Braaiing with Wild Cats*

[Pumbaa]

Two smaller calves started a fight right on the road between all the bodies of the others and far larger ones.



Some of the ladies were still pregnant



and some of the gentlemen wearing enormous horns. We had a great time watching all the interesting faces which all might have told thousands of stories already and gladly buffaloes are fantastic animals to photograph.



One of the females was mooing a bit desperately and it was easy to identity her between the others maybe she had caught a cold.



As we were stuck and in no hurry we waited until the last buffalo crossed the road and disappeared on the other side and finally we could also take a picture of a bush full of wattled starlings



which we already heard due to the noise whilst observing the buffaloes.

In a dead tree already on the H6 we found a group of white storks who spread their wings



in order to dry their feathers after the many rain showers during the morning.



We are always pleased to find them in the park during our stay prior to their departure back to Europe.



As it was far too early to return back to camp we decided to drive back via the S126 on which we already had from time to time luck but also drove this road also without seeing anything due to the highness of the grass. As so often today it was the latter but it was not a boring drive as many general game could be spotted and right at Sweni we saw a saddle billed stork in the high grass at least the head was visible



which once again is showing how green and high the grass meanwhile grew.

Lots of wildebeests and zebras are always present on this road



and today also another beautiful waterbuck male showed up.



At Welverdiend a cute but still extreme shy steenbok was willing to pose



and nearly at the end of that road another impressive martial eagle with starring eyes could be spotted in a thick tree.



Another intention to drive this road was to pay a visit at Ximangwaneni as same is always a peaceful spot on a less frequented road and good for bird watching. Meanwhile the weather also started to clear up and the sun appeared more and more between the clouds which got less and less. On the roadside lots of beautiful flowers could be seen and also from the backside they do look lovely.



Unfortunately all the birdies we located at the dam were simply too far away but at least a very active pintailed whydah could be captured whilst the last rain shower of the day came down.



After a lovely break from driving we drove back to Satara in snail’s pace via the S36 and suddenly all the clouds were nearly gone and the sun was shining hot as ever from the sky greeted by a lone elephant bull



and a very loud yellow-billed hornbill.



As always hundreds of carmine bee eaters bordered nearly all the bushes we passed and from time to time they sat still for a quick snapshot.



Finally we found ourselves again at Nsemani dam where warthogs and hippos could be seen.



Although it was already passed noon meanwhile we saw a lot animals on our drive back from Nsemani to Satara. First we had to stop for another carmine bee eater who just caught a red roman spider



and it took in fact quite a while until same was swallowed.

On a thick tree trunk a group of red-billed woodhoopoe was busy in foraging and it was not easy to capture at least one of them as they were always running the trunk around in circles but finally we could capture a juvenile one. Whilst standing at that tree and observing the woodhoopoes a couple of cars stopped and asked at what we were looking after telling them about the birds they gave us a look and drove off – Maybe they do have them in their garden but we do not have and are always pleased to find them.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

The carmine bee eaters gave their best this year around Satara



and also the zebras were plentiful with a lot of resting foals in the grass between their legs.



Then it was also time for us to rest a bit in camp on our verandah but we could not sat still that long and due to the birdlife in camp Timon with camera and I with binoculars started to follow the bird's calls we already could hear to trace the corresponding bird between the thick leaves of the trees and actually we were successful in spotting and even photographing an orange breasted bush shrike – another first for us





and to my delight we also found another black collared barbet.



We could have spent the rest of the afternoon also with bird hunting but you never know what might come across on a drive so we decided to try the H1-4 and S90 again and see how far we might come and in fact in the afternoon sunlight the birdlife was also outside the camp amazing. Lots of European bee eaters were shining so bright with their feathers that it looked like they were shimmering



and also on each bush we spotted now one grey headed bushshrike after the other.



The giraffes occurred also plentiful



and a very camera shy burchell’s coucal was tricky to capture as same always kept hidden behind a bush.



As normal in that area plenty of zebras and wildebeests could be admired and another kori bustard popped its head out of the high grass.



Unfortunately it was now already time to turn around and already on the tar road with the not very photogenic looking power lines in the background the group of giraffes we already spotted earlier but farer away now gladly moved a bit closer



and with the brilliant light it was a pleasure to capture and watch them whilst they were feeding.



