Flutts, the Brat and Mommo in Natal (Part One: Mkuze)

[Richprins]

Didn't know Mkuze was under wetland parks?

Shouldn't Ndumo also be, then?

[Flutterby]

According to the maps I got, the Wetland Parks stretch from Kosi Bay in the north to Maphelane in the south and include Coastal Forest, Lake Sibaya, Sodwana Bay, uMkuze, False Bay, Lake St. Lucia, Cape Vidal and Charter's Creek.

[Richprins]

Ja..it's on the sign!

Thought Ndumo had more wetland? Never been there?

[General Gump]

They should just fix the walk way. why put up a sign , rather do the work. Time to start holding KZN to account.

[Flutterby]

Ja..it's on the sign!

Thought Ndumo had more wetland? Never been there?

Me neither.

They should just fix the walk way. why put up a sign , rather do the work. Time to start holding KZN to account.

When we went back later in the day, the sign had been put up properly...progress!

Have you seen the roads in iMfolozi?

[Flutterby]

After unpacking and relaxing in camp we headed back to Malibala Hide, which was just as busy as it was in the morning.



Golden-breasted Bunting



Blue Waxbill



A unicorn!!



No idea!



We then headed to iNsumo pan, but apart from a Fish Eagle, some far-off storks and these Egyptian Geese, it was very quiet, but the wind was really howling, so that could have kept the wildlife indoors!



We did come across another first though...Crested Guineafowl!!



The fires were still burning, and in lots of places trees had fallen into the roads and we had to negotiate our way carefully around them. But in one instance we had to do some gardening!! There was a tree across the road and a rock on the side, so we had to move the rock out of the way and then I had to hold part of the tree back so my dad could get past!!

Our last sighting of the day was awesome but I can't say where we saw it! We were watching a white rhino about to come down to drink, when another one appeared. We all held our breath to see what would happen, and the two had a right royal stand-off, with lots of crashing of horns!!





The first to arrive bows his head to his adversary....



...kicks up some dust...



...and charges!!



Sizing each other up!







They went backwards and forwards, taking turns to back down and then charge again...it was amazing to watch!! And the noises were incredible...lots of huffing and puffing, thudding feet, clashing horns and of course, about 8 different cameras all clicking away madly!!





We eventually had to leave without seeing who the victor was, but the sun was setting and it was time to get back to camp.

The camp was full of impala, and they hung around our bungalows all night. We had to make our way through them to get to the ablutions and one even slept on my dad's doorstep!



Our lodgings for the night.

[Bushcraft]

Crested Guineafowl

Fantastic rhino interaction

The Brat needs to take over the braai duty from the Ballie now

[harrys]

Some beautiful photos here the Rhino interaction looks intense

[Duke]

Caught up Flutts

KuMasinga is a gem . Mkuze is great for birding. Great white rhino sighting. Purple banded sunbird

[RobertT]

This thatch would not last with BC's pyrotechnic skills.