Joyride with the Bateleurs *

[Pumbaa]

A large zebra herd could also be seen and we simply had to stop for this mom and her little one



and this comical poser.



Shortly before our body break at Letaba more waterbucks appeared through the dense vegetation.



After our extreme short break in Letaba we were back on the road and needless to say that we soak the views on the tar road in the Letaba riverbed in as they are always so breathtaking – a pity was that at that early hour nothing could be seen and soon we reached the turn off into the S95 were Timon had to break suddenly as a cute crested barbet could be seen on top of a bare bush



Funny was when the wind came from the back to view its crest blowing into the other direction



and whilst Timon was busy in photographing our feathered friend I spotted another one in the next bush – a Jacobin cuckoo – Indeed a bird that not come across that often



and right in the end nearly at the high water bridge we were soon caught in a traffic jam as a large family of ground hornbills were running around on the ground.



The two cars in front were obviously also passionate birders as we as they photographed as well frantically the emboss of our feathered friends and it was not that easy for us to find a gap to also take some pictures



but we had luck they finally had enough from the cars around them and started to move on one after the other into the bush right behind our car.



For sure we stopped once more on the high water bridge on the Letaba and looked into all directions but did not stay that long and carried on further North via the H1-6 which was extreme quiet today and not even a bird could be seen for a long long time.

Finally we spotted something grey in the thick grass and were happy to find a very relaxed warthog



feeding on the grass on the road side as normally when on their own they are very skittish



but this one allowed us to stay and capture same from all possible angles



and to watch him feeding with full cheeks.

Somehow we were surrounded by thick mopane bushes and stopped for a cute elephant calf close to our car



and then somehow the hell broke loose.....Suddenly from everywhere more elephants appeared which prior were invisible for us



and we soon were surrounded by the scary low grumble from extreme close and trumpeting all around!



The matriarch stopped frantically and started the obligatory threaten gestures in front of us and made clear that all other members of her herd crossed the street immediately and safely in front and behind our car.



As suddenly as the spook started same was nearly over although we both still were breathing strongly and the adrenaline were still rushing through our venes whilst all elephant of this large herd assembled together also with the little ones between them and started to flap ears.



From own experience I know that a horde of enraged women is already a serious problem but to be trapped in a circle of around twenty enraged elephant ladies is another house number.



Gladly we all calmed down relatively soon and the large herd trotted of still trumpeting and we were more than glad to escape from such a scary moment but the next one was already on its way.....



We were already looking very much forward to drive once again the Tsendze loop and we already drove quite a while on same when right in front of us a huge – they somehow grow even huger in the North or after a close encounter – elephant bull was trotting in the middle of the road into our direction and another car on his coat-tail.



So we had no other possibility in putting the reverse gear in and drove backwards in the same way the elephant came closer but this took longer and longer and nearly endlessly and we hoped that same might decide to disappear in the mopane bushes but same was not in the mood to do so, so still a bit excited about our elephant encounter a couple of minutes ago we turned around and postponed the Tsendze loop to next year!

to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

The S50 along the Nshawu waterholes brought us more elephants – gladly far away and a short side trip to Mooiplaas waterhole offered a lovely sighting of two younger ostriches



which somehow got obviously bored and were busy with a sit down strike which was nevertheless funny to watch.



Their parents were a bit farer away busy with feeding but these two youngsters were in the mood for some break.



Nothing more could be discovered on this large open area around the waterhole and so we returned back to the S50 and hoped for not so many close encounters with elephants that remaining day. Suddenly Timon braked again frantically and we found this little chap on the ground about to cross the street.



Needless to say that the minute we stopped same did the same and remained in this shock numbness for quite a couple of time, however, we waited as long as this little cutie crossed the street safely – I really love the curled tail!

The remaining drive on that road was once again quiet although it meanwhile cleared up and the sun was out and the air started to glimmer again. At Nshawu marsh hundreds of cattle egrets could be seen although the vegetation was dense and thick.



