Braaiing with Wild Cats*

[Pumbaa]

After a short break at Tshokwane which was gladly functional as well after two year closures for us we carried on the tar road northwards and came across kudus as well as more bee eaters in catching more insects,





and also the white winged widow birds were busy in looking for the suitable wife.



Birdingwise it was more than a brilliant drive today as nearly all colourful feathers came across and so did the Little bee eaters although same were located a bit far away so only a couple of shots and on top it started once again to rain a bit.



I love to drive that road as the bushes and the grass is always so lush and green and it was a pleasure to photograph that elephant with all the green in the background.



At Mazithi the dark clouds were right above us and it was also extreme windy so besides a fish eagle looking for some food nothing else could be found.



At least it was pleasure to take a break from driving and to observe the fish eagle for a while who had indeed some problems in landing on top of a tree as the wind was blowing heavily now and the branches were bowing extremely.



Further down the road our feathered friends still did not let us down



so we were able to capture a European and a Carmine bee eater on one picture – What a colour explosion!



I cannot get enough of all the different coloured feathers they were all shining so brightly so that even the rain stopped nearly completely for that day.



Also the juvenile Carmine be eaters could be found in flocks and on nearly each branch a couple



of them could be seen and it took us indeed extreme long as Timon nearly stopped in front of each branch.



As always we decided to take a short detour via the S86 although we never saw much on that road but at least you come a bit closer to the riverbed and the views are normally lovely but this year the grass was extreme high so it was a bit tricky to even locate the riverbed....At the end of the road a nearly bare bush caught our attention as the bird life in the minute we arrived was extreme active and loud. A lady weaver peeped through the leaves from inside the bush

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and there were as well plenty of other colourful and most wanted birds but same kept too much hidden or we only got the branch in front of them sharp and not the bird as same were on top that quick.

At least we could capture that little feathered friend





and same was posing that nicely and sat always still so we were able to get more than only one shot from same.



Next stop as always when travelling to Satara was at Kumana dam and we had luck not only that from now on until the rest of that day the sun came out more and more but also it were a lot animal activity to be seen. A couple of waterbucks were running around enjoying life,



a lone wildebeest was lying in between the many impalas and lots of hippos were sleeping in the water in the summer sun and it got hotter and hotter with each minute now.



We realized also a lot of herons on their nest breeding in the tree right in the middle of the dam so it was indeed never boring as there was nearly everywhere something to be seen.



My favourites here were the hippos as they were lying motionless in the water with even head under water so only the huge bum was visible



and sometimes the head got lifted only to yawn extensively



and we had luck as one of the huge hippo mom had got a little one and same was obviously a bit bored and wanted to play but mom could not get animated.



to be continued......

[Pumbaa]

Finally mom left the comfortable water and interrupted her nap as she had to look after the offspring.



I love the comparison between mom’s huge body and the little one which is simply impressive.





We could have parked there for the rest of the day but is was still a bit to go and also the Southernmost baobab had to be visited again but it was a muddy and bumpy riverbed to be crossed twice in which a lone bushbuck lady looked a bit lost between a group of impala males.



Final stop before we reached finally Satara camp itself was Nkaya pan as same is also one of those spots in Kruger where everything could be possible and where normally is always something to be seen. Today we already realized a couple of saddle billed storks busy in foraging and needless to say it was a pleasure to observe and photograph them as they are always such impressive birdies.





The hippos announced our arrival as usual with loud grunting



and even some warthogs and two male waterbucks dared to come closer for a drink



Due to that time of the day and due to the fact that with each kilometer we drove northwards it got hotter and hotter we had the pan all to ourselves so we enjoy the silence together with the present animals



only when we were about to leave another car arrived and so it was our signal to carry on but it was indeed hard not to spend the rest of the day at this lovely spot.



A bit marula magic on the tar road



and giraffes, elephants and zebras got more and more out of which this group was standing right on the road – Satara at its best already without even have checked in



and also the woodland kingfisher got louder and the Carmine bee eater more plentiful



It was great to be back and although the refurbishment of the restaurant complex was in full swing we were happy to arrive at bungalow G177, our new home for 4 nights and after everything found its place and as it was already late we did not stay that long and were already on the move into the direction of Nsemani dam where we right spotted a cute waterbuck baby



on the move with mom.



Needless to say that such tiny antelopes are always a pleasure to spot. We stayed as long as they allowed shots and sighed about the beautiful view and as we for sure would have more time to spend here during the coming days we allowed us a visit to Girivana waterhole via the S12 and in fact we did not drive that far already when we found ourselves face in face with them



apparantly brother and sister on the pad with hundreds of flies in a ring around their faces which must always be annoying to them.