Another fantastic day came to the end and with another awesome braai we still sat on our verandah enjoying the evening.

Tuesday, 18. February, 2014 – Satara

Normally we do once when staying in Satara the Mananga trail but same was due to the heavy rainfalls a couple of days earlier still closed so we decided to drive that morning the H1-4 and S90 again. The day started already sunny as very seldom during this year’s holiday and we could capture this breathtaking sunrise unfortunately again with the power lines in the background.



Already on the S90 we had to watch our steps or in this case our tires as again a great number of these land snails were busy in crossing the street.



The wildebeest and zebra herds from yesterday evening came also across and then we had the best black backed jackal sighting we ever had. In total 7 jackals were running hectically on the road in front of our car – a group of four and a group of 3 split up and finally the family group of only 3 had chased the other group away at least from the road, the grass in that area was far too high and offered a more than good hiding place.



Gladly for us the group of 3 stayed on the road and did not get disturbed by our presence and from time to time even were offering amazing photographic opportunities, even one shot with a flying jackal could be captured.





Then the little one, meanwhile nearly the same size as mom and dad started to beg for food and to watch this behaviour between the family members already made our day.





Due to the high and wet grass our little family had no intentions to disappear and even a car which passed us did not chase them away – A pity for them that they were not interested in jackals as they indeed missed a more than wonderful sighting.



Funny was that right in front of the jackal a quite impressive, as if they are not always impressive, giraffe trotted slowly right in the middle of the road in the typical giraffe trot.



Needless to say that our day was already made by these amazing sightings and on top today was one of the few days without any rain or any severe clouds and the sky kept the whole day steel blue. We had a great time in stopping, photographing and observing the jackals who could not when such cutie were looking to you.



Time for some rest and yawning – What the lions could do I could do even better.



In contrary to the morning rush hour on the S100 this road is only frequented by a handful of cars especially in the morning so we nearly had the jackals all to ourselves and for us this road is always an insider tip.



Far too soon in an area where the grass was not that high our beloved family finally cleared the road and disappeared.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

Two very happy people carried on but in fact did not come far as Timon stopped in front of a thick bush out of which two cute amur flacons were facing us,



the ever present red backed shrikes also could not overlooked that early morning



and zebras and wildebeest occurred in masses.



We already turned into the S41 when suddenly a black shadow low on the ground could be seen – Gladly for us that black shadow stopped right in front of the high grass on the other side of the road and allowed us only a couple of clicks until same dashed away again.



The third honey badger we saw during this trip still with wet fur from running in the wet grass finally could be captured.

As always in the Satarian area and in special on that road the waterbucks do occur always plentiful and this one presented himself in the high grass.



Then Timon once again braked abruptly and babbled something like: “See you!” Well first he left me in uncertainty but then I saw her also by myself – a grumpy looking African wild cat – and this time definitely in the wild was staring at us from a log as otherwise same would have been hidden completely.



Obviously we had chosen once again instinctively the right road to make the best of our last full day in the Satara area. The ever vocal woodland kingfishers could also be captured again



and also a lovely white winged widowbird was calling and looking around for the suitable wife.



Then a bird which we do also often see especially on that road and already started to miss came across as well – a red crested korhaan.



Meanwhile the birds must have awoke as well and only within seconds a couple of crowned plovers on the ground



as well as uncountable European bee eaters could be seen everywhere.



In one of the ponds which had to be crossed via causeways the groups of hippos greeted each other loudly



and then we had the honour in hearing a free concert of another burchall’s coucal as we never realized before how same is calling it is always fascinating to learn which call is belonging to which bird.



A short break at Guzani dam is always fantastic after a good amount of kilometres on the road already and another lovely flower made us stop again.



It took in fact not long until we met again one of our honeymoon couple – Mr. sore forehead just started to yawn



although today they had chosen not such a good place as the days before as they were lying in the high grass and you could only see them from a couple of selected places which were already occupied by other cars.



Although we met them already that often during our stay here we decided to wait a bit to a least get one or two more shots and we had luck as we did not had to wait long until it was time for both to change their resting place



as the sun was meanwhile shining hot already and they had to move into the shade.



It was for sure time left for a bit of itching but then he following his darling in the shrubbery nearly out of sight for everybody.



