A travel journal: A Namibian family’s days of wildlife, wonder and warmth in the KNP

The first day: From Windhoek to Johannesburg – The journey begins

Excitement hung in the air as the extended Erasmus family gathered at Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Three generations, Grandfather Harry, Grandmother Alta, their three grown children and grandchildren, were finally off on the long-awaited family adventure to Kruger National Park.

The flight to Johannesburg was filled with chatter and last-minute wishlists. At O.R. Tambo International Airport, the family and their luggage were collected and made their way to the motorhome rental depot. Rows of gleaming vehicles awaited them, and soon they had the keys to four motorhomes which would be their homes on wheels for the coming week.

They set out eastward, following the long N4 to Nelspruit. Rolling green hills flashed by, and the late-afternoon sun painted the Lowveld gold by the time they arrived at their overnight campsite near Nelspruit.

That night, over a shared meal and laughter, Grandfather Harry raised his glass and said:  “Tomorrow, we meet Kruger.” 

Entering Kruger at Malelane Gate

The family woke early, eager to enter one of Africa’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. They drove in convoy, the four motorhomes gleaming in the soft morning light, until they reached Malelane Gate.

The excitement was palpable. The official at the entrance smiled as she checked their permits. “Keep your eyes open,” she said. “The bush has many surprises.”

Barely minutes into the park, a shape moved through the grass beside the road. Then another. A small herd of African buffalo emerged, heavy-horned and unhurried, only a small distance from the vehicles.

“Buffalo!” shouted Alta, camera ready in hand. It felt like a grand welcome - Kruger’s way of saying, You’ve arrived.

The rest of the day unfolded in glorious rhythm: giraffes nibbling at acacias, elephants dusting themselves beside the river, and impalas darting through the bush. That night, the family camped at Lower Sabie, where the crackle of the campfire and smell of sosaties mixed with the distant calls of hyenas.

Through the heart of Kruger

Morning coffee brewed, and after a quick breakfast was enjoyed, the family packed up and drove north, spotting zebras, wildebeest, and lots of elephants grazing near the rivers. Each stop brought squeals of excitement and whispered wonder.

A birthday celebration

For the next few days, they camped at Satara and Letaba, where the day belonged to Harry. Seventy years strong, full of memories, and still the heart of the family. A birthday cake, balloons and some bubbly were packed, and the campsite came alive with laughter and joy.  “I’ve waited all my life to experience this,” he said softly. “Now I’ve done it with all of you.”

That night, the bush fell still as the family shared more stories by the fire. It was a birthday no one would forget. 

The journey continued

Most evenings, they braaied beneath a sky ablaze with stars. The grandchildren roasted marshmallows while their parents sipped wine. A gentle silence settled as a distant lion roared across the plains. “That sound,” they whispered among themselves, “is Africa’s heartbeat.”

When they reached Tsendze Rustic Camp, a peaceful and less-crowded haven near Mopani, they agreed that it was their favourite among all the camps.

Northward adventures and Pafuri magic

The convoy continued north, past Shingwedzi and toward Punda Maria, the park’s northernmost camp. The landscape changed - dense forests of fever trees, dry riverbeds, and winding tracks leading toward the Limpopo.

They stopped often, exploring picnic spots, photographing baobabs, and spotting kudu, nyala, and playful vervet monkeys.

The children grew quieter during game drives, their earlier excitement replaced by quiet fascination. Even the teenagers, usually glued to their phones, were captivated by the rhythm of the bush.

Their final night inside Kruger was spent watching the shadows dance and listening to nightjars calling. Grandmother Alta observed, “We came as travellers, but we’re leaving as part of something larger.”

Farewell, Kruger – Homeward bound

The last morning brought mixed emotions. The family drove slowly toward Pafuri Gate, reluctant to leave behind the land that had given them so many moments of awe.

The road back to Johannesburg was long but filled with storytelling. Each person had a favourite moment.

At O.R. Tambo Airport, as they returned the motorhomes and prepared to fly home to Windhoek, they agreed: “We’ve travelled far, but the best part wasn’t the animals. It was all of us together.”

The plane lifted off over the golden Highveld, heading northwest toward home. Below, the wide African landscape stretched endlessly, just as wild and beautiful as when they’d arrived.

Reflections from the journey

Back in Windhoek, Alta posted photos on Facebook - elephants, sunsets, campfires, and smiling faces. Every image told a piece of their story. Kruger had not just been a destination, but a shared chapter in the family’s history.

For the Erasmus family, the trip became more than a holiday. It was a reminder of connection – between generations, between people and nature, between hearts and horizons.

As Harry can now declare with a wink, “At seventy, I found my second breath and plan to explore my wild side even more!”