Balule, Kruger Park

With only 10 campsites, this is a much smaller and more rustic site than many of the larger camps we have visited. We stayed here about 7 years ago and it has always been our favorite in Kruger. The site is fenced with most people camping close to the fence in order to get a good view of the hyenas who often patrol the fence soon after the sun sets. Most folks grab a seat with a flashlight and wait for the hyena to come around. On our first night John stayed up after Christy and Cindy had gone to bed. At about 8:30 (yes -- that's bed time when you're getting up at 5am to go on a morning drive) 4 hyena appeared, one a youngster. Christy and Cindy got up to have a look. It's an amazing experience to be that close to these powerful and dangerous animals, fortunately kept at bay by a fence that seems far too flimsy when a hyena is a couple of feet away...pacing and watching. It is also sobering when you turn off your flashlight and you can not see an inch in front of you, but you know the animal is still there.Read more