Finally we could also capture a lovely posing purple roller extreme close to the road on a bush





and we somehow made it back to Tihongonyeni which is always a brilliant place to simply sit and watch and after Timon found a suitable area for the car we did so and let the animal come which for sure were once again plentiful around such as wildebeests



and zebras in large groups all around.



We even discovered the elephant carcass of the elephant which has been hit by a lightning only weeks ago and felt a bit sad about the poor boy.



In the pond where normally the elephants were taking their baths hundreds of white storks, a couple of red-billed teals, Egyptian goose and even African spoonbills were around, however, a bit far away for decent pictures and due to the heat the colours were a bit blurred but we got our pictures at a later visit to Tihongonyeni!

A lone tsessebe walked by but was not in the mood for stopping so we only got this shot from the back.



A bit disappointed for us was the fact that this was the only one we saw that day that close and as it was around noon the parade of the elephant bulls started who suddenly appeared from everywhere to quench their thirst,



taking their bath as well as mud bath and for a small chat to a good friend.



Whilst watching around and soaking in everything I saw out of the twinkle of my eye something moving close to where we parked and very well camouflaged – Another juvenile kittlitz plover



who we already discovered last year nearly at the same spot.



After two hours at our favourite place in this area it was time to leave and the whole drive to Mopani camp nothing else came across. Due to the fact that we only rebooked our accommodation shortly prior our departure from Shingwedzi to Mopani a bungalow with view was an illusion and we were happy enough to get rebooked after all. So we got the key to No. 57 which was lovely and large and had a nice bush view with no inhabited bungalows close by but located right at the turnoff to the staff quarter so unfortunately it was regular traffic all around. Nevertheless we made the best out of it and made ourselves as comfortable as possible.

Around 15.30 o’clock we started to our afternoon drive and first stop was once again at Mooiplaas waterhole but same was deserted and nothing could be seen at all so we did not stay long and visited instead our second best area besides Tihongonyeni in that area the Shipandani causeway and for sure we were not disappointed and right at the beginning simply had to capture this sunbathing little terrapin,



however, noticed already a lovely goliath heron, a grey heron, a hammerkop and a couple of blacksmith plovers close or right on top of the causeway looking for some fresh fish and from time to time we even could watch one swimming with the still strongly flowing water. If same was lucky it could escaped or even ended in the stomach of our hammerkop friend as same was the top fisher that evening.



to be continued.......

[flying cheetah]

Lovely colours on the Chameleon
I still saw the bones of the Elephant in November, htey only were scattered a bit around
I totally agree wit you about the road to Shipandani, I never miss the change to go as far as the bridge and look out for the resident leopard. Unfortunetely I only heard from him many times but never saw him myself

[Pumbaa]

As it was still enough time left we wanted to pay a short visit at the hide itself but first we had to cross a very muddy and washed out part of the road which was indeed a bit bumpy. The hide itself was located lovely but the vegetation far too thick and the water simply too high to trace something worth only this little chap dared to come close enough for a picture but nevertheless the silence at the hide was amazing,



however, we definitely did not stay that long as the causeway itself attracted us back like a magnet and now the sun stood in the right position and we as well with our car and the only thing we had to do was to wait and press the button – the grey heron was at the look out for some dinner





and one of our reptile friend had it easier same only had to open its mouth and finished!



And this was not the only one hanging around at this brimful feeding trough at least it was funny to watch seeing the crocodile putting its head on the causeway.



A couple of cars arrived and after a short time of watching around they crossed the causeway and either visited the hide or drove further and each car chased the crocodiles as well as our feathered friends away but gladly for us after it quiet down again all of them returned to their favourite positions



and we had a great time in switching our views from grey heron, to hammerkop and black crake in the background and crocodile in the foreground and it was difficult to decide where to look first we were simply lucky that we still had a lot of time to simply sit there and enjoy.



