When small Streams turn into Rivers

[Richprins]

I really enjoyed this episode as it brings back memories of Nyawutsi hide and that road, Pumbaa!

Lovely shot of the roller killing those disgusting crickets!

And interesting the muddy nyala!

[Lisbeth]

You don't see spur-winged geese very often

The Shingwedzi causeway is always a point of assembly for the waterbirds and obviously also for crocs

[Pumbaa]

I really enjoyed this episode as it brings back memories of Nyawutsi hide and that road, Pumbaa!

Lovely shot of the roller killing those disgusting crickets!

And interesting the muddy nyala!

That road is always a must for us as on top there is nearly no traffic

[Pumbaa]

You don't see spur-winged geese very often

The Shingwedzi causeway is always a point of assembly for the waterbirds and obviously also for crocs

Totally right about the spur winged geese we had trips were we had seen none and the Shingwedzi causeway is also good for waterbirds when the water level is extreme low as experienced this year

[Pumbaa]

We only left camp extreme late, however, we did not want to miss our evening drive and for sure we again left camp via the back entrance to spend a bit time at the causeway where the crocodiles did not move





so we took so many close ups



whilst this one is extreme scary



nevertheless we were fascinated by these animals



and even had to be careful as the youngsters were floating in the water on the causeway and we did not want to overrun them luckily they always knew how to withdraw from closer coming cars.



We again turned into the S55 now from the other side and here we came across some kudus



and right on the road we spotted a honey badger youngster who was unfortunately immediately grabbed by the mother and carried away and we only could take a blurred picture when we finally came closer to where both of them were running into the bushes at least we saw them.



We again stopped on the highwater bridge where now two buffaloes were lying in the riverbed,



drove the short confluence loop but from there now nothing could be seen and returned slowly back to camp where we spotted quite a lot of elephant herds with youngsters



as well as impressive bulls.



We enjoyed the sunset



and returned back to camp for our final braai in the park where we put all our things on the table which we could not take with us and finally fell in bed and slept like logs.

[Pumbaa]

Saturday, 25. February 2023 - Shingwedzi

Explored roads: H1-6 – S52 – S101 – H1-7 – S56 – H1-7 – S53 – H1-7 – S50 - S135 – H1-7 – S55 - Confluence

Unfortunately today was our last full day in the park already so we headed into the direction of the S52 for sure after finally a first brewing hot coffee on our verandah – luckily at Shingwedzi no load shedding neither in the morning and nor during the rest of the time we spent there. To our joy also the S52 was not closed as this road on top is getting more and more to our favourite in the far North. We stopped for a woodland kingfisher and got already sentimental as we will definitely miss their call.



Overall it was today a quiet drive along that road, however, we soaked everything in as normal life will be back far too soon whenever holidays are over. At least we found a nicely posing waterbuck lady





and for sure captured tender moments between the many impalas we noticed on that road



and even captured a cinnamon breasted bunting we were so far looking for in vain during that trip.



More woodland kingfishers wanted to say good bye and it looked as if all the impalas in that area wanted to do exactly the same especially the little ones were so cute



especially in such a green vegetation.



Also for all these impalas we stopped for a longer period and simply watched their behaviour



and where there are impalas baboons are normally also not that far.



to be continued…………..

[Lisbeth]

Those close-up crocs are monstrous

You always manage to find birds that nobody else has ever seen

Yes, the call of the woodie is very nostalgic

[ExFmem]

OH MY! Where to even start with naming favorite shots - SO many to choose from. You've out-done even yourself, and that's a TALL order. Gotta love the capture/timing of the roller and cricket. Kudos

As always, thank you for bringing a smile to so many of us

[Richprins]

What great croc shots, Pumbaa!

And never seen that cinnamon bunting!

Ja, the S52 is lovely, it is just so long!

[Pumbaa]

Those close-up crocs are monstrous

You always manage to find birds that nobody else has ever seen

Yes, the call of the woodie is very nostalgic

Believe me there are still birds left we are looking for in Kruger