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We were once again over the moon as we had chosen the right road at the right time and with a bit of luck everything is possible – We were hoping to spot some lions around Satara as we normally



do have had luck with them in that area but we were not prepared to see some of them already on our very first afternoon drive so we were extreme surprised and happy



that they had in no way the intention to leave the street – They are the Kings and Queens of the bush shall all the others let them pass and we had no choice than in driving backwards the way we just came and allow them to come again closer which they for sure did determined and unflinching



and that was indeed a bit of a challenge for us to drive that partly hilly and winding road backwards with cameras in hand and the lions in front of us – Maybe on this picture you can see what I mean.



to be continued....

[Pumbaa]

She walked mainly in front, he followed her always on the toe



without any intention to clear the road and we had luck that we were at that point still the only car on the road and we definitely did not have to think about blocking the view of anyone.



As Timon had the better position I started to hand over to him first the camera with the longest lens and the further they came closer to exchange them





and when they were definitely too close he had to drive backwards again and we really lost time and place as we were in lion modus.



Although that young she already lost the tip of her tail obviously a very ruthless sibling played a bit too hard with same.





When we missed to drive in time backwards they walked only for a short period and still very unwillingly into the high grass only to return right behind our car on the road again.





Meanwhile we found ourselves nearly back on the tar road when another car arrived and as we had such a good time with the lions





and we got more shots than even wanted we let the lions with the other car and continued to drive into the direction we just came from. We still could not believe our luck about such a fantastic lion sighting and at the point we did not know that this was not the last time we saw them.....

Still thrilled by this so unexpected sighting we now drove back into the direction of Girivana but half way there we were hold up again by another road block in form of a numerous elephant herd.



I guess all of you know that hilly, narrow and winding road and in summer framed by thick bushes and trees from both road sides I cannot imagine of an inappropriate road to stumble across a herd of elephants



So for us the procedure of driving backwards started again as the elephants were not yet willing to clear the road especially as they once again had some cute pies between them which were still extreme small and consequently the members of the herd extreme protective.



Obviously it was not meant for us to arrive at Girivana today. The good thing was that the elephants were extreme relaxed, however, whilst driving backwards and whilst taking pictures one of our camera died and out came only some strange permanent click click noises.



I indeed cannot imagine of a more unsuitable place were such thing could happen but at least we could not do anything about it. Presently same is meanwhile repaired and functioning properly. Hopefully such thing did not happen again whilst staying in Kruger.

Suddenly the elephants cleared the road and we got the greenlight to finally arrive at Girivana as on top meanwhile the gate closing time was coming drastically closer. Unbelievable but true we also spotted a honey badger crossing the street in front of us but same far too soon for our cameras reached the other side of the road and disappeared in the thick green vegetation.

As much as we had thrilling sightings to Girivana the more they got less back to Satara as we only could locate a couple of vultures in a tree but we really did not complain as the clock was now ticking hardly down.

Back in camp we made ourselves comfortable in front of our braai on our verandah enjoying the evening and our time in the park and soon got visited by some dinner guests. First one was the Satara honey badger but unfortunately as the we saw one hour earlier same disappeared so fast that we could not get a picture – Unfortunately same stayed away for the rest of our stay in Satara but Mrs. Wild cat which arrived a bit later was willing to stay a bit with us and was also willing to pose



but that was obviously not only our presence but the fact that there were lying some delicious things on the braai.



Later on she strolled off checking out the other braai stands but at least we still saw her a couple of times in camp during our stay in Satara.

Needless to say that we had an early night as we were tired from such an adventurous drive.

Sunday, 16th February 2014 – Satara

We normally do at least once the S100 as morning drive and so why not driving same today and so we decided to give the most famous road in the park another try although it was really tough in the previous three or more years to spot anything specifically in the beginning of that road. However, first just outside the gate on the H1-4 the game was plentiful, as we spotted giraffes, impala, wildebeest and zebras in masses although the light was still extreme poor.



So we stayed a bit with them and then carried onto the S100 also in view to let all the pushers pass us so that we were at least allowed to photograph birds without getting any strange looks. Gladly soon the sun setted already and it got with each minute brighter and lighter.



It was indeed as during the previous years it was dead quiet on that road not even a single bird until we reached Shibotwana where once again all the general game reunited and it was a fantastic view to spot that much wildebeests, impalas, zebras and waterbucks together





and nearly each herd had got an enormous amount of youngsters between them.



to be continued with one or two honeymoon couples......

