Braaiing with Wild Cats*

[Pumbaa]

It seemed as if meanwhile all the rest of the animals finally awoke as well as nearly around each corner of the road we now could see something



either large group of zebras



or once again our beloved feathered friends in form of another brown hooded kingfisher which might could have been the one we already saw earlier that morning.



The three buffaloes in a row which came across next where definitely the one we saw earlier that morning but same moved now into the water and they looked so funny together



especially the two on the left side in daydream modus so it took quite a while until we could carry on.



As we will leave that part of the park already today we decided to travel along the S118 (Mlambane loop) as this is normally also a very nice drive although today each animal we spotted was a bit far away and could only be spotted on the other side of the river whilst we enjoyed the view into the riverbed nevertheless and onto a couple of termite moulds.



Our next stop was at Gardenia hide and as it was still early enough we decided to do a longer break there and look around what might come across. Well when we arrived we could already see before we even entered the hide the hundred of impalas which were barking loudly





and strolled along for a drink and between their legs black and white dots turned out to be lot of black smith plovers and even more impalas arrived.



When we arrived another couple was about to leave and so we had most of the time the hide to ourselves and after we settled and it got quiet again more and more birdies arrived. Although the hide was not located at a permanent water source we were impressed with what we all in all got presented – birdwise! At that stage when we visited the hide the water hole looked more like a drying out huge puddle with more mud than water left. Nevertheless lots of green grass had also grown in the middle of the water hole and from time to time we could see a pair of white faced ducks at least a head of same



and after a while one of the two ducklings risked to take a closer look as well.



We realized also some movements in the bushes close to where we sat and could spot some flying activity as well and the first bird which materialized was another spotted flycatcher.



soon followed by a couple of blue waxbills which we already spotted yesterday evening together with something bright red whilst observing the rhinos and both birds always flew up and landed in the high grass and have never been seen again.



Finally also this bright red one landed close to the hide and finally we could at least take one single shot of a redbilled firefinch – also one of those most wanted birds. Needless to say that after a while the blue waxbill and the firefinch flew up again and disappeared once again in the high grass.



The white faced duck family could also be seen from time to time again



and then I got a fright as on a close by tree I realized some movement and same materialized as a very curious lizard looking around the tree trunk what we were doing in the hide.



On a tree opposite the hide we noticed two squirrels playing hide and seek and also could spot a crested barbet but everything was far too far away for a decent picture.



Earlier that day we were a bit disappointed that we could not capture the plum-coloured starling but finally we were happy that same appeared as well at the hide.



Whilst we were busy in still watching the far away squirrels we also noticed a spotted cuckoo but unfortunately same stayed far away and did not come closer.



to be continued....

[Pumbaa]

Although the branches close to the hide were very well covered by leaves finally we were glad that the Crested Barbet paid a closer visit and observed us extensively from a nearby branch.



and during the whole time we spend at the hide a sandpiper was busy in catching some lunch.



If I not have forced Timon to leave the hide I guess we would still sit there as our stay there was simply amazing and entertaining as simply so many animals especially different birds paid a visit and so with heavy hearts we left the hide but we really came not far as on the causeway on the S119/S25 we were already welcomed by a beautiful saddle-billed stork



who was foraging close to where we parked and really lost being and time as same did not even realized us nearly the whole time we spend with same.



We had years were we had difficulties in spotting only one single saddle-billed stork



but especially during the last relatively wet years we came across this colourful birds nearly around each corner.



It took nearly half an hour until same strolled further and further away from the spot where we parked so finally same disappeared between the high grass in the riverbed and was no longer to be seen.



Fascinating was that compared to the last two year with only the recent floods prior to our departure this year that part of the park did not had that much water left and so a lot of causeways were without water but this causeway was one of the wettest we crossed and so whilst looking into the water soon a lot of tilapias could be seen again



in all different sizes and also two really large catfishes showed themselves but same were a bit skittish and always moved back under a stone for cover.