Finally the grey heron was successful and caught a huge fish



and same was extreme excited about it and walked proudly with its catch out of the water to the other side of the causeway and throw the fish on the ground and examined same carefully even the hammerkop who caught one smaller fish after another already came closer and checked the fish out but obviously found the size simply too large.



We ourselves only asked the question to each other whether the grey heron would swallow the fish or would same be too large?



Obviously the question was unnecessary as the heron gave already the answer -



funny to watch for us but for sure not for the fish was the fact that we still could see the silhouette of same in the neck of the grey heron!



With such a fisher’s luck also the crocodile started to smile!



Also the hammerkop returned to its favourite hunting area and we saw same permanently gulping and the time we looked at same it must already have caught twenty or thirty fishes.



Unfortunately the water dikkops and a green backed heron were too far away and too good camouflaged to take decent pictures and we also spotted a group of waterbucks coming slowly but permanently closer.



I love the rough stony area but also the riverine vegetation at exactly that spot as only a couple of meters further down you once again will be surrounded by deep and thick mopane bushes. Now it was also time for us to leave and we said good-bye to our now satisfied and full grey heron and finally had luck in taking at least one shot of the green backed heron who finally dared to come closer.



Pity was that the goliath heron stayed the whole time during our stay a bit far away but we already decided to return tomorrow again to that awesome spot and try to get some close ups of same or even other birds.

Back in camp Timon lit the braai and gladly with the nightfall the rush of cars quiet down and with no neighbours around we definitely enjoyed the louder getting night orchestra of the bush and this was unfortunately already our final braai under the African sky



and needless to say that we sat outside still quite a while and even got visited by a praying mantis.



to be continued with our last full day......

[Pumbaa]

Saturday, 23. February, 2013 - Mopani

Finally our last full day dawned and although we were not in the best mood to leave the park already tomorrow so we made the best out of the situation and even all the sightings which came across today would be noticed much stronger as this might already be the last ones we had. We headed straight to Tihongonyeni but did not came far as on the H1-6 we soon had to stop as a family of hyenas were blocking the road



for sure these gorgeous youngster had a high cuteness factor especially when looking so curious and innocent.





I remember having met this clan as well on this road already last year where we had some nice cuts in one of our tires afterwards and still having the clan we met in Satara in mind so we watched out a bit more this time



but gladly today our concerns were baseless - Lots of smaller ones could only be seen with only two or three teenagers and only one adult



although these two looked a bit naughty already!



From time to time the younger ones were chased back into the den whenever a new car approached but finally curiosity always won.





The innocence in person at least at this age!





We cannot remember having ever seen such a large group ever before at least most of the members must have been still on the search for some breakfast and we were so busy in watching into each directions that we could not remember at all how many of them we were facing presently



especially the amount of youngsters were incredible and most of them were nearly at the same age.



Also the babysitter and the only adult we saw that morning was extreme relaxed and was extreme unstressed while observing so many lively youngsters.



We as well could not take our eyes from these cute little ones



and although the sun did not rose finally



the buttons of our cameras started to glow already and our fingers could not be stopped to press same.



However, finally we had to cut loose ourselves from this clan and headed forward and we even did not forget this year to take a picture of the signpost of the Tropic of Capricorn.



After two days which started extreme overcast and relatively cold today we had the best weather and finally also the sun was high enough to illuminate everything into some more than lovely golden light - We stopped for this majestic



and curious looking wahlberg eagle



and could hear once again the famous "plop" sound of the black-bellied bustard and finally could capture same in the typical pose.



Finally we arrived at Tihongonyeni, the sun was in the right position and although the zebras, wildebeest and elephants could not be seen at this early hour we enjoyed to be there and having Big "T" all to ourselves. After quite a while a couple of black-backed jackals appeared out of which this one was still extreme sleepy



whilst the other one was a real poser and compared to the other overgrown parts of the park in February the area around Tihongonyeni was not that dense and thick and we finally could capture the jackals in the best light and at the right position





and this was indeed one of the best jackal sightings we so far had in Kruger as sometimes they are far too skittish or too shy to stay long enough for a decent picture or sometimes the grass is far too long to even see more than their heads but this couple was extreme relaxed and for us after the incredible hyena sighting earlier this was already the second highlight we had that day.