[Pumbaa]

So we stayed relatively long with them to capture some precious moments with the setting sun, a hot coffee in hand and on top to simply listen to all the mooing and barking which surrounded us



for such morning impressions I guess the S100 is legendary and one of the best roads in the entire park.



It indeed took a while until we could drag ourselves away from them and meanwhile more and more cars passed us on the hunt for obviously something more exciting. We finally also carried on and meanwhile also the birds awoke as we could observe a lovely brown snake eagle in the morning light



and in our favourite loop where you do have some lovely views into the N’wanetsi riverbed which by the way I never saw that full as this year under some huge fig trees the normal woodland kingfisher soon appeared after having heard already a lot of them



and in the same loop a ground hornbill could be observed



and even a hadedah ibis in one of the mentioned fig trees.



Another reason why I love that area of the park that much is the open savannah grasslands on the one side of the road and a totally different vegetation in form of a variety of large trees on the other side. Suddenly we were again the only car far and wide and also from the other side of the road no speeders could be met and when we turned onto the very last loop of that road we also realized the reason because of the lack of cars as there a honeymoon couple was already surrounded by all the cars which passed us



but gladly the parking space in the very last loop was enormous and as the couple was lying right in the middle of the loop everyone had the best position in taking pictures or observing them without blocking anybody’s view.



Both of them were extreme relaxed also in view of the many cars watching and photographing them but when a car came too close they got a bit nervous.



At least he allowed some shots in full glory with fully belly and some wounds in form of a sore eye



Most of the cars meanwhile carried on and we were nearly alone on the loop when two younger girls arrived, parked and then both opened their car roof and appeared with their cameras out of the roof and consequently chased then the lions away from the loop into the high grass. Gladly for us they left relatively soon and also the lions started to relax again and returned to their previous spot and allowed us some nice close ups again.



I cannot understand or tolerate such behaviour from people as the one thing happened that everyone did not want the lions got frightened and disappeared.





Gladly the people in the car which stayed the most time with the lions besides us and we gave the girls the right look nearly simultaneously and so we obviously chased them away. Love that one of His Majesty with the thick vegetation in the background.



It was now a come and go with the cars, most of them did not stay long and so we enjoyed the lions nearly alone with the more and more upcoming sun which illuminated everything with a brilliant light meanwhile although on the other hand it soon stated to get hot and hotter and so we supposed that the lions might disappear completely in the cooling shade



but we had luck we still had the honour in still spending a lot of time with them but at least they started to move from one point to another although she was still not be in the right mood to produce some offspring so he turned into sleeping modus.



Whilst the lions were doing what they do best we always do look around in the search for some birdies but you will not imagine my face when I look around and spotted them



another honeymoon couple only less than 100 meters away!

Incredible – Timon must have realized them the minute when I saw them and so I pointed them out to the passengers in the other car who stayed with us already the longest. We watched them until they got out of sight but supposed that they may have laid down somewhere else around the corner, however, we so far decided to stay where we were and maybe investigate the other couple a bit later.



to be continued...

[Pumbaa]

His facial expression could have been interpreted like that: “This baby belongs to me!”





As already said that day they did not mate only spent time together but for sure she had obviously chosen already him and he was waiting already in line.



Gladly we had the honour in spending time with relatively active lions despite the fact that the sun was shining meanwhile relatively steadily and hot and due to the fact that most of the time we spotted them they nearly stayed in the full sun instead of napping the day away in the shade.



The obligatory yawning and grooming took place whilst he was hiding



behind the grass as obviously for him it was in fact too hot in the sun.



As meanwhile not much happened with our couple we decided to pay the other one a visit and in fact you only had to drive around the corner and there they were lying in the shade of a small bush on the road side.



He had an injury in his forehand whilst the other male had a sore eye – Indeed not really beauties but obviously they do had other qualities although when an impressive boy such him is throwing me that looks I would also melt away like ice cream – Love that one!



She was obviously a bit bored and yawned nearly permanently



Gladly it had meanwhile quiet down extremely trafficwise so the lions did not get disturbed in any way, however, a couple of cars but in fact only two arrived, stopped a bit and then we gave them the hint to under all circumstances they have to drive into the next loop as there another lion couple could be admired.



After a couple of shots and half an hour later we let them in peace



and returned to the other couple where still the car which stayed with us nearly the whole time was standing and they in fact were lying nearly on the same positions as we left them earlier



she was taking a nap in the sun







whilst he was preferring a spot in the shade.







We were about to leave when our lovely couple decided to test a new shading place right behind our car in the shade and so we could not drive anywhere and felt honoured that Her and His Majesty elected our car too rest under.