It took not that long until the first terrapins appeared and then we found it was time to leave as same got meanwhile nearly in the whole park a bit too demanding for food and as we wanted to drive the whole S25 until Crocodile Bridge it was nevertheless time to say good-bye and to continue as it still was a long way to go.



Then it was time for the grey ones - warthogs appeared from nearly everywhere



and also a rubbing post came handy very well.



One of a very peaceful spot we found along the way and



around the next corner the next warthog family came across even with piglets



Normally we thought we will not see that much as it was already extreme hot in the midday heat and the sun was shining from above but we still got a lot to see even a rhino mom with her calf.



Both dared to come closer and the calf had got a high cuteness factor



an whilst mom was busy in feeding the little one eyed us suspiciously and extreme curiously.



It was once again hard to choose the favourites.



A must stop on that route is always on the Biyamiti causeway which was at that time we were there gladly still intact as same is such a wonderful stop with normally a lot to see. It took not long until the first feathered friend landed in form of a giant kingfisher which was already suffering under the prevailing heat.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

A hamerkop checked the very small waterfall out for some fishes





whereas a couple of Egyptian goose were about to take a midday nap and some small three banded plovers followed the hamerkop in search for some lunch.



Further along we got stuck in a large zebra herd out of which a very young and active foal



fooled and ran around like mad and drove mum crazy



whilst making nonsense and playing hide-and-seek. Needless to say that we had a very entertaining time in watching this little chap



but somehow still more animals could be seen such as elephant bulls,



resting kudus



and a group of grazing wildebeests and between their legs another family of warthog were busy in raiding the elephant poo for some juicy marulas.





After a fantastic drive we finally reached the tar road leading to Crocodile Bridge and whilst we were already dreaming about an early late afternoon on our verandah we had to stop for another bird which just landed close by as same was a lifer for us – An African cuckoo.



Although there was quite a lot of traffic as most of the cars were on their way out of the park on a Sunday afternoon but gladly our feathered friend kept sitting on the branch



and simply posed like mad and even got curious from where the strange click louds came which somehow fascinated same.



Needless to say that lots of people in their cars wanted to know at what we were looking at and most of them unfortunately threw a glimpse onto the cuckoo and drove off.



Gladly same still stayed after they braked, looked and gave speed and finally after we got satisfied with all the nice poses we got to see he flew off and we at last could enter Crocodile Bridge camp and felt home as always in our favourite camp as on top we were once again awarded with bungalow No. 10 which is our absolute favourite one as the view from there is simply stunning onto the river and into the bush and normally to watch wildlife activity from the verandah is also on top very rewarding and we really were not disappointed at all right from the beginning.

Whilst I was preparing our salad for our braai and Timon was always on the go with camera in hands we were visited by a lovely bushbuck lady and only realized later that her cute calf unfortunately was outside the camp and mom was inside camp and both were a bit desperate and moved the whole evening and also the next morning around the fence and tried to reunited themselves again without a fence between them. I can already reveal that finally they walked together into the sunrise the next morning outside the camp.



Then out of my corner of my eye I realized another movement and noticed a huge monitor squashed itself under the fence, made Timon aware of same and this episode ended with Timon following the monitor and it took quite a while until he returned as he tried to capture same in his sleeping room which took quite a while.



The velociraptors out of the movie “Jurassic Park” do look quite similar!

The next animal which was busy in checking the fence was a hyena which was a bit skittish when one came too close and always ducked into the high grass but did not want to leave its comfortable resting place. We later also pointed the resting hyena out to two other people who were taking a walk around camp but they obviously were afraid of the hyena and hurried on after realizing same.



Then the invasion of the vervets took place and after same visited all verandahs of the unoccupied bungalows and did not find something to raid they had to satisfy themselves with the ripe marula fruits which had fallen down from a beautiful large marula tree outside but very close to the fence close to bungalow No. 9 and we had a lot to watch and got very much entertained by them



especially as the cleaning of their hands and mouth do look so very similar the way the humans do.....and furthermore they only chose marulas which had a very special degree of ripeness. All the marulas which just had fallen from the tree kept untouched on the ground.