This one even got in stalking mood eye in eye with a fly - The other one sniffed extensively at the ellie carcass but finally joined the other one



to be continued.....

[Richprins]

Love the croc interaction, Pumbaa!

For some reason, presumably breeding purposes, fish skedaddle out of perennial water points/rivers as soon as the rains inflate the tributaries enough for them to go upstream there, as it were!

In your pics the croc is waiting upstream for the smorgasbord, but I've also seen them waiting downstream at flowing causeways as the adult fish start returning? One incident comes to mind at the Westernmost Shingwedzi River causeway at the end of December 2000...

Fascinating stuff indeed!

[Pumbaa]

who finally found something very interesting in the grass.



Eventually both of them could no longer to be seen so time for us to capture some birdies such as this red-billed teal



and we even could hear the roar of some lions not that far away and although we still stayed quite a while we never saw them so time for us to carry on and we decided to discover today the S50 into the Northern direction as far as we were able to drive as same was still closed from one point there onwards.

At last still on the S143 another of my wishes came true today because we met a beautiful kori bustard in the best light and without any disturbing grass and same even allowed us to come close enough



for some nice close ups and did not to run away.



But it somehow got even better and same spread its wings



and we already thought that same might now take off but after some unenthusiastic attempts whilst flapping the wings and even jump up



same decided to use its legs for the rest of the day



and cleared the road whilst walking into the grass and looking for some food instead - What impressive bird!



Far away we could see another large buffalo herd but indeed too far away for any pictures - Gladly to the relatively short grass and lack of thick bushes we could look extreme far in that area. On the sporadic bushes we found on the road side the birds were having a ball and even allowed us some nice close up shots without flying away. Lots of groups of European bee eaters could be seen



either close or in groups on some bald bushes where they do look like blossoms.



The magpie shrikes were also present and somehow looking a bit miserable



and also some lovely amur falcons taking a rest



could also be found whereas most of them were already in the air high above circling around which was a great sighting to watch.



The further we drove at last on the S50 Northwards the more thicker the vegetation got and the mopane bushes finally made it difficult to spot something in the distance but that is something I like about Kruger the changing vegetations on the same road between only minutes. So the further we drove the quieter it got but this lovely juvenile bateleur on top of a bush made us stop again.



We dared to pay a visit at the Shibavantsengele look out although the road leading to same did not look that trustworthy



and was surrounded by thick mopane bushes - Just to give you an impression!



The view from the look out was indeed nice but besides mopane bushes as far as the eye can reach nothing else could be seen. Somehow we were happy to be back on the S50 as same was by far easier to drive than the bumpy washed out road which leaded to the look out. It did not take long then we reached Grootvlei and there our drive on this road was finished as from here the road further North was finally closed but gladly we could pay a visit at the dam itself



which was extreme full and compared to the only one time we have ever been there where there only was a mud puddle left it looked so beautiful and totally different and simply lovely with so much water left.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

On the couple of dead trees which stuck out of the water hundreds of cattle egrets could be noticed -



Would love to know at what this one was looking at?



Most of them where busy in cleaning their plumage and some of them really inspected everything very carefully one of them finished looking under its wings and then the next one took over and did the same thing.



For us funny to drive was right on the dam wall at least we did not see any sign that this is forbidden nor any barrier and noticed also other tire tracks on the ground and so we supposed that same was allowed. You are located far higher on that wall and one is having a brilliant overview without any disturbing vegetation.



At the end of the dam there was even a possibility of turning the car around and drive back on the one lane dam. A grey heron landed next to the cattle egrets



and so did an Egyptian goose.