A couple of cars still stayed but we decided to carry on and had another highlight in form of two bateleurs and two tawny eagles which were battling against each other for some remains of a bird kill.



The bateleurs must have been feeding first on that bird until the tawnies noticed what was going on.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

One of the bateleurs left pretty soon whilst the other remained on the ground watching the tawnies eating the last scraps of what was left.

On top we had some good laughs about the behaviour of the bateleur on the ground as same was eying permanently high in the air obviously to the other bateleur which was still circling around this area and doing a sort of dance with chest shacking – Would love to know what this might have been!



Once again we thanked the lions as no other approaching car chased the raptors away and we had them all to ourselves. It took not long until only feathers were left and also the tawnies started to take off although we still could see them flying around above us.



After a short break at N‘wanetsi picnic spot we wanted to pay a final visit at Sweni birdhide but our visit today took not that long as only shortly a troop of baboons must have raided and entered the hide and you had to watch your steps, be careful were to sit and what to touch....Nevertheless we took a careful look around and found again these spider webs including their large and smaller residents.



Also we were pleased to spot another malachite kingfisher, however, same always sat too far away for a nice shot but instead the hippos were loud as always and large enough to capture them.



Then we wanted to check whether Mr. Thick billed weaver was already successful in completing his nest and in fact same already looked nearly habitable



and on top our feathered friend was extreme willing to pose and to attract some females.



Also at the causeway we met again our one and only red bishop but same nearly kept hidden the whole time in the reeds so no further shots. We drove back again via the S41 and prior to one of the causeways you always can drive a small loop leading you closer to the small river you have to cross and we do always stop there for a short break. Although not much water left which is in fact strange as we never experienced so many rain during our stay at Satara but in the mud a three banded plover could be seen and after looking a bit more carefully we also noticed a smaller version which looked extreme cute and very well camouflaged



On the other side of the river bank I noticed a hole and it took not that long until we realized whom this hole belonged to as we saw a pied kingfisher quite a couple of times disappear in same.



Our honeymoon couple also meanwhile disappeared behind a bush and could hardly even find but we in fact this time did not stay and let the other people in the cars try their luck instead. Due to the adventurous and exciting morning drive we headed back to camp via the S100 and right in the first loop where we spotted the first whole day in Satara the honeymoon couples I looked into the Sweni riverbed and could not believe my eyes as I noticed an otter who was about to cross the river gladly Timon saw the movement as well and although we stayed a bit longer in the hope the otter might return same did not return and we in fact had no time in taking a picture.

The drive via the S100 was not that uneventful, however, we found a nice Goliath heron in the Sweni whilst stopping at another loop.



Lot of giraffes and also a couple of elephant bulls came also across but it was already a hot summer day



so our break in camp took today a bit longer and needless to say that after an excessive shopping trip to the camp shop and the obligatory ice cream we started again hunting birds. The trees near our bungalow were extreme thick and large so we had luck in capturing another green pigeon



who was feeding on the figs of a fig tree then a red-billed hornbill posed also long enough



and today even the naughty vervets were running around in camp in the hope for something delicious.

It was already late when we started to our afternoon drive which today brought us back to Nsemani and on the way to same lots of elephant herds with lots of little ones let us stop.



As it was too late to visit Girivana we decided to stay at Nsemani and simply enjoy the evening atmosphere. The Egyptian goose and white faced ducks could be seen but far away, the hippos grunted and also the crocodiles started to become active



and another fish eagle tried its luck in fishing and circled always high above the dam and we had another awesome time in simply sat and watch.



Our last evening in Satara dawned and after Timon lit the braai he did some running whilst I enjoyed my magical half an hour on the verandah although I was a bit jealous when we told me after his return that he met Miss Satara and she even had a kitten with her – how I would have loved to see a wildcat kitten – and taught her the hunting as the little one was playing around with a squirrel which already was more dead than alive. Timon stayed a bit with them and finally the little kitten followed its mother proudly with its trophy in the mouth.

What a fantastic stay we once again had in Satara and we were in fact not unhappy that the Mananga trail was closed due to the heavy rains as we always saw a lot during our drives and the best drive is still to come.......