Whilst our braai got started we could watch the night come and had a delicious meal and had as well a dinner guest in form of a huge elephant bull who was feeding on all remaining marulas on the ground outside the camp and after he had eaten all of them he started to push the tree trunk and more marulas fall down. We had a fantastic evening in watching same so close and we only went to bed after the elephant also left his private marula resort and moved on into the night.

to be continued....

[Pumbaa]

Monday, 10th February, 2014 – Crocodile Bridge

With a boiling hot coffee in hand we awaited the new crack of dawn and as first car at the gate a beautiful sunrise awaited us already and it turned also later on out to become one of the few days without any rain....



As always when staying in Crocodile Bridge our first option to drive is always the S28 which can be very rewarding but also very quiet unfortunately during this year’s trip it turned out to be the later but nevertheless we prefer to drive on that road instead of travelling on the tar road.

First sighting that morning was a large herd of zebras which is always great fun to photograph





but this morning the light was simply too brilliant and illuminated the striped ones into a magical light.



Needless to say that once again it was more than hard to choose my favourites.



We stayed with them quite a while and enjoyed it that so many of them gave us the opportunity to pose and it was actually an amazing teeming with zebras as



more and more of them appeared and crossed the road behind our car so every now and then a new photographic opportunity developed and Timon always found something new to press the button for.



A bit further down after finally all of the zebras walked farer away also sporadically some wildebeests arose as well.



During the last stays also the sighting of a Burchall’s coucal on that road turned out to be regular and so it was also today.





Also a couple of amur falcons enjoyed the first rays on sunshine that morning and we had great joy in watching them as they turned out to be one of our favourite birdies.



As already said earlier it was a quiet morning and we drove long distances on that road without even see anything but this may have caused also due to the height and thickness of the grass as same must have grown into record heights this year.

Although the Nlanganzwani dam is none existent any more since a couple of year we always travel on that small road as we had already some lovely sightings there. Today a dead tree full of vultures came across



and also a brown snake eagle high on a tree top looked down to search for something for breakfast.



As usual we stopped finally at the old dam and drank the last drips of our coffee before we carried on. On our way back to the S28 suddenly a scary shadow appeared out of nowhere and frightened us a bit – Gladly later on this chap turned out to be one of the calmer ones.



It took not long until we finally turned into the S137 and already during the whole drive on the S28 hundreds of red-backed shrikes were busy that morning and finally Timon could also take a decent picture of same as the earlier ones he took either came out blurred on only showed a branch without any bird on it......





Due to the decorative mask around his eyes this bird from now onwards got the nickname “Zorro” from us.



It took not long until the first warthogs showed up as always on this road,



one of the many swaison francolins was calling its lung out of same



and also one of the many koris we already could admire in that area of the park presented itself at least it’s head as also here the grass was extreme high.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

A seldom bird for us is the black shouldered kite although funny that when we do see same in Kruger then on that road.



Soon we arrived at Duke’s waterhole and also here the lapped-faced vultures



and the white-backed vultures were celebrating a congress in the dead trees.



Wildebeests could be seen a bit farer away from the road and one of the highlight was this sunbathing water monitor which looked so picturesque on the small branch across a small pond



and we spotted also a couple of white storks out of which this one was tagged.



Although it was one of the days were this area of the park was extreme quiet we nevertheless enjoyed do drive these roads again and we also could finally capture one of the many grey hornbills.



The H4-2 was also quiet that morning and since we arrived at Sunset dam we only came across a group of giraffes as well as some warthogs.



Before the obligatory stop at Lower Sabie camp a quick visit at Sunset dam is always a must and whilst looking around we could discover, a couple of three banded plovers, Egyptian goose, a hamerkop



as well as a pied wagtail



and water dikkops.

