I decided to head south on the H4-2 then onto the top section of the S130. If time permitted I would then take the S137 and S28 back to the H4-2, but it rarely does and this afternoon was no exception!
Along the Sabie River there were many Elephants, including this big boy.
- IMG_8123_sml.jpg (144.57 KiB) Viewed 413 times
Then on the right a bachelor group of Kudus appeared. I love Kudus!!
I couldn't resist taking lots of pictures...
They make the Impala look tiny.
- IMG_8137_sml.jpg (175.69 KiB) Viewed 413 times
- IMG_8140_sml.jpg (165.53 KiB) Viewed 413 times
- IMG_8142_sml.jpg (161.58 KiB) Viewed 413 times
- IMG_8151_sml.jpg (171.92 KiB) Viewed 413 times
It was hard to drag myself away, but time was ticking away and the thought that there might be a Rhino waiting for me just around the next bend was enough to get me moving again.
On the top section of the S130 a Burchell's Coucal made a brief appearance, then something perched on a very small dead tree caught my eye. I trained my binoculars on it and it turned out to be a Pearl-spotted Owlet!
I adjusted the position of the car slightly so I could shoot out the passenger window but it flew off before I could get a shot.
I drove to the small pan situated on the western side of the road, but there was no action at all. With time and daylight slipping away I decided to turn around and make my way back to camp. It turned out to be a wise decision.
On the H4-2 again a family of Swainson's Spurfowl were out on an afternoon walk.
- IMG_8162_sml.jpg (190.87 KiB) Viewed 413 times
Then I came upon the grand-daddy of all roadblocks! It was the big guy with one tusk that I had photographed in the riverbed on my way out.
- IMG_8177_sml.jpg (105.64 KiB) Viewed 413 times
I quickly assessed that he was very chilled out. In the above pic you can see that he was walking on the right side of the road, but in response to the stationary he car moved across to the left to pass by.
The first few cars moved to the side and waited for him to pass before continuing on their way, but soon he came upon a more cautious driver and the reversing fun began!
- IMG_8184_sml.jpg (119.78 KiB) Viewed 413 times
This amusing spectacle continued for many hundreds of metres before the Elephant finally threw them a bone and made his way off the side of the road.
Fortunately I had left myself plenty of time so I still made it back to camp before gate closing. If all those southbound cars were heading for Croc Bridge however then my one-tusked friend had made sure they would not be making the gate on time!
Thanks for the encouraging words everyone.
