left to right. And the Chinese from down upwards? Hehe. -- JohnM |
#6
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A few words on S. Africa
Heya jrk,
how much did you pay for your tour through Kruger? btw - nice pice ;-) Seb |
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