Africa Wild

Day 19: Tembe Elephant Park

On the western side of the park, close to the research camp, was the den of the wild dogs and we found fresh tracks on the road and luckily enough got even a glimpse of two adults crossing and running into the thick bush again.

successful mission


Little later we had a close encounter with one of the largest and oldest bulls at Tembe: Rudi










of the rare open woodland in Tembe ... roads, trees





Impalas are not abundant in Tembe

Mel wrote:Excuse me, 4 piccies of a tusker is torture?

Wild dog!

Be patient, Mel. We met Rudi in the early morning far from the waterhole, but he was on his way for a drink and would arrive at Mahlasela pan two hours later and later this day you will see another lovely bull or two

Rudi is actually not considered a tusker, I think


Dewi, the wild dogs were really special, the only pack consists of three adults only at the moment and they have six LO's, who did not leave the den in August.

Day 19: Tembe Elephant Park

Daily Tembe routine : A stop at Mahlasela pan for coffee and breakfast




Some Zebra












... and Nyala
















This Harrier-hawk was very thirsty!









There are lots of pretty Emerald-spotted Doves around

Day 19: Tembe Elephant Park

Two and a half hours ago we have had our close encounter with Rudi in the bush about 6km from the hide and now he has made his way feeding down to the waterhole



walking to the outlet























drinking ....

doing a stretch ...

playing ...

cleaning the ears ...


He is an impressive bull - wow

Rudi

He looks a bit older than Isilo!

They are both close to the end of their lifespan

Day 19: Tembe Elephant Park


Back in camp for one hour

This little duiker was trying hard to swallow the woody shelled fruit







Grey waxbills, so tiny

Yellow-bellied Greenbull

Day 19: Tembe Elephant Park

The Red Duiker could not swallow the thing and changed his mind now trying to crack or squeeze the hard ball ... not successful



... then went off hungry

Day 19: Tembe Elephant Park

Not many birds to be seen in the morning at the waterhole but besides the Harrier-Hawk we found a well hidden Woodpecker, I think it's a Cardinal lady