The Big Cat Diary and a Couple of Lifers

[Pumbaa]

Birds!

That rocky zone permanently looks like drought, Pumbaa!

In fact that Olifants area is very special

[Pumbaa]

A chinspot batis came across as well as



a nicely posing white froned bee eater



and obviously the juvenile bateleur we already saw circling above us found a place to rest.



Checking in into camp took a bit longer as a couple who just arrived for the very first time in Kruger had so many questions but that did not bother me and finally I held the key for no. 13 in my hands – a bungalow in which we did not stay during our previous visits – the view from high above was always breathtaking but the location of the braai was a bit annoying as same was positioned behind the bungalow right in front of the next bungalow.

After a very relaxing time on our verandah enjoying the view at least the verandah was very private we packed together for a short afternoon drive – today it heated up again over the day and the afternoon sun was still shining strongly and hot from above so we did not expect to see that much.

For sure we returned to the Balule bridge and at least here was always something to be seen. The giant kingfisher from earlier that day could now be admired far closer,





beautiful waterbucks were around



and now also a saddle-billed stork and lots of spoonbills arrived as well.



A waterbuck was grazing at least from the grass which was left whilst the bee eaters where catching some insects.



Lots of Egyptian goose enjoying the water as well and we even spotted a colourful malachite kingfisher but far too far away for a decent shot



and we enjoyed a hippo mom plus her little one also trying to find something to eat which was not easy in the time of the drought.



Whilst returning slowly back to camp we came across an African hawk eagle in a tree



and nearly in front of the gate we saw a very fast snake slithering across the street only to disappear in a nearly bare bush close the road and nearly in front of our car. We both followed the snake with the eyes and finally same stopped above a small branch and eyed us suspiciously. I guess the snake was a black mamba?

[Pumbaa]

Another car also stopped but also after explaining to same where to look for the snake they could not locate it. At least on the pictures same looked very friendly.



Back in camp Timon lit the braai and whilst same was going we enjoyed the sunset from our verandah



and although the Olifants did not carry that much water compared to other years the look is always breathtaking and with this look and the delicious braai another day in paradise ended.



Thursday, 25. February 2016 - Olifants

Roads we travelled along that day: S44 – S93 – S46 – H1-5 – S95 – H1-6 – S62 – S95 – H1-5 – S92

Our ride along the S44 with a the stop at the breathtaking view point and the S93 until we reached the S46 was extreme quiet today but we came across in one of the many loops a couple of kudus



and plenty of giraffes either busy in crossing the road



or in feeding.



Along the way we followed the Letaba but same had an extreme low level this year



consequently all water crossings which you had to cross already dried out which was a pity as same are normally full of birdies. At one crossing we, however, could capture another beautiful paradise flycatcher.



The turn off to Engelhard dam was then ours and what a lovely place that was at that early morning so peacefully – the sun just came out and chased extreme dark clouds away although we did not realize any rain that day.



We drove all the loops that hurly-burly around that dam had to offer and had a more than fantastic time in observing spoonbills, open-billed storks, Egyptian goose,



grey herons and saddle-billed storks.



to be continued.....

[nan]

love all the small birds, like the Batis
and the big too, specialy the African Hawk Eagle
and the possible Mamba not easy to find it amongs all these branches

and indeed Olifants it's the Paradise

[Richprins]

What on earth is that in front of the geese?

It is a black mamba, Pumambaa!

Any hut with a view at Olifants is great!

[Pumbaa]

love all the small birds, like the Batis
and the big too, specialy the African Hawk Eagle
and the possible Mamba not easy to find it amongs all these branches

and indeed Olifants it's the Paradise

In fact when we did not know where to look and did not realized crossing the street we would have never found it

[Pumbaa]

What on earth is that in front of the geese?

It is a black mamba, Pumambaa!

Any hut with a view at Olifants is great!

I guess it is a remain of a carcass or some bones - I only realized it later at home at least it looked so. Thanks for the confirmation of the black Mamba - That snake was that fast it could only have been a black mamba

[Alf]

Love the dark clouds over the river

[Flutterby]

I loved the little ellie in the paddling pool! And great heron sightings!

Lovely pics as usual.

[Pumbaa]

Love the dark clouds over the river

Me too but in Letaba it did not rain that day must have been more North as we realized the next day