Farer away we spotted lots of yellow-billed storks, crocodiles and hippos. Suddenly a beautiful brown snake eagle landed close to where we stood and I cannot remember having ever seen that many of them as during this year.



The grey heron paid also a closer visit, the three banded plover got busy in searching for something for breakfast. We could also realize some bird activity around the dead tree in the middle of the dam and finally same also landed closer and same now materialized into juvenile buffalo weavers.





The always present three banded plover could finally also be captured, however, the pied kingfisher was not willing to come closer and stayed sitting on one of the branches on the dead tree.



Finally we entered Lower Sabie camp for an urgently needed body break and inspected also the shop for the obligatory ice cream and whilst sucking same this time without a break on the viewing deck due to the closure of the restaurant, however, consequently the shop changed its opening times and same now had opened until 8.00 o’clock in the evening!

As we fell in love two years ago with the Muntshe loop it was more than obvious that we decided to take this road once again. Although we experienced it already last year this February this road was even more quiet but this may also have caused by the highness of the grass as the only mammal we found on that road were a couple of giraffes and sporadically elephant bulls



so everything which was smaller and could not fly kept undiscovered – So consequently it was simply logical that this road was more than quiet although from the landscape same it simply one of my favourites – Sigh. The birdlife, however, was also prolific with hundreds of European bee eaters, lilac breasted rollers and thousands of European rollers sitting on the branches on the roadside.



It took not long until we were driving back via the H10 to Lower Sabie and although here the view was not that much disturbed by high grass the road was as quiet as the S122, however, nearly at the end a group of kudu ladies could be admired busy in eating some yummy green stuff.



Due to the quietness we were extreme early back at Sunset dam but as nearly the same birds and animals could still be seen as we already saw earlier that day we decided to give same tomorrow another try and made it slowly back to Crocodile Bridge.

Although out of nowhere a couple of meters behind the Lower Sabie causeway we realized suddenly a large shadow hiding the sun and all at once this shadow landed close in front of our car on a bush and the shadow materialized into a “juvenile” martial eagle!



Gladly for all of the cars which came across same was extreme willing to pose and satisfied each and every photographer entirely with all possible poses a bird like that could do!



We never had luck with good sightings of this raptor during the previous years either they were simply too far away or simply none existent for us but I can already now reveal that this trip was for us a martial eagle trip – this one was even willing to impersonate a vulture!



I cannot remember how long we admired this raptor with these extreme long claws but when we finally left same after Timon took a couple of hundred pictures same sat still there and let the people adore itself.



Before we turned into the S28 we stopped on one of the smaller bridges you had to cross and discovered two buffaloes in their own spa.



As soon as a certain temperature had been exceeded and at a specific time of the day these guys are definitely the easiest to find in the even smallest puddle.



As we had still plenty to time we paid a visit at Ntandanyathi hide as same had been dropped off by us already a couple of times but now we had a lot of spare time for this hide left..... Another advantage was that in these hides in Kruger even at an extreme hot day with temperatures close to the forties there is still a slight breeze blowing and it always appeared a bit more bearable in these hides than in the hot car. Right when we entered the hide we could not miss the hippos as same where loud as ever and could not miss the beautiful grey heron.



Unfortunately the noisy woodland kingfisher always landed too far away for our lens so we had to concentrate on the grey heron as other birds were not in the mood to visit the hide that afternoon.

When we were about to leave I discovered even a green backed heron but very well hidden under the roots of the trees and bushes.

to be continued......

[Pumbaa]

After we watched under the bank slope, in each bush and under each tree to maybe discover something and could not see anything else we left the hide and carried on onto the S28. Soon we were surprised by three beautiful waterbuck ladies who simply posed so professionally that we could not leave them behind without taking any pictures.



On top they came so close that the big lens was by far too big and we could only take portraits.





Waterbucks are always easy to spot and as they are not that skittish it is always a lovely sighting for us and we do always stop for them.



