28 Lazy Days (1) iMfolozi & Hluhluwe*

[Toko]

Better start a short series of TTs still in 2012

The second night in South Africa was all rainy and wet. Our first stop in Pongola: A cosy little chalet in a palm nursery

[Toko]

Have been to iMfolozi in 2012 and in 2013 ...

But this will be the 2013 trip only

On the way to Pongola we did the essential shopping in Gauteng (because it was Sunday and we had to stock up with drinks) and we had several sightings of Bald Ibis The rain started only when we arrived at Pongola on 4 Aug 2013. So instead of lighting the first braai fire we went to Wimpy and spent the rest of the evning listening to the frogs whilst sitting on the thatched veranda with three resident dogs and having some drinks - lazy evening

[Toko]

... and I can clearly state right away: This Bald Ibis is the first ever and only one I have seen in flight and I think it's a very cool photo given that I am not a keen photographer and that the photo is only slightly blurred and I got the fast moving thing into the frame from head to feet

[Toko]

The next morning: We had a slow start, but arrived around midmorning at Memorial gate and had a quick break there getting some curios at Vukuzame craft market.

The Coral trees in full bloom



And we were off heading to the picnic spot for a late breakfast



The sun was out again, blue skies, warm and nice scenery.





Green grass on the burnt ground



We took the Maphumolo road and all was quiet there.



Almost time for the first cold drinks ...

[Toko]

There are a number of picnic sites situated throughout the reserve, but this is my fav one






Southern Tree Agama




Overhead a Dark-capped Bulbul



No Crowned Toko around


Black-collared Barbet






Unidentified one

[Toko]

A Brown-hooded Kingfisher on the lookout




We were slowly proceeding along the main road. At the Hluhluwe river crossing a pair of Hamerkop and a Green-backed Heron.






Lovely landscape






Vista over the Black uMfolozi




A young Nyala male on his own




It's only 11:30 and we are almost there, we can have lunch in the camp.

[Toko]

Hluhluwe & iMfolozi is indeed a scenic reserve I have never seen the big five in one go there though it's a lovely reserve and looks quite natural without artificial water holes and many panoramic view points.

In the iMfolozi section, the uMfolozi river crossing produces sometimes, sometimes does not

We found the first elephant. (they were two of them and there is no ellie guarantee in the reserve, you can go around for days without seeing one sometimes, as they migrate often into the wilderness area during the dry season)







and only 20 min to Mpila camp!


This old buffalo




Hamerkop in the riverbed




and a Wolly-necked Stork






Only 20 min to Mpila camp!

[Toko]

Not delayed by any sightings we arrived at Mpila camp.
3 nights - ZAR 2190
The camp is perched on a hill, and safari tents and chalets overlook opposite directions.




Crowned Toko




Common Fiscal




Some lunchtime impressions






Blue Waxbills foraging






Dark-capped Bulbul




And a Black-collared Barbet feeding on juicy African Horned Cucumber

[Toko]

Two hours later we are off for an afternoon drive heading towards Sontuli loop to spend some time at the picnic spot there.

Baboons feeding on flowers.




And a relaxed endangered creature resting.




Whilst we are watching this idyllic scenery, another chapter of the tragedy is unfolding in the Hluhluwe section, where we entered the park that morning. Another most brutal poaching incident has orphaned another rhino calf. The little one is now wandering alone in the bush. It won't make it. Rangers find a fresh female carcass this day, 5th August. Her orphaned calf will be found dead on the 10th August, died of malnutrition.

[Toko]

We arrived at the Sontuli picnic spot around hals past two and found it quiet, lunch time visitors had already left and the afternoon drive goers not yet there. Nothing better than enyoing the views over the Umfolozi river and listening to the birdies or enjoying a couple of cold drinks.

A shy one hiding




One in flight




Common Scimitarbill




Kurrichane Thrush




Crested Francolin




Pretty afternoon lit Black uMfolozi River