Blogger Linda Oosthuizen shares what life in Kruger is all about
Category Area Info
The Kruger area is a wilderness wonderland. Made up of a rich tapestry of grasslands, tropical forests, and wetlands, the area is the go-to place for safari holidays or scenic living. When Linda Oosthuizen moved to Malelane Gate in 2018, she was inspired by the rugged beauty of the area. She started Our Life in Kruger, a popular blog that captures her experiences in loving detail. To find out more, Century 21 reached out to the two-time South African Blog Awards runner-up, photographer, and bushveld mum.
Linda, how was your move to Malelane Gate? What did you think of the area?
Before we moved from Letaba, I did not know the area around Berg-en-Dal and Malelane (where we now call home) very well. I remember driving to our new house with the moving truck behind us coming to the top of a rise and seeing the Onderberg area spread out below and being in awe. It is such a beautiful area with the mountains and valleys - our house is right on the banks of the Crocodile River. The fact that we still live in Kruger but are also close to Malelane town means we have the best of both worlds.
You started a blog about your experiences in the Kruger. Please tell us more about your blog.
I initially started blogging to write down our adventures in Kruger for our two boys, Alex and Jack. Not a lot of children can say they grew up living amongst the Big Five, so I wanted to write down some of the exciting things that happened during their early childhood, which they might not remember. These are stories for them to read when they are older to remind them what an extraordinary childhood they had. It turns out that a lot of people, who love Kruger, love reading those stories too.
Your blog shares some exciting events. What has been the highlight of your stay in the area?
I absolutely love seeing wild animals from our house. From the impalas that always hang around the front and the back of the house to the warthogs that show off their litter of piglets each year. We even see lions from the house every now and then. But my favourite days are when the elephants come and visit. Seeing a whole breeding herd in front of our garden and watching them feed, play, and interact with each other while we sit in front of our house is special beyond words.
Animal sightings abound in the area. What animals do you usually spot?
There is a lot of leopard activity in the area. We see this beautiful spotted cat regularly. Elephants love this place too. Especially in Marula season, they are all over, feasting on the delicious fruit from the Marula tree. Sometimes they even break into our garden to get to the fruit!
Then crocodile and hippo sightings from the bridge over the Crocodile River are almost guaranteed. There is one enormous crocodile that we see often. We called him Tugboat, that's how big he is.
Your experiences in nature have clearly left an impact. How has your time in the Kruger shaped you as a person?
Coming to Kruger for a holiday is very different than actually living here. My experiences over the past six years have installed the deepest love, but also a profound respect for nature.
You're a proud mum. What is it like raising a family in the Kruger?
Goodness, it is amazing, beautiful, and scary all at the same time. To watch our two boys grow up with the same love of nature as their father is the most beautiful thing in the world. They prefer playing outside in our Kruger garden and watching animals, to watching TV and I truly think they are extremely privileged to grow up like this.
What advice do you have for someone moving to the area?
Go and explore! There are so many things to do in and around our beautiful area. The Kruger National Park, obviously, but the Onderberg has so much more to offer. So go and explore. You won't be disappointed.
Your blog has been a success. What advice do you have for those who want to follow in your footsteps and share their life stories in their areas?
I did not expect my blog to get this big. One thing I always try to do is to write from the heart. That seems to be resonating with a lot of our followers.
Set against the backdrop of incredible African bush, the Kruger area invites you to start your own chapter - just like Linda. Century 21 offers property in Malelane, a place where many guided game drives start and end. View our properties for sale in the area and make this quintessential safari getaway your home.
Author: Century 21 South Africa