Not far away from the waterbuck ladies three male kudus all with impressive horns came from far closer and crossed the road in front of us to



carry on their business on the other side of the street. Compared to waterbucks kudus can be sometimes extreme skittish but also do offer very impressive photographic opportunities.



The rest of the drive back to Crocodile Bridge on the S28 was once again quiet although the third brown snake eagle of the day had to be captured



as well as a pair of tawny eagles which posed nicely on a small dead bush right in front of the gate.



Although we had today not the greatest sightings we enjoyed to spend time in that area of the park and as this is already our last night in Crocodile Bridge we soaked in everything a bit more. Time for a break in camp and our monkey cousins were already busy in choosing the yummiest marulas.



I already explained earlier that whilst watching them already yesterday evening in camp they do remind me of humans maybe with these four pictures



I can show you what I mean – Licking fingers to clean them after the juice whilst biting into the marula had glued them together



and as no napkin was handy using the tongue to clean the mouth extensively! It was simply a joy to watch them and to discover how close related they are finally to us.



A dark capped bulbul also presented itself and landed close to the fence and started to permanently land onto the grass in catching some bees or insects.



We were busy in switching from bulbul to vervets and gladly Timon pressed the button right away to capture this little cutie which was playing with its feet lost in thoughts.



Finally after a very entertaining and refreshing break in camp we left for our late afternoon drive although I tinkered with the idea of staying in camp, as meanwhile Mother warthog with her nearly grown piglets joined the vervets in munching marulas but as this was already our last evening in the area I decided against it and joined Timon. First stop was at Gesanftombi and we came right in time to enjoy the last rays of sunshine shining down on one of the hugest crocodiles I have ever seen.



A bit far away we could even spot a large white egret also a lifer for us!



After we soaked in the atmosphere entirely we left the silent place and tried some of the gravel roads in that area and soon had another honour in spotting a large white rhino extreme close



busy in feeding like a lawn mower.



Same even had no time in lifting its head as the grass was simply too tasty.



We also found lots of impala, European bee eaters, European rollers and another brown snake eagle



but we somehow lost the clock out of sight and so we had no alternative than to turn around and simply do hope that no elephant herd were busy in blocking the road. Gladly we had luck and only spotted a single bull whilst crossing once again the bridge over Gesanftombi



and we were already nearly in camp when we could capture this giraffe walking into the sunset.



All in all it was another awesome day maybe with not that spectacular sightings as we might had in the Berg en Dal area but we do always enjoy such quiet days as well. We had also another yummy braai but today without the visit of the elephant in the evening but that does not mean that there was nothing to be seen. I already realized something strange behind the microwave during our midday break in camp but somehow forget to investigate further but now that something strange thing materialized into a frog



which simply had to be captured and was on top extreme willing to pose



and with the camera already in hand we finally could also photograph one of these transparent lizards which are joining you whilst braiing as soon as you lit the light on the verandah



and after we finished in braaing and had enough from our lizard friends we went to bed and were already looking forward to our next camp which is becoming more and more our favourite – Biyamiti!

to be continued....

[Pumbaa]

Tuesday, 11. February, 2014 – Crocodile Bridge – Biyamiti

Today was again moving day but with the usual hand movements done already over the years and known meanwhile by heart we were even ready prior to gate opening time and even had time to take a deep sigh and say good bye to our beloved bungalow in Crocodile Bridge but with every farewell something new is awaiting you around the next corner so we were already looking very much forward to our stay in Biyamiti and this year even with the weir and bridge across the S25 still intact!

Needless to say that we once again took the S28 although same presented itself this year extreme quiet to us but same is always so peaceful and still one of our favourites either quiet or not. Right outside the gate we spotted once again one of the tawny eagles we already saw yesterday and only a couple of meters ahead a group of white backed vultures on the ground and two jackals were busy in raiding the remains of a kill.



Unfortunately the grass was far too high to spot anything clear and we also could only capture one of the vultures whilst same was sitting on a rock.

