Today was our first full day at Kruger National Park. Half of our group started the day off with a bush walk. We were excited to see the tracks (footprints) of animals that had been there overnight. The other half goes tomorrow and is eagerly anticipating their turn!

Some of the group members went out early and caught a gorgeous sunrise over the Sabie River! While eating breakfast, we saw several hippos and crocodiles on the river! One thing that immediately caught our attention was watching the hippo scatter-spray its dung, three times. Hippos use this behavior for a number of reasons: to mark their territory and communicate with other hippos, to help exclude parasites from their anus, and to break up large chunks of dung to expedite nutrient cycling in the environment. It was so exciting to see these creatures so close up! Check our reel on @ncmnsteachered on Instagram for a brief video (content warning!).

In the early afternoon, our whole group went to the Lake Panic Hide (an animal blind). We got the opportunity to observe crocodiles, hippos, the Egyptian Goose, a water monitor lizard (similar in size to an iguana), along with many other African animals in their natural habitats. It was exciting after we heard some splashing around the corner and turned to witness aggression between two crocodiles.

This evening we went on a sunset game drive and saw MANY creatures including: elephants (LOTS), giraffes, hyenas, bush babies, and a duiker (small antelope). During the drive, we learned how to distinguish between male and female giraffes. Male giraffes are typically larger and have thicker ossicorns, the horn-like structures in between their ears (that are usually bald because the hair has been rubbed off during aggressive encounters with other males). We felt like we were truly in South Africa today and have  deepened our appreciation and connection for the incredible biodiversity found at Kruger National Park. We can’t wait to see what adventures await us tomorrow!