Stories from Tar Roads and From Spots

[Pumbaa]

The one in the last pics does look like a female. Most likely very young and will grow a mane later.

Nice to see side-striped jackals

As always some nice birdies

We were also happy about the side striped jackals

[Pumbaa]

It was meanwhile late morning respectively early afternoon and as it was still a bit too early to return back to camp so we decided for a short side trip to the confluence normally also a fantastic birding spot and soon we already noticed this extreme well camouflaged


feathered friend.

I think it's a Dusky Lark ... not so common... well done

what do you think ?

Could be - I definitely always do have problems in identifying larks

[Pumbaa]

Lots of lovely sightings, Pumbaa!

Plenty birdies, and I like the kingfisher!

The Shingwedzi sunrise is spectacular.

And what luck the SS Jackals!

And lions so far north!

Nearing the end...

It is always great to stand on the bridge that early in the morning - We do that always when leaving the park - Sigh

[Pumbaa]

Finally all of them decided to follow the leader



who waited already patiently right on the road.



“Long time no see!”





The greeting ritual had to be done before they continued their way



whilst they waited for the third one.



They indeed looked well fed and then it looked as if it was time again for another break



right on the road



and two of them shared again some tender moments.



Again we had that sighting all to ourselves as in the far North on a Monday morning nearly no traffic.



Although the time was pressing we indeed did not want to leave them



so we simply allowed us a bit more time with them as they now were totally relaxed



and even allowed us to take some close ups.

[Pumbaa]

After the last two rainy days it was such a wonderful farewell gift and we were so happy about their presence



at least it looked a bit as if we were welcome as well.



After quite a while obviously the leader of the gang



stood up and animated the others to follow him



which they finally did and now even all four of them were present



as the shy one did not want to be left behind.





They still walked slowly along the road but as we got our shots and had such a great time with them we also carried on into the other direction. If we were not in such a hurry we for sure would have stayed longer with them.



Soon we then reached Babalala picnic spot where a short stop was a must and not far from the picnic spot I noticed that in a tree close to the road.



Although we waited a while the culprit stayed away and although we also looked carefully on the ground after we could not find same in the tree we. Now it was obvious that the trip came to an end, however, stops for a martial eagle,



cute carmine bee eaters





as well as another black shouldered kite were a must before we reached Punda Maria camp for a final stop and after we also filled up the car we left finally the park.



The end – Finally!

A not so nice surprise awaited us then on our way back on the way to Makhado as there were protests going on on the road, however, some cars had already blazed a way so we luckily could go through all the barricades without getting harmed and also the fire service began to clear the road. Indeed an incident which was extreme unpleasant. The rest of our trip to the airport was then uneventful and we reached Johannesburg around 16.30 o’clock, gave back the rental car, get the test done and spent the rest of the day as well as nearly the whole next day in our hotel as same was in walking distance to the airport.

After all we were extreme happy that this trip could take place and that we did same although we were nearly the only tourists in the park and although we missed out the rhinos, wild dogs, nyalas and klipspringers, had so much rain and experienced that much road closures as never during the previous trips before we were extreme happy and thankful that we could visit once again our home from home.

[Lisbeth]

A pity that the trip was so wet and so many of your favourite roads were closed, but at least you had been brave enough to go and get out of your usual four walls

Luckily there is another story just around the corner, if not I would be very sad

[Richprins]

Missed the end here, Pumbaa!

A great lion sighting of course, and a nice way to end off!

Sorry about the protests...


Thank you so much for the report, a real treat every year and something I really look forward to!