I could finally not pass this fallen tree which we spotted already so many times without taking a picture – How lovely would it to spot a cheetah enthroning on same one day!



After we spotted a couple of wildebeests still a bit sleepy two rhinos appeared in the golden light.



One of the two was still extreme sleepy when we parked close to them and does not want to stand up



but its fellow put same his long horn into the side and tickled the other one to stand up and finally it stood up and followed the other rhino but still a bit sheepish although this is my favourite expression of the rhino!



The already awoken one was extreme hungry and grazed busily away, the sleepy one followed



and after a while same got hungry as well and both were busy in feeding now loudly. We still joined them with our coffee and after we got enough pictures and after same disappeared behind the bushes on the road side in the thicker bush we left as well.



Our daily morning kori could be spotted also again



and a dead tree full of cute swallows could also not be left behind without taking a picture.



Obviously the swaison francolin we already heard loudly yesterday was still not raucous enough and the spectacle started ones again. A small group of giraffes could also be spotted from far and after we waited a while one of same suddenly stood in front of our car sticking out its green and huge tongue



and I could also get my daily giraffe fix already that early!



Another great sighting already awaited us around the next corner – a huge buffalo herd!



Originally we only saw dust but after a while nearly all members of the herd could be spotted



extreme close to where we stood,



some laid down and took an extensive break



some crossed the street and continued grazing on the other side of the road



but nevertheless we already do love it to be surrounded by buffaloes and to observe their expression on their so difficult faces – well we could for sure do well without the many flies which always occurs in masses when buffaloes in such a number are around.

After also the last buffalo could not be seen anymore we left and carried on and paid another visit at Duke’e waterhole but as so often nothing excited to be seen besides a couple of water dikkops

standing motionless at the shore of the waterhole.



one of the many European rollers in front of our car just caught a beetle and had some struggle in swallowing same.



Wildebeest and zebra herds could always also be found in that area and so it was today





Then we saw some movements in the grass and after investigating further we discovered a swaison francolin which looked a bit weird



and to our surprise one of the small chicks we realized could also be seen extreme clear as normally the grass is always in the way and the gorgeous fluff balls itself are far too good camouflaged at least today we had the honour in admire one of them.



to be continued.....

[Pumbaa]

At the end of the S137 after you have fought yourselves with the car through the thick acacia bushes there is a lovely peaceful pond and we also love to stop there always for a couple of minutes and to look around – a pair of Egyptian goose could be spotted easily followed by their nearly grown goslings.



On the rocks nearly in the middle we realized two terrapins sun bathing themselves but unfortunately both did look into the other direction and so we only got some bum shots of them but out of the bushes a warthog mom with their piglets appeared and we obviously disturbed them whilst taking a mud bath.



On the tar road once again it was extreme quiet but in front of a large tree a couple of birders in their cars tried to photograph a fiscal fly catcher and we tried our luck as well.



We took a short look from the Lower Sabie causeway but besides some very active European swallows nothing exciting could be discovered around although the swallows posed so cute so we could not pass without photographing them.



After the obligatory short break at Lower Sabie camp we paid another short visit at Sunset dam but unfortunately today all the animals could only be admired from far although would have loved to take some closer shots of the far away African spoonbills and then we drove in the Northern direction as we wanted to near Biyamiti via the S21 as we could not drive same two years in a row due to road closures. On our way we spotted in a thick reed field a lone steenbuck but could unfortunately not capture a decent picture of same and soon we turned into the S21 where right in the beginning a lovely pond full of water is always our first stop.

Although this year we could not see that much from the water itself as the whole pond was covered by thick green grass and suddenly out of the thick green grass we spotted at least the head of a grey heron



same finally walked farer away, suddenly ducked and although we waited quite a while it could not be found again.

Although we were so much looking forward to drive that road same was in the midday heat already extreme quiet and although I love to drive that road very much as the vegetation is so diversified same was one of the quiet ones for us this year although when we travelled along and passed the huge boulders we suddenly were caught in a traffic jam and at first sight we did not see anything but after investigating ourselves and asking the people in the other cars we located a head of a male lion under a far away bush.

