Braaiing with Wild Cats*

[Pumbaa]

It had already nearly stopped raining but with a short but very heavy last shower for today the rain at least for that day was gone



whilst the pied kingfisher tried to hunt in the heaviest rain



thn spook was over and everything calmed down again and even wind stopped completely



and everything started slowly to dry up although the sun stayed away the whole day today. After 1 ½ very entertaining hours in the hide we could leave same now even with dry feet but muddy shoes and waived a final good-bye to the water dikkops which did not move the whole time we spent at the hide.



The Wahlberg eagle also withstood the thunderstorm as same was still sitting on the same branch as we left same although now nearly its kill had been eaten completely.



Once again far too late although we would not have missed a second in the hide we could check in and the good thing about such a late check in is that you are the only customer and you do not have to wait in the queue. I had requested once again for our beloved Lion Cottage and had already doubts that same will be rewarded to us again as no email confirmation could be received until we left and finally this ended up with the key of No. 87 in my hands which is definitely not the key to the Lion Cottage and so we were in the beginning a bit disappointed until we ended up on the verandah of No. 87 as the view from there was totally different far more private and simply breathtaking and so it comes that No. 87 is our new favourite in Skukuza although the space for the large car is a bit limited but that was the less important thing we had to bother.

Due to the heavy rain earlier our verandah close to the braai was flooded so it was not possible to braai that evening but we had already intentions to visit Selati Restaurant again but also here we were again disappointed as same was closed without further notice....anyway we had no problems in visiting the main restaurant that evening as same was still open but before it was time for dinner it was still a bit time left for a short afternoon drive so we left the camp and turned into the direction of the high water bridge and in one of the many loops where you can drive even a bit closer to the water we were pleased to spot once again a couple of green pigeons



on a dead leadwood and without any leaves on the tree same could be captured in all imaginable poses even the bum shots turned out in the end lovely.



We could have stayed with them the rest of our drive but we simply had to carry on a bit curious what might come across next



and next came a hyaena den but when we approached same the two youngsters soon start to hide behind a bush so no shots for us but a cute Carmine bee eater was willing to pose instead.



Gladly the weather calmed down since the thunderstorm around noon although it stayed cloudy so we had a lovely afternoon drive although the light could have been better as it started already to get dark especially when you were surrounded by the thick bushes. We were about to decide to turn around when we spotted a lone hyaena



according to the flowers it must have been close to the spot where we earlier that day found the wild dogs



and although same walked further away steadily the next one was already about to join us and whilst driving backwards we also discovered another hyaena den and here lots of little ones were lying around and more than willing to pose.





Needless to say that soon a traffic jam built up with the cars already on their way back to camp and with some late comers on their way for a quick evening drive.



The little cuties were in a good mood and on top well educated and even did not taste any rubber material from any cars surrounding them they simply played with each other and posed like champions.



With this sighting we had a wonderful end of a very thrilling day with lots of rain but still with some more than brilliant sightings and we stayed as long as the clock allowed



but then it was in fact time to turn around but we could not leave without taking these posing pictures which looked more as if they have been taken from an advertising spot for toothpaste – The minute we took the pictures we did not recognize same but later on whilst downloading same we indeed had a good laugh about it.





So now it was already extreme late and we only allowed us a short stop at the green pigeons which were still sitting on the same branches as earlier before



and made it back right in time.

Originally we planned to visit Selati this evening but due to its closure we only could visit the “normal” restaurant. We had luck with the weather and so could sit outside although some still enormous puddles forebode that only recently a heavy shower came down. The food and service was fantastic and consequently the restaurant was nearly bursting with people. We had a fantastic evening and with filled tummies we strolled back to our bungalow.

to be continued with the day of the leopards......

