There’s a place in Kruger National Park that feels like pressing pause on the world – Lake Panic.

Hidden among the trees and alive with birdsong, Lake Panic is more than just a waterhole. It’s a sanctuary for the soul. Every time I visit, I find myself slowing down, watching the lily pads drift lazily across the water, listening to the gentle sounds of nature all around me.

When you sit quietly at the hide overlooking the lake, you’re never really alone. Kingfishers dive for fish, hippos surface with gentle grunts, and sometimes you’ll spot elephants or antelope stopping by for a drink. The stillness is alive with life – if you’re patient enough to notice it.

The photos I’ve shared here capture just a glimpse of what makes Lake Panic special to me. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest places bring the deepest peace.

So if you ever find yourself in Kruger, make a stop at Lake Panic. Take a moment, take a breath, and let the quiet wash over you.