This was one picture Timon took via the back mirror to spot what was going on, as we also wanted to see what the other cars could see out of which we got a good laugh. At least they did not know how long we already stayed with them and how many pictures we already took.



Finally both now decided to leave the shade behind our car and went under a small bush and that was then the signal for us too to leave them. You can for sure imagine that this was not our last time we spotted the two honeymoon couples during our stay at Satara!



to be continued again with some birdies.....

[Pumbaa]

Awesome pics of a fantastic sighting

We had luck this year with the lions

[Pumbaa]

Catching up, Pumbaa!

The breeding ellie herd is strange behaviour...normally they just want to get across the road? maybe more used to tourists?

The male lion has a full belly...which leads to sleeping! Normally they stay awake relentlessly....their goal in mind!

I am sure they are used to tourists on top they were so relaxed compared to the ellie herd in the far North

[Pumbaa]

Meanwhile it was already 10.00 o’clock, however, we enjoyed the presence of the honeymoon couple extensively although we were now in an urgent need and so we were not that unhappy that whilst carrying along the S41 into the direction of Sweni bird hide it was totally quiet animal wise besides this beautiful black-shouldered kite who was located a bit too far away.



At Sweni we stretched also our legs a bit and after a nice break we headed forward to Sweni hide which was gladly deserted so that we had same all to ourselves. Although bird wise nothing excited could be spotted, however, the noisy hippos could neither be overheard nor overlooked.



A lot of different coloured dragonflies were willing to pose and gladly landed always in the blades of grass close by to where we were sitting



and hundreds of spider webs were not located that far and in some also Mrs. spider was around



and more dragonflies appeared.



Due to the lack of birdies we decided to carry on but before we had to drive to the close look out point where we were able to get a close look into the reeds where a thick billed weaver was busy in building a nest



which could be spotted already from the hide but from there they reeds were simply too far away for a decent picture and so it was with the red bishop



who was always located in the reeds on the close by causeway and we already noticed a red dot whilst in the hide. Unfortunately this was the only red bishop we could find this year in the entire park. On the other side of the causeway into the direction of the famous rock formation a goliath heron was standing motionless and eyeing something.



We decided to give this hide another try on one of the following days as well and drove back the way we came namely via the S41 and now we could admire same in her total beauty with all the low water bridges and a visit at Gudzani dam.

Besides a group of giraffes



as well as plenty of European rollers



nothing else on the Southern part of this road. After another extensive break at Gudzani dam where we observed everything we decided to stay on this road and drive back to camp via the S90.

On one of the many causeways we had to cross as well on the Northern side of the park we could spot a battle between a green backed heron and hammerkop





about the best fishing spot in that pond.





Both of them obviously lost time and place as they did not realize our presence and acted and posed brilliantly so Timon started the button press marathon again.





The green backed heron always chased the hammerkop away from its favourite spot and finally the greenie won and the hammerkop had to start to fish on another spot of which this pond had many on top with many flowing water from stone to stone. Although I was sure that the hammerkop will win.



Meanwhile it got hotter and hotter today and I even cannot remember of any rain so we were pleased that due to the heat we got to see many animals – the zebra herds got more the longer we drove on that road and we had time in observing them



and even their hitch hiker friends which start to become uncountable!



Some giraffes took a closer look



and we meanwhile did not know where to start to look as now ostriches, a kori bustard and a couple of black backed jackals appeared only within second – one of the jackal was then in an urgent need....



We turned into the S90 and also on that road we were pleased to spot lot of animals, a group of kudus was in a hurry



and gladly more ostriches could be seen and we had on top the time to stop and they allowed us to photograph them



as from the other group we spotted earlier we only got to photograph the last feather on the bum so fast they disappeared again in the thick bush.



to be continued....

[Pumbaa]

The ever present wildebeests were even posing nicely



On one of the causeways you had to cross our birder’s soul could be satisfied again as we stopped and simply parked to watch a lovely masked weaver busy in building a nest and a very well hidden brown hooded kingfisher – both unfortunately stayed the whole time too far away or were always hiding behind a branch. Gladly from the other side a tawny flanked prinia popped out of the thick leaves and started to pose



gladly right vis-a-vis Timon’s car window.



Only a bit further down a cute steenbok male found something delicious and soon started to munch away



and according to his facial expression what we found tasted yummy.



The rest of the drive was uneventful – not to complain – we had so far an awesome day so a longer break on our verandah came across very handy and on top with the shortly bought ice cream from the shop in hand tasted even better.

Our afternoon drive brought us back into the direction to Girivana again but today it was a more than quiet drive we stopped for a group of warthogs,



elephants and a couple of Egyptian goose enjoying the last rays of sunshine at Girivana.