[Pumbaa]

Friday, 14. February, 2014 – Skukuza

After the obligatory first coffee on our verandah with that breathtaking view we started and as always when staying in Skukuza we headed forward into the direction of the S65 and besides a lot of other cars which passengers had obviously the same idea we saw nothing until we turned into the H11/S1 and there on a tree on the left hand side to the road a beautiful spotted cat was about to jump down due to the upcoming traffic only to found herself again crossing the street in front of our car and to disappear on the ride hand side completely – We were already desperate that we only could get some blurred pictures as it was still extreme cloudy or even Mrs. leopard far too close and we had so far no time to adjust the iso number in the cameras accordingly but Mrs. leopard was good to us and climbed onto the next available tree right next to our car





and so we finally could adjust everything correctly, position the car and the bean bag the best suitable for us and so we happily snapped once again away.





I cannot imagine of a better day to start with in the park in observing a beautiful leopard, with a mug of hot coffee to sip from and somewhere a camera to click with – Sigh.







Although Mrs. leopardess from time to time changed her position and started the grooming it was enough space for the many cars which surely got stuck here and it took also not that long before the first safari vehicle from outside the park arrived at that sighting.





Gladly everyone behaved very well and the spotted beauty was not bothered by the come and go of the traffic.







After a year without any single leopard sighting we were once again extreme happy to have the honour in spending such a long time with one this year and needless to say that soon our cameras started to glow – The only disadvantage was that the leopard was wearing two collars which must have been very uncomfortable for her and on some pictures do indeed look like earphones.





After spending a good hour with her she got restless



and jumped finally from the tree leaving the just arrived cars and safari vehicles with open mouths and although we stayed still quite a while and nearly looked everywhere



but could not spot her again – WoW What a fantastic day so far and it proved once again that the area around Skukuza which is for sure much more busy compared to other camps is offering always something very special and is always worth to stay in! Needless to say that I will never forget that tree in which we had the honour in spotting her and whenever passing same in future I will be thinking of that amazing morning and the best was that this was not the last leopard we saw that day.....

When we left still a lot of cars as well as safari vehicle tried to get hold of the leopard and maybe she reappeared later again but we got our shots and with huge grins on our faces we carried on but did not come far as only a couple of meters ahead a huge buffalo herd made us stop again.



From nearly everywhere now safari vehicles were appearing and were asking us where the leopard is to find....for sure we told them but doubted that they had luck in finding her again. Meanwhile we were delighted to observe the large buffaloes out of which most of them were still resting on the ground wearing some feathered ones as hairdress which looked quite funny.



to be continued.with more spots.....

[Pumbaa]

Not far from the buffaloes shortly before the turn off into the S65 a huge herd of impala or even more than one herd forced us to stop again.



Nearly all of them were also still resting in the high and wet grass as it must have rained again overnight, however, we had a great time in photographing the brown-eyed beauties as well as their curious looking hitchhikers.



We could not take our eyes from the many beauties around us



and it was indeed hard and difficult to carry on as they allowed far too good motives



and we tried to nearly capture them all as with such voluntarily posing beauties it was easy to



press the button nearly endlessly.



Meanwhile we were also steadily passed by all the safari vehicles we already met at the leopard sighting so supposed that Mrs. leopard decided to stay invisible for the rest of the day and unfortunately nearly each car turned now also into the S65 and on top it started once again heavily to rain so with the surrounding mud and rain swirling and spinning around us and with windows shut and covered by raindrops we nearly saw nothing from that beautiful road which in seconds turned into a slippery slide and we on top had to take care not to bear away from that road and then out of nowhere there was another leopard which we only could spot for seconds and framed by other cars we definitely had no possibility to move neither for- nor backwards so we had to be satisfied with that sort of glimpse we had but the good thing was that this was still not the last leopard we saw on that day.....

Unfortunately the rest of the ride on the S65 was uneventful besides the awaking sound of the frogs coming now from nearly each smaller stream which was now flowing a bit more heavily and gladly the rain got less and less again and so we could enjoy that sound now again by windows wide open.