With the glimmering sunshine it was nearly almost impossible to get a decent picture so the following one is just a proof picture.



We still stayed and after a while we noticed under close by bushes where the male lion was lying under another head and in another bush another belly of two more male lions. As more and more cars arrived and blocked the whole street with in fact nothing to be seen when the lions flapped down and due to the heat we supposed that the lions might only become active in the evening hours we drove on as we still had a long way to go and you never know what might come across next.

So we strolled along the S114 and S23 we really enjoyed the views into the riverbed once again and even had luck with some lovely sightings. First a small herd of buffaloes doing what might be the best in the midday heat resting directly in the Biyamiti river



and a very sleepy rhino lying under huge branches in the shade.



Due to the advanced midday / early afternoon we had luck whilst approaching the Biyamiti weir as same was clear and so we already were looking forward to some close by bird shots and we even had luck as there were quite a lot of bird activity happening even on eye level! A couple of Egyptian goose was swimming after the other



and even splashed a bit in the water accompanied with some noisy babble.



A grey heron also landed the minute we stopped and soon started to throw a stick permanently as high as this bird was possible to throw although same consequently landed always back in the water only centimetres from where same just had been thrown.



After finally same had satisfyingly ended the battle with the annoying stick the heron even moved a bit closer to where we parked and offered some more than nice portraits.



and even proved that when these birds do swagger in the water do look extreme majestic.



Gladly a pied kingfisher could also be captured whilst same landed close by



and we switched once again over to the heron



and from the heron to the Egyptian goose which meanwhile made themselves comfortable in the sand and started to clean their feathers extensively.



and once again back to the grey heron.



Amazingly the hammerkop was also again present and same was trying as usually to hunt for some fishes although same changed the position. As the water nearly stopped flowing down from the weir dam same now tried its luck from a rock close to where the water was flowing from the causeway down



and luckily we could also capture the ever present sandpiper.



Whilst we were lingering at the weir only two cars wanted to pass and gladly for us drove on quickly without paying notice to the plenty of birds. Finally we turned into the S139 the private but also very thick and overgrown hilly road leading to Biyamiti and we in fact did not expect to see anything but gladly we were once again surprised positively! Only after listening to the permanent rustle of leaves and cracking of branches we could identify a herd of elephants out of which only this fellow could be seen clearly all the other members stayed invisible but definitely could not be missed although we only spotted an ear or part of the grey skin.



After we also had luck in discovering another rhino and a group of ground hornbills Timon once again triumphantly stopped in front of a thick trunk and started to click away and leaving me in the back seat puzzled what he was photographing that extensively – Finally I spotted another very well camouflaged European nightjar sleeping or better to say tried to sleep in part of the trunk.



Gladly for us that this is a private road and the whole time until we reached finally Biyamiti camp itself the road was ours with no other cars in sight so we had lots of time to capture the sleepy nightjar.



As already said we were positively surprised by the variety of animals we met in the midday heat on that road and compared to the area from which we were just coming obviously the majority of animals do favoured still that thick and shady part of the park. On the first loop leading to the Biyamiti riverbed offering an awesome view into same where a giant old fig and a sausage tree have grown old together in entangled splendour (as so poetically described in Prime Origins Guide to Best Birding in Kruger) and as if the view into the two giant trees standing at the edge of the view point is not already stunning we finally could also capture one of the most wanted birds during that trip although it was extreme tricky to stick the huge lens out of the car and point same upwards but we can now proudly present our very first green pigeon



indeed not a stunner shot but our very first green pigeon. At that stage we did not knew that we will meet a lot more of them during the following days.....

to be continued......

[Pumbaa]

Whilst leaving that stunning view point with the beautiful old trees we spotted a lone elephant bull busy in spraying mud over its body from a remaining puddle although I found it strange to even find an elephant in that height on such a view point but it must have been his favourite territory as two days later we had the honour of meeting him again.....gladly it was one of the friendlier ones!

