Member's Tips on do's and dont's of spotting

[Mel]

Many a time I have read of sightings where the people KNOW EXACTLY where the dens are?

Is this information a 'little bit' classified - or may I ask where do I go to find a mommy animal with her cubs..
Is it seasonal, do they find new dens each year?

I can't speak for Kruger really, but in my experience it's mouth to mouth from either visitor to visitor
or people who work in the park and who gathered intelligence by either themselves or - again - from
other visitors.

[Duke]

Lots of good tips here All

'Anything will do'-attitude. So, I firmly believe that
I don't find the critters, but they find me if I'm supposed to see them. -O

Have no expectattions they will find you

Priorities also change for some...now I just want peace and quiet, and avoid busy roads, for example! But a lion or leopard still completes my trip, make no mistake! -O

Just to be out in the bush on the quiet roads. A leopard is a bonus, and feathered friends

[Flutterby]

Amoli, on our recent trip in August, and last year in October, we found hyenas at their dens south of the Olifants high level bridge. I think they have been in that area for years, and I think early morning and late afternoon are the best times to find them there. We came across another den on the H1-2 around the Kruger Memorial Tablets. Hyenas love using culverts as their dens so look out for them.

With regards to wild dogs, I think they move their dens quite often. Last year before our trip I had been keeping an eye on the sightings groups and saw there was a den on one of the Pretoriuskop loop roads, but they moved just days before we got there. Twice now we've seen the EWT's truck tracking wild dog on the S114. We never saw them but they must be in the area.

[nan]

like already said... patience... patience... patience
let animals/birds coming... no need to make a pursuit
and "read" all the little indices... could turn to be a great sighting

[Flutterby]

[Sonel]

@ Heksie's tips.

-One lekker cup of coffee with a generous dash of Amarula
-Maybe a second cup to bring with just for in case
-100g of droewors or biltong to snack on when you drive
-1 packet of menthol cigarettes and do remember an ashtray as we frown upon stompies in the Park
-absolute no music in the car

I will be sure to remember that as I only smoke 'mentals'.
Don't know about the Amarula though. I might mistake a lion for the car or something at a later stage.

Great tips everyone and thanks for sharing.

[Toko]

Heksie usually does very well with this strategy and finds the big five almost every day, so you should really consider

[Sonel]

Toko! Then I will have to go and buy a bottle and biltong immediately.

[Heksie]

Heksie usually does very well with this strategy and finds the big five almost every day, so you should really consider

Hahaha
I forgot to add that i bring 500g of beef fillet to drag undernesth my car, that is why Im so lucky with the cats

[Flutterby]

Ah...the truth comes out!