Day 9. Monday 25 May 2014. Shingwedzi ->Balule.
Another lazy morning. Time to pack up and move to Balule for four nights.
After we got everything squared away we went to the Shingwedzi restaurant for breakfast. I'm happy to report that things are much improved there since the old franchise was given the order of the toe-cap.
While we were waiting, I spotted a 5cm long monster bug on the old 2000 flood-level plinth. They are quite common and I've often seen them flying past - they sound like someone playing the castanets very fast.
I've photographed one of these before (see Wasp info book) but I was using a long lens and was able to keep my distance. This time I was using my macro lens and had to get quite close. At first it was the perfect subject and stayed still while I took pictures.
After a while, I think the camera flash started to bother it and I could feel my hair standing on end when it started to move around. I decided to run away before it got angry with me; I don't think being stung would be a pleasant experience.
Giant Black Spider-hunting Wasp.
We stopped on the Shingwedzi bridge to take a picture of the new view since the floods.
And a cruising Whitebacked Vulture.
At Mooiplaas Picnic Spot we stopped for a coffee break and found a few more Butterflies.
And a Plume Moth.
A bit further along, some Elephants; including a cow with good sized tusks. I can't find her on Aat's site so I guess her tusks aren't big enough yet!
At the Olifants River bridge, a pair of Fish Eagles.
A Grey Heron at the Ngotso Weir.
Once we'd set up camp it was too late to head out for an afternoon drive so we relaxed in camp.
A Cone-headed Mantid paid us a visit.
and so did a good sized Beetle.
A couple of Banded-legged Golden Orb Web Spiders were on a web just outside the fence.
And we were invaded by a few Sausage Flies - Red Driver Ant (Dorylus helvolus) winged males.
Hunting cannot be considered a sport as all contestants in a sport should know they are playing the game!
It looks like an alien 
I would be running the opposite direction 