As I realized that we so far spend only one visit at Transport dam as on top same was not that far from where the S65 ended we decided to pay a visit there but before we even could turn into the small gravel road there an elephant bull had to be captured who was gladly in a good mood



and obviously more in the sleeping modus than in the mood in irritating some people in their cars.



The road to Transport dam although short was after that heavy rain shower that morning and the day before in a very adventurous condition and therefore extreme bumpy and slippery but we managed to finally reached the dam without any harm.

There the many waterbucks resting or running around soon caught our attention



and we were happy that we drove that short detour as same was indeed a more than peaceful spot with lot of waterbucks and birds to admire.



The hippos were grunting too and even came closer,



Egyptian goose and the obligatory grey heron as well as two wooly-necked storks



were also present and from the white faced ducks we only could see their heads in the high grass.



We also were able to spot water dikkops and an African jacana definitely farer away than we saw them yesterday at Lake Panic but a visit to the dam is definitely more than a good alternative to Lake Panic which has been from now on included in our regular Kruger programme! We stayed quite a while on the huge parking area and only very few cars got lost to this spot on that rainy morning but we really enjoyed our visit there a lot – Gladly the Egyptian goose came a bit closer whilst we were about to leave and so same could be photographed as well.



Back on the H 1-1 we for sure passed the famous klipspringer rock and gladly Mr. klipspringer allowed an audience



and not only we but also a couple of other cars stopped as well at this cute beauty to take a couple of pictures.



Also from him we took quite an amazing amount of shots and if not photographing to watch him was also a fantastic alternative.

Then we carried still forward on the tar road and suddenly all cars were gone and we were travelling alone and then out of nowhere as if this is one of the normal things in the world we met him!





Obviously he just stood up and was still very tired but he walked determined steadily on the street without any intention to immediately disappear in the high grass on both road sides.





What incredible luck we had already with the beautiful spotted lady earlier that morning, with the glimpse of one in the pouring rain as this would have been the normal leopard sighting and then this Mr. Bombastic.





to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

Meanwhile we drove steadily backwards sometimes with the camera in hands taking pictures and sometimes we parked and let him come closer which for sure whilst photographing is the best option as you simply have to press the button.



Whilst coming closer and closer and whilst passing my window very close I could observe that beauty from very close and as always when meeting a leopard in the wild I was fascinated by the beauty of such a spotted creature and felt sorry for him as well as I realized the many ticks around his eyes and that he was a bit skinny around his hips but the power of the animal could be realized unmistakably.



Not only that we had luck with such a leopard sighting itself we were on top of it all alone with him somehow all cars were stuck somewhere else and we had him all to ourselves



so we definitely could concentrate totally on him and we saw this also as compensation because last year the leopard did not want to show up to us and now already three sightings on one day – We could not believe that.



In total that sighting must have lasted around 15 minutes and only in the end another car from the back appeared and gladly could also got some shots before





he finally decided to leave the street and turned into the high grass. He came out of nowhere and he disappeared into nowhere as the second he left the street the high grass absorbed him and not a single blade revealed thereafter his whereabouts any longer.

What a day it turned out to be we still cannot realize our luck and felt very privileged. This was then the last leopard for the day but gladly not for the trip!!!

The rest of the street until we reached again the crossroads leading into Skukuza camp was quiet and we utilized the close vicinity of the camp for a short body break but as it was still far too early to stay in camp until our afternoon drive we decided to explore at least the beginning of the S30 as long as the Sabie river could be seen from the road as this road was also one of those which remained closed for us for two years in a row now. On the H4-1 leading to the said road we today were only able to spot a couple of giraffes.

The S30 itself is always a beautiful road with lots of amazing loops allowing some nice views into the river but that was it already today nearly for us – We had to be satisfied with views as the road until we turned around was extreme quiet, however, a termite mould with lots of activity made us stop



then whilst parking under some large trees in one of the said loops we realized a movement in the leaves and looked up and this was what we got to see



a little sparrowhawk unfortunately this was the only shot we were allowed to get from the raptor - needless to say that this was also for us a new tick. Fascinated we were by the debris in the trees high above the road itself which revealed once again that this street must have been more than only flooded last year.