Whilst driving back we had the honour in following a paradise whydah and always watched the tipping tail whilst same landed either on the ground or in a tree – Gladly same finally stayed long enough for a quick snapshot.



On the tar road back to Satara lots of elephant bulls in the distance occurred out of which this one was the closest we could get a picture from – it looks as if he was a bit shy!



Yesterday we already noticed the masses of marabous on the trees in that area and today they even sat a bit closer.



Back in camp we had also the honour in meeting Miss Satara again – She was now lying on the grass between the restaurant complex which was already closed for renovation and the Wells Guest House under a tree. Due to the restaurant closure she had chosen a quiet spot nearly unwatched from the masses of day visitors in camp and still very well hidden from most of the camp residents – gladly we spotted her whilst she was relaxing



and busy in grooming herself.



Some movement in a close by tree caught her eye and then



she was heralding her departure with some claw sharpening – At least for my cats at home it is time for breakfast when they start sharpening their claws! – so for her it must have been now time for dinner.



Timon lit the braai and we enjoyed our evening again extremely especially after having in mind what a great day we had today.

Monday, 17th February, 2014 – Satara

Due to our lion success yesterday we decided to give the S100 another try as early morning drive but today it was extreme cloudy and still extreme dark when we left the camp and consequently the visibility was more than poor and on top also some rain clouds shared their rain with us nearly the whole morning. Due to the bad weather and poor sight we did not expect to see that much again on that road and so our expectations came true. Our whole drive on the S100 was animal free and only when we turned into the S41 into the Southern direction one of our honeymoon couple popped out of a bush



and today she was even willing to mate and soon the procedure started



and the first round was done!



Today it was extreme difficult to photograph them as soon we have been boxed in and could neither move forward nor backwards and had to do some strange wrenches in the car to get at least a couple of usable shots at least Mr. Sore Eye was already eying us suspiciously.



After the hard work had been done! On top it started from time to time slightly to rain and so the light was also not that good. Gladly the heavy rain kept away.



Meanwhile it got far too hectic with all the cars coming and going and as we already got our shots from them yesterday we only stayed half an hour and carried on as you never know what might come across next.



At least the first bird in form of a female double banded sandgrouse crossed our path



and a beautiful waterbuck male was in the mood for some posing. Gladly we always do have luck with our sightings of this beautiful animal in this area.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

Also a far away African fish eagle could be discovered.



Then we met again our second honeymoon couple with whom we spent yesterday not that much time



and due to the fact that with them we were nearly alone as all the other cars might still got stuck at the other couple we stayed a bit longer with them although they were still extreme sleepy



and did what lions simply do best.



Today we even could get some nice close ups.



The head is simply too heavy and need some rest!



She nearly the whole time carried on sleeping in this very uncomfortable looking sleeping position



while he was guarding his baby.



In between he allowed more amazing portrait shots





out of which it was extreme difficult to choose our favourites.



After quite a while he got tired from the attention he got and went back into sleeping modus



with some time for scratching from time to time.



She also moved a bit and immediately he was ready to do his thing but first some morning stretching had to be done



but then all of a sudden she went back in curling herself up and gave us some scary looks.



After another hour with only a few cars and still lots of space for the lions and passing cars we left them and drove forward but again we did not came far as we had to pay attention down to the road as suddenly hundreds of such landsnails appeared and it was extreme difficult not to overrun them.



A lone red-faced mousebird nearly drove us crazy as we so much wanted to take a picture of same but same always landed behind a branch so it was impossible for us to get a decent picture of same.

The obligatory stop at N’wanetsi took place which was already extreme full for an early Monday morning. Today we did not stop at the bird hide and decided to give the H6 instead another try. We paid a visit at Sonop which was deserted but whilst driving to the waterhole we noticed already a far away buffalo herd and on our way back from Sonop we had luck as most of them were about to cross the street right in front of us



with their always so distinctive and lovely curious looking faces.



So we simply switched the engine of and enjoyed once again being part of the herd as more than soon we were surrounded by more and more. Gladly at that moment it started again to rain slightly and consequently the normal hordes of flies which do accompany the buffaloes were limited and we could relish such sighting even more.



Although the grass was extreme high in that area we could identify a lot of small calves between the legs of the moms and sometimes we were delighted when one of their gorgeous faces looked directly into our camera.



For sure the males with their impressive horns and massive bodies are always a monumental appearance.



Nearly the whole herd were extreme busy in feeding as the grass must have tasted there delicious due the greenness and all the mouths close to us were filled always with more than a mouthful.



to be continued.....