After a very joyful break at the dam we drove back on the S50 and here we only met the first car it was as if we were alone in the entire North of the park. Meanwhile it heated already up again and it was great to have a sunny last full day in the park although on the other hand it got already extreme hot again. On our way back to Tihongonyeni we saw quite a number of wattled starlings flying up in flocks a few times like the red-billed queleas and finally resting in a thorny bush where we could take a couple of shots.



At "Big T" the usual hustle and bustle predominated everything and also all the usual suspects could be seen again which kept away only hours before.



At much as we loved the morning atmosphere earlier that morning with the golden light and the couple of black-backed jackals



we loved the bustling activities of the savannah animals in the midday heat



although it mystified me extreme from where all the animals came in that short time as the area there is quite open and in the morning we did not even see raising dust at the horizon.



Gladly for us the birds meanwhile awoke and so we were able to capture a pair of knob-billed ducks



and the group of white storks which was about to consolidate as one after the other landed and after only a short time hundreds of them could be found around the water hole.



For us it was still far too early to return back to camp on our last full day so we decided to pay a visit at Red Rocks and check the S52 out but before we arrived there we had to pass the monotonous S144 where only thousands of mopane bushes could be seen and the only other sighting we had was a lone elephant bull hiding under the only few other trees we found in this area.



To our surprise the S52 was open and must only have been reopened shortly after the January floods as the road itself looked like same has only recently be graded. Normally that first part of the road leading to Bateleur camp is our favourite with some nice loops allowing to overlook the Shingwedzi riverbed from time to time.



Well this year it looked overall a bit airy as quite an amount of beautiful trees had been washed away and we also found on the road itself lots of debris far away from the riverbed so the road itself must have been flooded completely - Scary what the power of water can do! A big thanks here to all the hard working people in the park to grade and repair all the roads which had been damaged after the floods in such a short time and although it was a quiet drive besides this pregnant looking steenbok lady



we loved it nevertheless as we once again were all alone on the road. Finally we reached the causeway crossing the Shingwedzi connecting the Southern and Northern parts of the S52 and to our great joy same was still in good order and although lots of water was still overflowing the causeway same was drivable and we already saw from far nearly ten really large scary hungry monsters waiting for some lunch.



So we parked right on the causeway as we did not expect much traffic and enjoyed the view far away



and closer



and even extreme close!



On some rocks close by we spotted another green backed heron who was also on the hunt and observed the water flowing between the two rocks where same was on the look out extensively



but same was also looking carefully into the direction of our hungry reptile friends.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

Luckily same was finally able to catch some small fish for lunch compared to the size of the fish the grey heron catch last evening this one was by far smaller but made for sure the green backed heron happy.



Nearly motionless four of the crocodiles remained as this one floating like tree trunks in the water although the head in anticipation for some lunch was sticking out of same - indeed scary creatures and we never saw that much of them and so large ones during our this year's trip than ever before.



As we were still all alone we observed the crocodiles and the green backed heron quite extensively and also soaked in the whole atmosphere always having in mind that this was our last full day.



The green backed made itself comfortable on the rocks whereas the crocodiles appeared to come closer.



We were already thinking about to drive also the Northern part of the S52 but we supposed that same might still be closed nearly at the end where you have to cross the Shingwedzi again as we were about to leave gladly a car right from that direction appeared on the scene and after asking the passengers we got already the answer that at exactly that part the road is still closed so we drove back the same way we came and therefore paid a visit at Red Rocks which looked like as if no flood only a couple of weeks earlier devastated that area



in the contrary it looked extreme peaceful!



After we stretched our legs a bit we drove slowly back via the tar road and due to the fact that we did see nothing the whole drive and it was already not that late we paid a final visit at Tihongonyeni for the third time that day already! Today it was again extreme hot and the air at "Big T" started to glimmer already and even this ostrich male was already suffering under the heat.



Although the zebras seemed to love that weather and quite a large number of them where around and so we could not take our eyes from them as they are always great to watch



even with the Lebombo mountains in the background!



