Flavour of the Month June 2012: H4-1: Skukuza - Lower Sabie Road

[Bushcraft]

The H4-1 or as others call it “Eloff” street isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it can be productive at certain times of the year, especially for leopard.

I find it particularly good in the winter months when the bush thins out and the water is scarce, so game is forced to the Sabie River. However in the summer months the bush along the road is rather dense and sighting game is difficult.

It can be very busy; hence not to everyone’s liking, but I find it ok before 8am and after 4pm.

[Flutterby]

Here you go!

[Flutterby]

H4-1

From Nigel Dennis - Where to watch game in the Kruger National Park:

From Skukuza:

The H4-1 tar road that follows the Sabie River is a very popular route. Magnificent fig trees line the banks, making this a scenic drive as well as an exceptionally productive game-viewing drive. Often, there is so much to see that I find it takes me several hours simply to drive the first dozen kilometres.

It is a good idea to explore the many loop roads along the way as they offer good views of the river. Hippo are numerous here, and huge crocodile live in the river too. Keen bird-watchers should keep a lookout for the rare and elusive African Finfoot, which is found here.

Riverine bush alongside the Sabie is home to many leopard, and lion are likely to be seen hunting in the area. In fact, you could well see just about everything along this route - elephant, giraffe, hyena, as well as some of the largest baboon troops to found anywhere in the park. Although the constant flow of traffic can be annoying, the H4-1 is also a prime route for photographers. The animals in the area are so used to the presence of vehicles that very close views are possible, and this is one the easiest places to photograph normally shy, skittish species, such as bushbuck, steenbok and duiker.

From Lower Sabie:

Sunset Dam lies to the left, barely a kilometre from Lower Sabie. This is a favourite venue of photographers, and is particularly notable for the variety of water birds within easy camera range.

Closely following the Sabie River, the H4-1 is a prime route for elephant, buffalo, and giraffe, as well as all of the common antelope species in the park. Of course, these regular game movements are a magnet for lion, and it is by no means unusual to spot several prides in a morning's drive. A short detour along the S79 gravel road is also very productive for buffalo and lion.

[Richprins]

Google Map

[Bushcraft]

Leopard Kill

[Bushcraft]

Wild Dog Kill

[Bushcraft]

Lion Locals

[Bushcraft]

RP's gang that are always around on this road

[Bushcraft]

The local Blackie

[Bushcraft]

Some cheetah locals