The Kruger National Park can be intimidating simply because it is so huge. It’s like a first date, really, because to get lucky you just never really know where to begin. And if you haven’t been there since a child, and are now hauling your kids to the park, playing expert-dad can add even more pressure to the pot.

But the Kaisers did it. And will do it again, and again, because Mdluli Lodge, situated close to Numbi Gate, offered an experience that was as magnificent as it was profitable when it came to game viewing.

The bottom line in both instances makes you want to stay longer, see more game, eat more, read more and just soak up the bush. This is what the Donald Trump refugees will not see again, and I doubt that I would ever be able to give it up.

Game rangers know their animals intimately. It’s fascinating to listen to the anecdotes shared while on safari. There are two options to game view at the lodge, self-drive into the park or, alternatively, joining on a guided open-vehicle and feeling all-tourist. The Kaisers treated themselves to a drive and boy oh boy was it worth it.

Up close with nature: From elephant antics to big five sightings

We got to see nature’s cruelty first-hand with a pair of young elephant bulls bullying an older, bull with giant tusks at a watering hole. They just didn’t want to let him have a sip. Another young elephant bull has been helping Mdluli staff pull down invasive trees.

The story goes that, as they’ve been clearing bush, suddenly many more of the same trees were being pushed over and just left there. Not eaten, just to, apparently, help the staff. Conversely and not so helpful, was the ongoing removal of park signage by another rascal elephant. This Ellie, the guide said, had a predilection to upending No Entry signs and anything directional.

The view from the dining and bar decks at Mdluli Lodge are spectacular. Postcard pretty. One morning we woke up to a large herd of buffalo just chilling. There were too many to count for my seven year old, who was fascinated. It added dollops of flavour to an already delicious breakfast buffet spread. The foreign accents around us a reminder of how good we have it in Mzansi, with the natural treasure we sometimes take for granted.