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

[Lisbeth]

You had lots of fun watching the lions, I am sure. The interaction between various species is always great to watch

Elephants of all sizes included a tinyphant

The kittlitz plover is not very common or maybe It's just that I have not seen many around

[Richprins]

What an astounding morning of sightings, Pumbaa!

The action at Tihongonyeni was never-ending!

The lions often look stupid chasing the animals away like that, but we saw a kill once where there was another group of lion just hidden away, waiting for the animals to run in that direction eventually!

Interesting the ellie at Grootvlei with the trunk probably lost to a snare...

Love that dam!

[RogerFraser]

Wow the action there was amazing .The Lons playing hide and seek with the Ellies arround the water tank is super cool .

We once had a guide who told us there is always a Zebra in the background of Lions and your shots seem to prove that

[Pumbaa]

You had lots of fun watching the lions, I am sure. The interaction between various species is always great to watch

Elephants of all sizes included a tinyphant

The kittlitz plover is not very common or maybe It's just that I have not seen many around

Totally right that plover is in fact not that common but we saw same sporadically in the Mopani area at least once during our trips

[Pumbaa]

What an astounding morning of sightings, Pumbaa!

The action at Tihongonyeni was never-ending!

The lions often look stupid chasing the animals away like that, but we saw a kill once where there was another group of lion just hidden away, waiting for the animals to run in that direction eventually!

Interesting the ellie at Grootvlei with the trunk probably lost to a snare...

Love that dam!

We too but the ellie was not at all hindered to use the trunk even water splashed out of same

[Pumbaa]

Wow the action there was amazing .The Lons playing hide and seek with the Ellies arround the water tank is super cool .

We once had a guide who told us there is always a Zebra in the background of Lions and your shots seem to prove that

Yes, it was such a wonderful sighting we had there with all the different animals

[Pumbaa]

The whole time we spent at Grootvlei we were the only car there and it was such a fun photographing all the grey masses and we in fact could have spent the rest of the day there but as it was still a long way to drive we after more than another hour left that





water spectacle.



Unfortunately it got suddenly extreme quiet and only at Nyawutsi hide which is also a must stop for us when driving that road we were lucky with the sighting of a paradise whydah



as well as a couple of melba finches who were all thirsty.





We enjoyed the silence there and admired that many weaver nests hanging in one of the trees over the water.



Although it was far dryer and hotter compared to the two previous wet years the causeways we had to cross after we left the hide were still carrying lots of water



and so we took our time whilst crossing them a absorbed all the idyllic views.





Meanwhile we reached the Shingwedzi and drove along the river but in one of the many loops you can drive there a large herd of elephants had chosen a place to rest under a couple of trees and as it looked as if they might spend a longer time there we turned around.

[Pumbaa]

We spotted a bateleur in flight and after a while more elephants appeared



and after they first went down to the riverbed



to quench their thirst and cool down a bit



they walked back the same way that just came from whilst one of the youngsters took its time and had to fasten a bit to keep up with the rest of the herd. At that age they are simply too cute.





For sure due to the heat and the river more elephants could be seen during our drive



as well as water birds such as this egret and grey heron who posed so nicely



and to Timon’s joy we even discovered a fish eagle quite close



not to forget all the impalas who crossed our path until we finally reached Shingwedzi but as it was still a bit too early for check in we only did a short body break and were happy that this little or better to say large chap



was also around



and strolled through camp followed by us with our cameras.



to be continued……………….

[Lisbeth]

Elephant day with great shots

And beautiful scenery

[Richprins]

It really is a lovely drive, that S50, Pumbaa! (But it is looong!)

Beautiful landscapes, and it is indeed elephant country!

Shingwedzi Has been full of rock monitors for decades, for some reason?