Enjoying The Kruger Without Staying In The Park

[Lisbeth]

Along the Makhadzi Spruit next to the small road there were some lovely Fever Trees, one of my favourites because they have those stunning green/yellow pastel colours.

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“The fever tree gets its name from its tendency to grow near swampy areas – early European settlers in the region noted that malarial fever was often contracted in areas where these trees grew (of course, we now know this was a mosquito-related mistake!). These beautiful trees are a favourite in gardens and their feathery foliage is a choice home for birds, but they're not revered everywhere. Fast-growing and short-lived, they can stage a quick takeover on other plant species”

The next was an unexpected sighting. It was just after 13:00 and blazing hot and what do I find grazing on a small clearing along the river .....Hippos

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There was also a tiny one, but it returned to the water right away. Eventually also the grown ones got wise and disappeared too.

The road had started to climb and the view on the river was lovely

And also the Engelhard Dam had come within sight

From the other side

[Lisbeth]

I have already posted one of these trees from another place and I am still not sure what it is. It looks vaguely like a Baobab, but is it.......

The dam from higher up

On the way back another nice tree in company with a young Impala ram. A Natal-Mahogany.

And of course the spot on top of the tree made me curious

A brown Snake-Eagle

Again down at the Letaba Bridge and the Openbills were still there

Heading towards Phalaborwa on the H9 the Elephants made their appearance next to a small muddy hole

Especially one found the mud irresistible

The others started to go away

But not him, you never know when you will find such a right-sized muddy hole again

Finally, he started to get up

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and joined the rest of the family who was still waiting.

No more pics from that day, so it is logic to conclude that there was nothing interesting on the way to the gate

[Klipspringer]

I love this one The lark in the lush green foliage of a Knob thorn tree

The tree above is a Baobab

Engelhard dam is usually quiet and a nice spot. Is it also on the to be blown up list?

The bird hide view is very pitoresque

[Mel]

Engelhardt Dam looks only nice when you manage to keep the concrete out of the photos

But generally the scenery was rather pretty - lots of colours, especially the fresh green and the deep blue.
And I also like the colour of the earth in some pix as it reminds of the red sands

Good variety of game and birds too

Not entirely sure what my favourite photo could be, but I lean towards your first fever tree photo

[Richprins]

Tons of great scenery, Lis!

It is so green, one can hardly imagine it being so hot too!

That is a baobab, yes.

My favourites are the hippos out of the water, always nice and unexpected!

Thanks for all the info...you sure that woman in the photo is her?

[Flutterby]

Nice ellie shots and at least there were lots of birds to keep you entertained!

[Richprins]

I think those kingfisher are sitting in a Matumi tree, quite rare and actually the tallest tree in Kruger under good circumstances!

[Lisbeth]

Thanks for all the info...you sure that woman in the photo is her?

I cannot swear it, but that's what the site said when I looked her up

[Alf]

Wow love the different animals and birds

That dam has plenty water in

We haven’t been to that hide for ages

[Pumbaa]

WoW Lisbeth,

really love the variety of birds you saw and love especially the shots from the openbilled and yellow billed storks

The landscape shots you took whilst travelling in that area are amazing and makes me wish to return right now

and then on top those bathing ellies - Simply totally Kruger - Sigh