We Won An MZNP Game Drive

[PJL]

Ratel, Flutts, RP, Pumbaa & Mel for the comments

Didn't you see gymnogene in Kruger?

No... we've seen quite a few raptors in Kruger but this was our first gymnogene. They have occasionally popped up in Addo as well, but we haven't been fortunate enough to see them there yet.

With the car all packed it didn't seem sensible to go bouncing up a 4x4 route on our way out, but we're not very sensible so off we went up the Umngeni route again

Vervets were on the lookout near the start of the trail



The rest of the route up to Rooiplaat was fairly quiet with the usual mountain zebra families hanging around





Whilst taking a break at the top of the trail a small bird (possibly some kind of pipit ) came flying towards us and settled on a nest that was incredibly well camouflaged



We continued our drive with a loop around Rooiplaat where we found an eland having a nice morning snack



Further round at one of the dams, some zebra were taking turns with wildebeest to drink





Heading down the link road on our way out the park, a blesbok finally stood long enough for a quick pic, whilst we had a good laugh at a zebra using a termite mound as a scratching post









We were lucky to get a nice close sighting of some blue cranes again on Ubejane, whilst the resident gemsbok saluted our departure








It had been a fun trip again to this little gem of a park. Despite it being a public holiday weekend it had never felt busy at all.... as always I can't wait to go back there again sometime. Thanks to all of you who checked in this trip! I hope you enjoyed the ride

[Ratel]

I thoroughly enjoyed the ride PJL.

Again a stunning set of images. Blesbok and Blue Crane are my favourites. Two very classy species.

That Zebra is looking at you as if to say "Stop judging me!"

[Richprins]

Brillant stuff as always, Peej!


it didn't seem sensible to go bouncing up a 4x4 route on our way out, but we're not very sensible so off we went up the Umngeni route again




And I like your fancy shots with composure leaving half the pic open..very good!

[Mel]

That itchy bum...

You managed an interesting angle of the zebras which makes their backs look almost as if they were caked in mud.
But either way... mountain zebras are the prettiest of their kind, in my opinion

An excellent sighting of the cranes! I only know them as being very nervous and flying of with much kerfuffle

A pretty close eland too

Thanks for sharing the ride! Now I'm a bit sad that we won't be there next year. That park has really grown to me and
I do enjoy tagging along other people's experiences

[Pumbaa]

Love the vervets on the look our, PJL,

and the Zebras, eland and for sure the blue cranes

[Forestgump]

A great trip report made me want to go back there for a visit again

[Flutterby]

Some stunning pics again PJL!! Thank you for sharing with us!

[Lisbeth]

Thank you for sharing

[Richprins]

Hey, Peej...leachy was wondering if you did any of the 4x4 loops there?

He got a fright on the Mgeni loop this holiday!

[PJL]

Hey, Peej...leachy was wondering if you did any of the 4x4 loops there?

He got a fright on the Mgeni loop this holiday!

Yes we did all the 4x4 loops including a couple of trips up Umgeni.... it’s the trickiest but probably my favorite. One day I might even upgrade to a real 4x4 vehicle!