Scrub Hare Sightings | Orpen Night Drive | Kruger National Park Adventures | Stories Of The Kruger

Join this channel to get access to perks:
   / @storiesofthekruger  

Visit Our Website: https://storiesofthekruger.com

Like Us On Facebook:   / storiesofthekruger  

Follow Us On Instagram:   / storiesofthekruger  

Scrub Hare Sightings On An Orpen Night Drive | Kruger National Park Adventures

Welcome to another unforgettable adventure with Stories Of The Kruger! In this video, we shine a spotlight on one of the most common yet often overlooked nocturnal mammals of the Kruger National Park — the Scrub Hare. Found abundantly after dark, these small but fascinating creatures make every night drive a little more magical.

On a warm summer evening, we embarked on a thrilling night drive from Orpen Rest Camp, exploring the H7 tar road and the nearby S106 dirt road. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Kruger transformed into a lively nocturnal wonderland, and the Scrub Hares became the stars of the show. With their large ears, agile movements, and distinct charm, they darted across the road and paused momentarily, allowing us to marvel at their beauty.

Fascinating Facts About the Scrub Hare:

Scrub Hares (Lepus saxatilis) are highly adapted for life in the African bush. Their large ears help regulate body temperature and pick up on the faintest sounds of approaching predators.

They’re herbivores, feeding primarily on grass, leaves, and shoots. During the dry season, they rely on dew and succulent plants for hydration.

Known for their incredible speed, Scrub Hares can leap away from predators like leopards, owls, and jackals, which makes spotting them during a night drive an exciting challenge!

Unlike rabbits, they don’t burrow but instead rely on their camouflage and quick reflexes to evade danger.

While they may not be as famous as the Big Five, Scrub Hares are an essential part of the Kruger ecosystem, serving as prey for many nocturnal predators and contributing to the balance of nature.

Our drive wasn’t just about the hares. Along the way, we were serenaded by the calls of nocturnal birds like the Fiery-necked Nightjar and Spotted Thick-knee. We spotted a few other amazing creatures of the night, including Spotted Hyaenas, Spotted Eagle Owl, White-tailed Mongoose, Small Spotted Genet and, a firs for me in the dark, a pack of 3 African Wild Dogs hunting Impala! But the Scrub Hares stole the show with their frequent appearances, making this drive an absolute delight for wildlife enthusiasts.

At Stories Of The Kruger, we aim to highlight every layer of the Kruger’s biodiversity, from the smallest creatures to its majestic predators. Scrub Hares may be common, but their charm lies in their subtlety. Seeing them under the moonlight on a warm summer evening is a reminder of the intricate web of life in this iconic park.

This video is part of our “Night Drives and Nocturnal Wildlife” playlist, where we showcase the wonders of the Kruger after dark. Whether you’re planning your next night drive or simply want to enjoy the magic of the bush from home, this video is sure to inspire your love for the Kruger National Park.

At the time of this upload, we’ve already shared 600 videos, with thousands more in the pipeline, each offering a unique glimpse into the wonders of the Kruger and beyond. From bird calls and trip reports to rare sightings and wildlife behaviour, we’re dedicated to telling the stories of Africa’s natural world, one video at a time.

We hope you enjoy the video! Please like and subscribe for more Wildlife and Kruger National Park videos and content!

#KrugerNationalPark #ScrubHareSightings #KrugerNightDrive #WildlifeStories #AfricanNocturnalAnimals #OrpenRestCamp #StoriesOfTheKruger