Another lovely sighting was that we finally could capture one of the noisy woodland kingfishers we heard whilst travelling on that road.



Nearly at camp we had to be careful as a whole gang of vervet monkeys were blocking the road and after one of the tiny babies observed us curiously extensively mom called same immediately and had to be at Mom’s disposition



although the little one could not stop in looking at the big white thing sticking out of the window.



A visit at the get out point shortly before camp was once again marvellous and with a slight breeze going that high above we sat on the bench and simply enjoyed the view and already decided that we will skip our afternoon drive as it was already 16.00 o’clock. So after the quick check we could move once again into bungalow No. 8 for which I had requested for and after everything found its place we made ourselves comfortable at the braai area as from there the view into the riverbed is brilliant and with the bird hide not that far we had a lot to discover.

First of all we had to follow the noise of a woodpecker and we were glad in even finding same in camp



and we even did not find one we spotted one adult and a juvenile and so Timon snapped once again happily away although it was tricky to capture the woodpeckers as both were extreme busy in circling around the trunk to find the right spot to peck.



We also saw a group of waterbuck ladies and whilst we already lit the braai another elephant bull was splashing in the river whilst playing with the reeds he ripped out but obviously same was not that hungry at all as he used the reeds as fan,



as greeting sign or even



as headdress – At least we amused ourselves a lot about what he did with his food.



It was nearly dark when he finally walked away and we returned to the verandah and enjoyed our dinner ourselves and we even got visited by a loudless genet, as same must have sat already quite a while observing us until I noticed same and asked Timon to pick up the camera from inside our room but unfortunately the genet jumped in one of the tress around our bungalow and did not return.

In the middle of the night we awoke by a loud noise made obviously by our earlier elephant bull and sleeping with the windows wide open whilst staying in Biyamiti and the acoustics from the riverbed that noise was extreme powerful and frightening but after everything went to peace again we returned into dreamland.

Wednesday, 12. February, 2014 – Biyamiti

With a new awakening in camp new roads applied to be discovered and as first car we made our way South to see what might come across. First of all an elephant mom in a hurry came across



junior and the rest of her herd obviously were already heading forward so she had to keep up with them.

Around the next corner we nearly got kissed by a white rhino



which was still extreme sleepy and paid no attention at us all. At the turn off into the S25 we noticed a group of birds in a dead tree which we only spotted so far once in Kruger – the spur winged goose! Although today two Egyptian goose joined the society of the spur winged goose – Unfortunately we sun was about to rise and against the sun it was a bit tricky to even get decent shots.



At the Biyamiti causeway we had luck in finding another saddle-billed stork female searching for some breakfast in the river between the boulders.



Whilst carrying onto my magical road as this one had always something in store we came across a group of noisy grey louries which offered some lovely photographic opportunities



and whilst feeding on the berries same even could be enjoyed silently.



A small herd of elephant consisting of Mom, another adult female and a tiny male made us realize that we just met good old friends again – As in the minute the little one started to grab a stick which was lying around and to swing same around in his trunk



we recognized him as the trunk swinger from last year.



He meanwhile grow a bit more and unnoticeable I could now identify him as a male which will make that part of the road in a couple of years to a challenge for the cars!



Gladly nowadays same is still a cutie to watch and we only carried on until he cleared the road with his toy completely.

As the fallen tree on the S28 this pond with the fluffy clouds and the thick vegetation in the background is on the S25 one of my sigh stop points.



Not far from that lovely area we first of all noticed some movements in the high grass and after investigating a bit more in detail and after Timon switched the engine off some curious noses popped out of the grass and made us smiling again – It was time with an extensive photo shooting with the dwarf mongoose some could be captured still with their breakfast between the teeth



but all of them were extreme curious!



to be continued......

[Bushcraft]

Fantastic kingfisher pic

Love the Rasta ellie

That rhino looks rather close

Great mongoose shots