I've got a feeling of a hot summer in Kruger

[RogerFraser]

Catching up again

Love the birds and the sunset .The animals coming to the dam

Awake Active Lions

[Pumbaa]

You leave us hanging here? I was sure that something interesting was about to happen

Well the lions did not hunt but they in fact had a lot to do........

[Pumbaa]

Why Ghostbird it is such a beautiful bird

It is for the sound it makes, Pumbaa!

What a grand lion sighting in lovely light!

And a traffic jam of 6 cars!

Thanks would love to hear that sound one day Yes that this the advantage of the North during that time of the year only few cars

[Pumbaa]

Catching up again

Love the birds and the sunset .The animals coming to the dam

Awake Active Lions

We were so happy about the masses of animals we saw in that area - It was magic

[Pumbaa]

Whilst on one side of the concrete the lion was hanging around between the elephant poo on the other side Mr. elephant was busy in pretending to take a drink



and here a shot of both of them



and in between even an embarrassment stretching had to be done.



A couple of lions were now resting behind the water tank out of side for us



whilst the others in the open were eyed suspiciously by the zebras as well as wildebeests.





For sure the lots of zebras still in safety distance to the lions stayed where they were







and also Mr. elephant was still hanging around at the water tank



but obviously finished drinking and eloped finally.



One of the lions obviously got bored and needed to stir up the zebras



who then ran away, however, the wildebeests obviously did not feel addressed as they only eyed the whole spectacle.



In a dust cloud the zebras were now running but returned quite soon



whilst the lions thought they got meanwhile rid of the tease.

[Pumbaa]

It was sure that they were definitely not on the hunt as they played with each other





and we were so happy about such incredible sighting on such an early morning and I also felt happy for all the other people in their cars as the whole spectacle could be watched easily from each point where they parked and nothing was blocked by bushes or trees. To our surprise now even a hyena appeared on the scene,



came closer,



however, was chased away immediately by one of the lions.



In fact the lions were quite busy in chasing most of the animals away and we had fun in watching them.



Finally now all lions settled behind the water tank and we could now only see part of the head from one of them but at least it was only a question of time until the next elephant will come to drink….the zebras now also dared to come closer again







and even the jackal or one of the jackals showed up again.



now even the wildebeest dared to come closer to the water hole on the ground and quenched their thirst





and we even discovered on the ground a nicely posing sparrow.



to be continued……………….

[Lisbeth]

What a great morning show at the waterhole with lots of different participants

[Pumbaa]

What a great morning show at the waterhole with lots of different participants

It was as if you was in a nature / wild life documentation - It was amazing

[Pumbaa]

The zebras started a fight but that brought the lions again to the scene and one was now busy



in chasing again the group of zebras away





and meanwhile also an elephant bull neared the concrete





and the lions did a runner.





No question as to whom is here the King!



The lions now moved steadily away from the water tank followed by Mr. elephant



and now all cars switched the engines on and followed the lions we as well at least for a short while but finally they moved farer away and stayed between or behind bushes so we carried on as we had just spent such fantastic 1 ½ hours with them and finally spotted also lions at Tihongonyeni.

We therefore turned around and drove back the way we came along the open area where still lots of zebras, wildebeests and tsessebes could be seen, however, a bit far but luckily we spotted another secretary bird



and finally already on the S50 we met a large group of ground hornbills



quite close on the search for something worthwhile on the ground.

[Pumbaa]

Masses of zebras in the distance followed us quite a long time until we reached Grootvlei where due to the meanwhile prevailing heat an elephant invasion took place.



They were busy in drinking or taking a bath between the resident hippos and after we found a nice place to rest we started to fire also here away and discovered that one of these elephants had a shorter trunk but the elephant could drink with that one and also the splashing worked.



We also noted zebras along the shore as well as African spoonbills and great white egrets but a bit far but for sure put most attention onto the masses of elephant



we noted here to quench their thirst.



Close to where we parked we noted a movement on the ground and detected another kittlitz plover



very well camouflaged but whenever we pay a visit to this dam one of them is always there.



It was a steady come and go elephantwise





and we had another great time here in watching all the trunks in the water



or even the elephants taking an extensive bath.



Also the grass close to the dam looked grazed or stamped down but for sure that was no reason for the elephants to keep away from this nice and quite good filled dam.



Meanwhile we also had to change our memory card from one of our cameras as Timon simply took so many shots must say that this in fact did not happen that often.





to be continued………….