Wednesday, 19. February 2014 Satara – Olifants

Normally we could have stayed for the rest of our stay at Satara but also the North is a great area especially landscape and bird wise and so we had to pack up everything again heading further North – all in all we had also no other choice at we had booked already at Olifants and Shingwedzi – but as we were blessed sightingwise this year we for sure could have extended our stay at Satara a bit but we still had a special drive left for best – the S39 which we always drove when leaving Satara northwards – and in fact this today turned into one of the best drives we ever had.....

We turned into the H7 as one of the first cars and as it was still a bit dark we were not unhappy that we saw nothing until we saw dimly the silhouettes of a couple of light brown elevations right on the road and whilst coming slowly closer we noticed the bodies of a large lion pride shortly prior Nsemani dam and right at the turning into the S12.



Obviously not only us but also a force from somewhere else did not want that we leave Satara today.



Well we had a great time in parking, switching the engine off, sitting, watching and waiting and from time to time



press the buttons of our cameras and to sip on our still hot coffees



and to enjoy all the different members of the pride.



to be continued........

[Pumbaa]

For us it is always a please to find that many lions together as when we found lions in Kruger they do occur always in smaller numbers or maybe it is simply because due to the dense vegetation it is difficult to judge how many members easily kept out of sight and escaped us especially when flopped down or hiding behind a bush.





In fact today we could not complain as all of them were easily to be seen and





on top only a small amount of other cars chose this direction that morning so each and everyone had a more than great view onto the still very sleepy beasts.





The lions were obviously accustomed to the traffic and did not bother in any way so they nearly only raised an eyebrow about the strange procession surrounding them.





Most of the lions were still sleeping but some of them were busy with yawning, grooming themselves





or even enjoying the just have risen African sun.





Sorry to bore you once again with that many lion pictures, however, as always it was nearly impossible to choose our favourites as all of them looked totally different with varying expressions on their faces and on top we had luck that they stayed so long with us as normally with the arrival of the third car they clear the street but this time they stayed where they were.





We did not notice extreme small cubs between them only nearly grown ones and we guessed that we saw two of the younger adults already during our very first afternoon drive at Satara on the S40. Love the picture of the sleeping daddy with the full belly.





With the upcoming sun meanwhile one lion after the other stood up and started to trot off obviously that special height of the sun was their signal to clear to street. One of the females was wearing a collar and was one of the last ones who stood up and followed her pride. She stopped suddenly and was looking longingly across Nsemani dam as far away on the other side a group of impalas just arrived for a morning drink.





But gladly the lions were good to us this morning – we already thought that this sighting was finished in special with all the cars following them in fact they cleared the road but only to appear on the other side vis-à-vis Nsemani dam on the rocks and one after the other appeared in front of a huge very muddy looking puddle and started to drink



which was great to watch.





Some of them already started to chose their favourite place on the rocks and whilst some of them were quenching their thirst the others made themselves already comfortable on the rocks which must have already been heated up a bit by the morning sun.



It was a more than idyllic place they had chosen far enough away from the road not to get disturbed any longer and we were extreme lucky that we still had a first class view onto nearly all of them -



Big daddy and the siblings



and all other family members.



Out of one younger female the cat came through and something came into her head as still one late bloomer arrived from the road and she was stalking and hiding behind a huge rock.





to be continued......

[Pumbaa]

what a lovely sighting

It was a lovely sighting, a perfect morning and a brilliant day

[Pumbaa]

For us it was great fun to watch that typical cat behaviour also from one of the greatest cats on Earth.



“Morning Sister!”



Such silly games do make great fun and also the younger male who lay close by watched the total behaviour longingly.





The older family member lay a bit farer away from the road close to another puddle and were from time to time raising their heads to look what the people in their cars were doing.





Life is indeed good for the lions at their quiet and cosy place and to us as we had once again the honour in watching such a typical lion behaviour.





As we meanwhile spend another awesome time with the lions and as we still had a long way ahead of us we decided to leave and due to the late morning hour and with the upcoming sun heating everything a bit more up we already thought that we will not that see anything for the rest of the day but today was one of those days and we were blessed and this lion sighting was only just the beginning.......

