I was told no swimming in any count several times before I got to the park.  Apparently there are crocodiles here.  I was pretty unconcerned and looking out over the river at dusk after a sweaty day in the jungle going for a swim is very tempting.

I’ve swam in the Amazon with lots of animals that can be dangerous and even played dead whilst floating past piranha so that they would not scatter and I could  get a good underwater photograph.   So I’ve been trailing my feet in the water and getting really tempted to go for a swim.

That’s until I saw one of the crocodiles here, and it really sunk in that these are saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus).  They can grow massive and especially here where they will be undisturbed living in a highly productive river with plenty of food.  There must be some giants here considering they can grow up to 7 meters that’s giant enough for me.  Not only are they big but now I’ve seen one I’m looking out for where they seem to swim, which is slowly just away from the river margin. They also pop up and disappear into the black peaty water very smoothly and quietly considering their size.  I’m fascinated now to watch them but there is no way I’m getting in the water now.

The park is also home to another species of freshwater crocodiles, False Gharials (Tomistoma schlegelii) and there is nothing false about them, but they are endangered and it would be special to see one.  It is a real treat to be able to see so much wildlife and live amongst it for a while.

Teague