Africa Wild

Day 7 28th March

Our last full day in the park. We went down the H6 again.
First up was a gentle giant right next to the road.



This was followed by the hyena clan at their den



The early morning sun was quite beautiful



We took the S41 towards the S100 and came across a troop of baboons on an early walk.



Then some cobwebs with the sun shining through them.


At one of the river crossings this water monitor was ready for flight.


A flash of yellow in a tree revealed a grey-headed bush shrike


Then some ground hornbill foraging for food.




The rest of the road was very quiet. We had a pit stop back at Satara. We then took the H1-4 towards Olfants -
a good move. Ahead were some cars - something interesting must be there - we joined the back of the queue.
Walking towards us was a pair of mating lions. Cars had already built up behind us so there was nothing for it but to
sit and wait. As luck would have it there was a small tree next to us which the lions decided to rest under - right
next to us - we couldn't believe it. They were so close it was time to wind windows up a bit!!

A series of photos tell the story - but she had a bit of a headache which later turned into a migraine



















Time to sharpen the claws for the next round


Photobucket keeps bombing out so this day will be continued tomorrow

Day 7 continued.

We left the lions when they walked off into the long grass.

We went down the S127 which initially was very quiet until we came
across a kill of another kind. With the spoils being presented to the
partner - with love

Woodlands Kingfisher at their best
I was quite surprised to see that they would catch something as big as a mouse.



















Some Natal franklin were hiding in the grass near by.



and the ever beautiful lilac breasted roller.



We headed back down the S40.
All of sudden stop the car - reverse - whats in that tree.

A very uncomfortable looking leopard. It wasn't long before he decided to move - there were some impala
near by. All the time we were completely on our own.













Back at camp these Greater blue-eared starlings were having a bath in some very dirty water.
It didn't seem to take the sheen off their feathers though







and a mourning dove looking for crumbs. This bird, for me, has the most beautiful call

Before I start the last day here are a few photos of some elephant bathing/playing
in Nsameni dam. They were having such fun and there were quite a few of them









Day 8 29th March

We woke up early and started packing up. It was a race against time as it was threatening to rain.
As we put the cover on the trailer top tent the drizzle started - phew That was close - nothing
worse than packing up wet tents

We left Satara at about 7am. We had decided to drive down to Pabeni gate and exit there.
Just to prolong the stay in Kruger a bit - but it did make it a very long day.

It was cloudy and sightings weren't great at all.

At the Sabie river causeway we came across a pair of water thick knee's, and inspite of the cooler
weather one was having a bath.















Last up was a juvenile bateleur trying to catch a bit of sun, of which there was very little.

A short stop at Skukuza then the last leg and out of the Park. The mood was sombre and heavy hearted knowing
that next years trip to Mana pools would probably prevent a decent KNP stay.

Gonarezhou and Mana Pools would certainly be totally different and once we got talking about it later
in the weekend it was definitely something to look foward to. Now the planning has started

Thank you all for following my TT and for all the super comments.

Until next time..............