Originally we had in mind to stroll along the S40 to Girivana and back to the tar via the S12 but we forgot that whilst we were standing at the lion sighting and although same took far longer than expected we needless paid a short visit to Girivana and as already expected due to the advanced morning we definitely saw nothing there although it was a nice ride and we meanwhile headed on the bumpy S12 when we suddenly saw a catlike shadow crossing the road right in front of us and now you guess what we saw – a serval! – however, exactly at that part of the road the grass had grown the highest and the bushes were the thickest so we had to be satisfied with that glimpse we could through on that beautiful spotted cat. Needless to say that we waited a bit but the serval did not show up again – but I know one day I will get my decent picture of a serval.....

What a great day so far and we were thrilled and did not expect to see that much but we were so wrong....On the tar road we spotted lots of white backed vultures in a tree top.



Finally we could then turn into the S39, without doubt one of our favourites and always a must drive when in Kruger not only because of the riverine thick vegetation but also because of the awesome views into the Timbavati river.



In the beginning normally on that road not much to be seen but as closer as the Timbavati was coming the more animals showed up. Lots of sporadic elephant bulls a bit far away could be seen and at Leeubron as usually the normal rush hour was already in full swing – a group of beautiful kudus appeared





and most of the zebras had already a drink whilst the late comers still were busy in quenching their thirst



the little ones were busy in testing a rubbing post.



We were enjoying the views into the riverbed on some smaller loops with a relatively full Timbavati but we also had years when travelling that road when only small puddles were left. Another highlight in form of a rhino appeared. Unfortunately same was not willing to lift its head so we only got that single shot and spotted an injury on the back of the rhino.



Suddenly Timon heard a rustling in the thick grass so we stopped and waited what might come to show up – Well a head appeared and we were blessed with a monitor sighting.



It was a more than nice drive as we most of the time did not come across any other cars so we nearly had the road all to ourselves and could drive in snail’s pace quietly not that something slipped our attention and then suddenly another spotted beauty was trotting right in front of our car – a leopard



We really could not believe our luck as we obviously were at the right time at the right spot. Years ago on our second trip to Kruger we spotted at nearly the same spot an impressive male leopard so it may have been wishful thinking that the female we spotted today was maybe one of his daughters. In the beginning we could not do anything else then follow the leopardess as she was walking and the closer we came running



so another flying shot could be captured right in front of us we were praying that she might stand still long enough for a quick shot and that no other car from the other direction might chase her away.

Obviously our fortunate day carried on as suddenly she stood still looked at us and we could get a couple of shots.



This day turned into one of the best days sighting wise we ever had, however, it did not take that long until she decided to disappear in the high grass



but we were so happy that we could get some more than lovely shots and the best is that this was still not the last leopard we saw this year.....

to be continued......

[Pumbaa]

Needless to say that we had an extreme good mood for the rest of the day as we normally do always have whenever in the park and a short body break at Timbavati picnic spot was a welcome excuse to leave the car and stretch the legs a bit.

Due to the stunning bird sightings we had last year at Ratelpan we were of course already looking forward to spend a bit time there but to our disappointment no bird appeared also after a decent while we spend there but I guess these are the things at least for us always make a visit to Kruger so unique as you never know what you will get around the next corner or in the next loop and in that case in the next hide. We still followed the riverbed when suddenly a large elephant herd was crossing the street – gladly all very well behaved and they obviously only had the smell of water in their noises than the one from our car as they immediately could be seen in the riverbed quenching their thirst.



Love the palm trees which always could be found in any Kruger riverbed but the stampede was not yet over as after a while a huge elephant bull with impressive tuskers followed the elephant herd



and also did what elephants do nearly the whole day and not only once feeding, drinking and splashing with water.



This must have obviously been an oasis and a very popular drinking place at that day for them but we had once again our fun in observing the herd which started to group themselves under some trees in the shade and the tusker extensively was still busy in playing in the water.



As soon as they appeared they also disappeared again and we also could carry on but had to watch carefully on the road as many of these double banded sandgoose came across.

9032

Whilst crossing some causeways we could again admire these colourful dragonflies and could not carry on without any pictures.



First we only saw red but later on the red turned also a bit into blue.



Far away whilst standing in another loop we watched from far away a black stork foraging in the water but due to the hot day the air started to glimmer again so unfortunately no decent pictures from this bird but therefore another bird in form of a large raptor came across that close that same nearly did not fit into Timon’s lens -



an impressive juvenile martial eagle was sitting on the edge of the street on a branch and started to shake its feathers.