Shortly before we decided to turn around we spotted an extreme shy bushbuck lady and it was more than tricky to at least got one shot from her.



Back on the tar we decided to drive slowly back to camp via the causeways and to pay also the marula loop another visit but as always when planning something it took a bit longer until everything could be realized as a tiny chameleon firstly had to cross the road in front of us and same had obviously had all the time in the world to reach the other side.



For sure that we waited until same was safe and soon had to stop again as a huge rhino bull simply had to be admired



as we were on top already suffering under rhino withdrawal symptoms.



In the beginning when we spotted that impressive animal we were alone with same but more too soon as traffic jam built up and gladly all wanted to stop and photograph Mr. Peaceful grazing. We were not only impressed by the grey mass but also from his hitch hikers



which somehow increased during only seconds.



For sure we waited until he could no longer be seen and headed back to camp. Unfortunately our luck with the animals today had thereafter and after the three leopards earlier that morning left us and not much came across even the birdies let us down but finally Timon could capture this dung beetle busy in doing what they simply have to do.



On the Sand causeway we simply had to stop for these dark clouds which balefully came closer and closer

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and this weather joined us not only today but also during our stay at Satara – A mix between heavy rain showers, wind, clouds and normally in the afternoons lots of sunshine but when we returned to camp we simply had to wait a bit in our car as it suddenly came down in torrents. Gladly that shower obviously out of the clouds we just had photographed did not last long so that we could enjoy the rest of our day until our afternoon drive started even on our veranda with this stunning view and also observing a couple of hadeda ibises who paid a visit.

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Before our afternoon drive started we paid a visit in the shop as this shop is always by far better equipped with the stuff we do buy than Satara so it took quite a while until everything was packed away and gladly the fridge was located inside the bungalow so no nasty surprises to be found afterwards with raided fridges.....As yesterday we decided to drive once again the H4-1 until the high water bridge and gladly it stayed sunny for the rest of the day – A younger kudu bull had to be caught at one of the many loops



and a lovely posing grey hornbill.



to be continued.......

[Pumbaa]

a pure beauty
what a chance

superb Littte Sparrowhawk and Chameleon and huge Rhino
the Beetle has superb colours also the arriving cloud

After a couple of attempts with a clear bettle picture we now managed one

[Pumbaa]

Fantastic leopard sighting! He was a bit skinny..hope he had a good meal soon!

I do hope that too

[Pumbaa]

great pictures of the leopard and the rhino

I love the dung beetle - still have to see one

Sometimes there are so many running around that you have to be careful not to overrun them

[Amoli]

Pumba - what wonderful shots of the leopard.
If I should ever get shots like that, it would complete my holiday dreams.

The nearing thunderstorm is beautiful.

[Pumbaa]

We came across many groups of vervets as well as baboons out of which this one must have had a hard day.



After a long view from each ankles of this bridge we turned around and had to stop again as a herd of elephants was busy in walking towards the Sabie river



and also this curious looking yellow-billed kite was sitting too close so that we cannot pass without taking pictures.

Then we found ourselves again in front of the hyaena den and we had luck as one of the adults was approaching the den the minute we arrived there



and then also the little pups started to appear who we did not realize earlier on our way to the bridge but gladly we today had enough time left





for another excessive photo shooting with nearly all of them, especially the little pups are always more than adorable.







Really love that sleeping modus!





It was in fact hard to take our eyes from them and so we allowed us to enjoy them as long as possible and to take as much shots as they were willing to give us.

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This year’s stay in Skukuza was for sure one of the best ones we had there sightingwise and to spot three leopards on one day was also a record for us and so we were simply enjoying our final braai at our bungalow with view and even wanted to stay a bit longer but on the other hand were already looking forward to our stay in Satara so gladly it is never boring in Kruger wherever you stay.