Although we always do hope to spot some rarer antelopes here we so far managed only one sighting of a single roan there so this is also a reason to return soon as maybe one day we will hit the jackpot there.



Nevertheless the usual suspects did very well, especially this comical poser performed like mad.



We did not ask same to pose like this or that he did it all by himself! Maybe it was a lady close by who he wanted to impress



or he even know how to pose when the large lenses are directed at him and finally the show was over



and he even stood up to enjoy the applause a bit better.



Finally we also decided it was time to leave and with an ultimate wide look all around we said good-bye for nearly one year.



Due to the heat and our time we spent already in the car for this day we were a bit too tired to do an afternoon drive and as it was not that late we decided to pay also a final visit to the Shipandeni causeway and although we did not expect to see that much we were definitely not disappointed as our feathered friends are always hungry despite the heat or time of the day. Needless to say that the grey heron was still hanging around



to be continued...

[Pumbaa]

and we even were lucky that day as finally got a close up shot of the goliath heron



and both of them brought another feathered friend with them as today also a black stork was trying to catch something fishy for late lunch.



As this was the first black stork we saw this year it was obvious that we tried to capture same from all possible angles.....



Love the way how the feathers do shimmer in the midday heat.



The two herons and the black stork started again to block the causeway after we drove over same and turned our car around and switched the motor off to enjoy the scenery.



Gladly at that time of the day we had the causeway once again to ourselves and after a most stunning stay we had to wave a final good-bye to one of the hidden gems in Kruger as there is always something feathered to be seen there.



After that whole day in the car we drooled over some motion and so we walked a bit through camp. On the way to the look out over Pioneer dam close to the restaurant we spotted this little chap which was very well camouflaged in the shade.



We enjoyed the view over the dam with a cool ice cream and finally investigated the shop which was very well stocked with meat and fresh vegetables which was not in every camp the fact.



The rest of our afternoon we enjoyed on our verandah with reading until it was time for our dinner in the restaurant. With only a couple of tables occupied the restaurant was nearly empty which was in fact a pity as the food was more than delicious, rich and very lovely presented. One of the best restaurants if not the best in Kruger at that stage. Hopefully it remained offering food in such a high quality way.

With full stomach we walked back to our bungalow and nearly fell into bed knowing that we still have a couple of hours the next day until we had to leave this Paradise.

Sunday, 24. February, 2013 - Mopani - Punda Maria Gate

We awoke with the knowledge that these are now finally the last couple of hours in the park which is definitely not the best feeling. Anyway we could not change the situation and unfortunately all good things finally will come to an end. In the past years our last hours in the park were extreme quiet but this time we have been proved the contrary......

In order not to lose that much time we decided to skip a short morning visit at Tihongonyeni and drove straight on the tar road to Shingwedzi and decided later to maybe try a gravel road in case they were meanwhile open again after the flood.

First sighting was as yesterday our gorgeous hyena clan



and it was once again a worth stop between all the cuties.



All the pups paid a curious visit close to our car and it was once again time for some close ups



although today not that much pups as yesterday were visible.



We nearly had to force ourselves to leave them as there was still a long way to go to Punda Maria gate.



Only later when we made a stop on the Shingwedzi high water bridge we noticed that part of the radiator grille from our car was missing so either we lost same during our stay in the park or the hyenas managed to obtain a new toy.



Anyway next time when the cute pies are about to steel our hearts we simply had to keep also an eye onto the elderly pups or even adults.

Next sightings was another Wahlberg eagle although I would say it was the same we saw already yesterday morning but on another branch but nearly at the same spot.





After another extensive photo shooting we simply had to say good bye and carried on, however,



for a long long time we definitely did not see anything and got ahead quite quickly. The closer we came on the tar road the Shingwedzi river with the smaller loops the better the sightings got. We definitely had to stop for a noisy grey toko



and a lovely pair of bateleurs on top of a treetop



and within an acceptable distance our first elephant bull of the day.



to be continued.....