It did not feel bothered in any way by our presence and we nearly could have touched same so close this magnificent raptor was located. As always during such hot summer days it was a bit windy and I simply love how the wind came up from the back of the raptor and whirled its feathers upside down.



Love on that picture the green vegetation in the background and I do remember that we saw on exactly that spot last year in the river bed a large buffalo herd drinking and bathing.



Unfortunately from the other side a car came nearer and same must have misunderstood my hand signals to drive slower wrong and so unfortunately the raptor spread its wings and took off.



When realizing what they just chased away they excused a hundred times but I was only feeling sorry for them as they could not admire that impressive raptor as we just did. Gladly Timon already took massive pictures so we also could carry on.

Meanwhile the road removed itself more and more from the Timbavati riverbed and the views and loops got less and lesser and so the typical Olifants vegetation started to prevail more and more especially with the red sand and stones and consequently the general game occurred more often as already occurring. Nevertheless a group of zebras is always a pleasure to watch especially such tender moments between mom and youngster.



A saddle-billed stork circled high above in the air whilst we were watching the zebras and we only noticed same when we realized a quick moving shadow in front of the sun or on the ground.





Already with what we got presented during that morning we left this magical road and paid a visit to the high water bridge across the Olifants – Normally we would have preferred to travel via the Balule low water bridge but as same was still closed we had no other choice anyway.

The view from the bridge is always priceless and we enjoyed the wind which was blowing as meanwhile it had turned into a hot and sunny day – a couple of crocodiles and hippos far away could be seen and a hamerkop. On the S92 to the camp it was a more than quiet drive and even some of the loops were impassable as most of the sand had been washed away by the recent floods. Finally after such a thrilling drive we arrived in camp only to hear that the electricity had been switched off due to the recent works in the camp itself but same would be back by latest 18.00 o’clock. This year we got bungalow No. 11 which offered such a view into the Olifants



and same was the very first bungalow in which we ever stayed during our very first visit to Kruger in 2003 so it was as we were coming home again.



An extraordinary experience was the shopping in the camp shop without electricity as we still had four nights in the park we still needed some supplies but everything was still frozen (especially our beloved ice cream) and the drinks and the meat were cold enough and even the shop staff handed in to shop visitors torches so I had no problems in shopping in the dark. Needless to say that I got a handwritten bill this time and same took quite a while but there are things which had to be done properly.

We could have spent the rest of our day on our verandah with that breathtaking view but we finally pulled ourselves together and decided to travel the extreme hilly S44 again as same was closed during the last two years and we were happy that same was in a far better condition than expected. We paid a short visit at the get out point and had to pass the pond in which the nearly tame tortoises were living. We had just stopped our car to check what might also live in the pond when the first tortoises already came hectically closer



but not only the tortoises had been fed by visitors but obviously also the crocodile as well which suddenly appeared out of nowhere close to our door and same was in fact not a small one.



Due to the appearance of more and more tortoises we immediately left that spot and whilst enjoying the late afternoon drive we met a beautifully posing European roller



and some resting giraffes.



to be continued.......

[Pumbaa]

I love the rough area around Olifants with the Lemombo mountains in the background.



We stayed quite a while and watched the giraffes as it was obviously dinner time and one of the giraffes started to feed on the acacia bushes.



As we still had a bit time left we drove a short while on the S92 until we got to see the first views into the Letaba riverbed and to complete the big five for this day we met a group of chilling dagga boys close together.



Then it was also time for us to return to camp and we only spotted another red-crested korhaan in the thick vegetation on our way back.



Back in camp we noticed soon that the electricity was back as announced and we could enjoy our evening on our verdanah with another delicious braai and the view as long as the daylight allowed this.

Thursday, 20. February 2014 – Olifants

A visit to Matambeni bird hide had climbed on our Kruger wish list nearly up to the first place and so we decided to visit same today and spend a decent amount of time there and to reach same from Olifants we travelled along another one of our favourites in Kruger via the S44 and later the S93/46 and so we killed two birds with one stone today.

A must stop along the way is always at the view and get out point on the S44 – We had luck as the sun was about to rise and so we could watch the sunrise from that breathtaking view







It indeed took not long until the sun came up and covered the already magic place into an even more magical light and we noticed already a fish eagle sitting on a branch in a far away tree and a Goliath heron who was about to catch something in the Olifants river for breakfast.