Whilst the braai was going Timon took some scenery shots from the view we had which was actually marvellous



and as the camera and tripod was out we took another shot from us and although it rained that much around noon most of the puddles dried out and the braai was usable. Needless to say that we stayed as long as possible on our veranda until it was time for the bed.



Saturday, 15th February 2014 – Skukuza – Satara

As a short detour via the S65 is always doable on our way to Satara we dared to drive that way again but today we in fact had no leopard luck at all. Funny was that another car in front of us was driving exactly up to the tree where we saw yesterday the spotted lady and turned immediately around when they realized that the tree was empty!

Compared to yesterday our today’s drive was indeed extreme quiet but in fact you cannot have daily such spotted sightings but in fact the day was still long and with Satara famous as cat camp coming closer there was hope!

Along the S65 we came across a troop of baboons in between the long grass which was still wet from the night’s rain, however, offered therefore lovely photographic opportunities



especially when the little ones do the mom back riding whereas others were busy in eating some cereals for breakfast.



It was a large group and each member was busy with something and the upcoming sun illuminated everything the best way



and also a herd of impalas grazed together with the baboons so there was a lot to look for at that spot.



We allowed us another short visit at Transport dam but also there today it was more than quiet but we could spot a grey heron and a couple of white faced ducks enjoying the grooming on the rocks.

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So we did not stay that long but even could locate a lone hyaena still sleeping in the deep bush on our way back to the tar road.



The European roller was so busy in killing the millipede that same did not realized our presence and did not feel disturbed in any way



and it took quite a while until all feet stood still and the kill was eatable.



to be continued...

[Pumbaa]

Today we had luck with the weather as only a couple of raindrops accompanied us on our way to Satara but it stayed mostly cloudy and obviously in other areas it actually rained a lot according to this lovely rainbow we could capture



and we nearly got as well a shot of a double rainbow but same was already fading out.



Besides a leopard tortoise nothing else came across on our way back to Skukuza camp so we had time to take some scenery shots of the lovely koppies in that area.



After a short break at Skukuza we were now finally on our way to Satara and this time we decided to pay a final visit on the low water causeways crossing the Sand and Sabie river and as already expected we found a nice pied kingfisher there.



We visited Manimahle and N’Watindlopu but as the earlier morning also there it was more than quiet and we even did not find birds. Therefore we arrived relatively early at Leeupan but also there is was compared to other visits extreme quiet and on top compared to the flood years, the previous two years this year the pan was nearly dried out already, however, we spotted water dikkops as usual very well camouflaged.



After an extensive view all over we located European rollers, a grey heron and a couple of white faced ducks from who only the head were visible close to a heron.



On the dead tree in the middle a huge nest caught our attention and from time to time buffalo weavers landed close by as well as Egyptian goose.



Then a lovely Mrs. zorro landed on a close by bush and Timon started to press the button as she was simply so relaxed and curious



that she allowed us poses from each side – I wish all the birds in Kruger would react in such a relaxed way as then I could tick a lot more never seen ones!



Back on the tar road a traffic jam soon built up as a large elephant herd was about to cross the street out of which this one obviously had been left behind

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but mom already waited.



Somehow they had not made up their mind and wanted to return from where they had just come and so we had to put the back gear in.



Gladly the other cars behind us noticed them as well so we can put a safety distance between us and them



but our concerns were not justified as all of them were very relaxed and after all now finally decided on which side of the road the bushes are greener they cleared the street and let the cars pass and even allowed some shots



whilst taking the breakfast.





We already noticed their red feathered between the elephants and on that road itself and finally we were able to take a couple of shots of carmine bee eaters busy in catching insects.



One positive thing about the bee eaters is that they normally do return always to the same branch on which they sat earlier to swallow their catch



so you can already concentrate on the branch and simply press the button also one of the easiest way in photographing birds.

to be continued.....