28 Lazy Days (1) iMfolozi & Hluhluwe*

[Toko]

Not much to see along the Sontuli loop so we had some sundoweners in one of the lookout loops there

White-fronted Bee-eater sand bathing




White-backed Vulture (hope it is still alive and not one of these poisoned ones )







At no 17 two lions in the river bed too far for a

[Toko]

The late night visitors of Mpila camp were only two hyenas, no bushpig this time

And to top it, a noisy meet at the next tent and peeps running up and down all the night, taking drinks and foot along for the party not impressed by the hyenas

[Toko]

The next morning: We had a slow start again, and headed north east towards the northern roads

Mom with calf




Tawny against grey sky




Schweinderl




Blue sky




These two snoozing






And another uMfolozi vista without animal

[Toko]

The morning drive continued

Some more scenery in the northern region




A bunch of Oxpeckers still roosting in a tree




And this family doing their thing (whilst waiting for the oxpeckers to arrive) - half past eight and time for a stop

[Toko]

Some more photos from the northern roads (break was long enough )




Crested Barbet willing to pose






We had another stop for coffee at the lookout








Another rhino




White-fronted Bee-eater far off

[Toko]

Next we were up to explore the section beyond the river



We saw a vast blue sky



and checked out another view point. Luckily no soul there and an opportunity to have some snacks and drinks

Brown-hooded Kingfisher



and a birdie without ID, proudly presenting its undertail patterns



A dark-capped bulbul is easier to ID



so I took another



before I sat down for a

[nan]

me too, love the Buffaloes in the river and all the birds

[Toko]

We are going to move faster now

because we want to find the first ...

[Toko]

... elephant

A friendly chap and soon his fellow was also prepared to come over



The encounter was not for long, as they went down for a drink and disappeared in the riverside reeds.

So we left and headed a bit further





for a late afternoon meet with the baboons

[Toko]

The sun is already low and the grass golden on the hillsides





Sunset over the hills - kitsch as kitsch can