The grey louries awoke as well and started to get extreme active in a close by tree.



Already on the S93/46 we came across a large group of hippos who positioned themselves in a long row.



Compared to especially yesterday it was an extreme quiet drive and besides a very well hidden giraffe



and lot of golden orb web spiders we saw nothing but for sure the views compensated the lack of animals a lot and seriously who can stand such a day we had yesterday twice.



A great bird activity we then spotted in a dry thorny bush so we choose the best spot, switched the engine off and simply waited what might come landing – first one was another brown headed kingfisher,



a cinnamon breasted bunting which was already the second sighting without any decent pictures of that bird and an unidentified sunbird out of which this was indeed the best picture as this bird was permanently busy in cleaning its feathers nearly the whole time we parked in front of that bush.



A beautiful red billed fire finch also paid a short visit



as well as a grey headed bush shrike and to top them all suddenly



also a burchall’s coucal landed in that bush – Funny was that whenever we parked in front of such a bush with lots of bird activity nearly in the end a coucal or cuckoo made the bird activity an end simply by its presence



and I found it extreme astonishing what great variety of birds in only such a short time and at only one spot could be seen without even driving around!

Only a couple of meters further down the road we spotted in another dead tree a lovely little sparrowhawk.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

Closer to the end of that road near Engelhard dam we spotted the first hyaena between the thick vegetation



and it took not long until we met another one running extreme fast obviously in catching up with the first one we saw. The omnipresent hippos could not be missed



and close to the Letaba camp where you have to cross a dry riverbed we met an impressive kudu bull surrounded by lots of thick and green vegetation.



It must have been close to the staff entrance of the Letaba camp where we ended up in a sort of jungle – a lovely spot, very overgrown by plants and very green and here we found that strange sort of plant which looked a bit like a carnivorous plant and there were a lot of such things around – which was in fact a bit scary!



After an extreme short break in the Letaba camp we carried on along the H1-6 and S95 which is indeed Kruger travelling at its best as the views into the riverbed are always far too spectacular and normally there is always a lot to see, especially birdies and tuskers and so it was also today – we spotted one more grey headed bushshrike,



colourful Carmine bee eaters and lots of drongos,



another spotted Flycatcher came also along



and also one of our favourites a Crested barbet was willing to pose for some pictures.



Then we had to pay attention to the ground as suddenly an invasion of such sort of critters came across – It looked as if someone had put fake eyes on the back of same.



Besides the many bee eaters species the white fronted ones were also active



and suddenly the bird activity ended with another sighting of a cuckoo – a Levaillant’s



and then an impressive tusker although a bit far away nearly on the other side of the riverbed could be easily seen – Unfortunately it was one of these days where at 10.00 o’clock the temperature had already crossed the 30 degrees level and the air was already flimmering like mad so these were the only decent shots of that impressive tusker.





Greatly it was extreme less traffic so that we could enjoy the trip along that beautiful road with all the loops as slowly as possible – Little bee eaters could also be spotted, a grey heron and another not that very decent picture of a fish eagle feeding on a fish on a dry sandbank



and also the waterbucks could not be missed as they always could be seen on that road more than regularly



and another stunning ground hornbill sighting came across as well although the whole family was obviously in a hurry and did not stay that long to pose for a nice picture.



Another lovely stop we made then on the Letaba high water bridge and we started to scan the area as this view from that bridge is always breathtaking and to our joy we spotted not far away a group of African spoonbills



who even did the scratching simultaneously.



After an extensive break with also a great number of hippos and crocodiles to watch we carried on into the S62 to Matambeni hide. Whoever travelled along this road might have felt a bit lost as you are riding on a road surrounded my monotonous mopane bushes and it felt as if the road to the hide will never end and we already thought that we might have been lost but somehow we suddenly stood right in front of the hide. Besides a lone buffalo in his private spa the bushes were even too thick to identify anything else and the birdies might have gone somewhere else as well on that hot day.

The hide itself was stunning and the view you had was fantastic and as we were for the whole time the only people there we had enough space to walk a bit around and observe our beloved feathered friends excessively. A cinnamon breasted bunting sat on a branch in a thick bush and it was a bit tricky to get a decent shot but finally this bird could now be captured as well by Timon.



to be continued........