The Big Cat Diary and a Couple of Lifers

[Pumbaa]

That giraffe looks like a camel!

What a lot of geese!

Lovely pics again.

That was what I thought too, Flutterby -

[Pumbaa]

As throughout the whole park also the Olifants river had not much water to carry and we for sure had already visits where the water level was far higher and the bushes and trees greener but the view is always breathtaking.



Whilst I still sat on the verandah and enjoyed the view Timon explored the camp armed with a camera and captured a dragonfly,



one of the many black eyed bulbuls which could be seen in camp





as well as another chinspot batis.



Although we were a bit lazy that afternoon due to the heat or due to the fantastic view we had we picked ourselves up for a short afternoon drive which leaved us once again to the Balule low water bridge. On our way to the bridge we came across another red crested korhaan



who gave everything to shout its lung out.



Today it was also quieter on the bridge than yesterday but we still could admire a grey heron



as well as a hamerkop



and simply enjoyed it to stand there. Also a vulture convention took place but from where we stood we could not see whether they were sitting at a kill or simply had a get together.



We were joined by the sunset vehicle of Olifants camp after we extensively photographed everything



plus a yellow-billed stork and lots of Egyptian goose we drove back to camp as it was on top about time.



On our way back we also came across a sharpe’s grybok but same was too hidden for a decent shot. With another delicious braai our stay at Olifants camp ended as tomorrow we had to move camp again and already for the very last time during this holiday.

Friday, 26. February 2016 – Olifants – Shingwedzi

Roads we travelled along: S93 – S46 – H1-5 – S95 – H1-6 – H15 – S48 – S50 – S142 – H1-6 – S50 – S143 – S50

In no time we packed everything together although it was a bit hard today as this was already our last moving day during this trip and normally when the end of a trip is near everything is not so easy any longer as during the beginning. At least it was a beautiful morning and with heavy hearts we said good-bye to this rough and stony area



at least the amazing sunrise on that morning had to be captured as not that many to follow during that trip.

[Pumbaa]

Today we left the S44 beside as this road would have taken too much time due to the hilly area and we still had a long way ahead that day which we wanted to expand a bit around Mopani. So that early morning it was still again extreme quiet but we came across a couple of Egyptian goose on the look out,



black eyed bulbuls and for sure the vocal woodland kingfishers.



The morning light was brilliant and so Timon captured that majestic waterbuck whilst same came up from the riverbed in the best light.





As already said the rest was extreme quiet as overall in the area around Olifants but a must stop once again had to be done to the pond close to Letaba camp where today two black crowned night heron were hanging around.



Here a shot of what was around and even so close together.



We only stopped shortly at Letaba but always when we enter that camp admire all the large trees at the parking lot close to reception same are each time we visit that camp as impressive as for the first time.

A very naughty grey heron had to be photographed



and so had the wood hoopoes with their comical poses



and even upside down which we met in one of the many loops along the S95.



Wildebeests and zebras crossed our paths as well



and then we approached again the high water bridge over the Letaba but today quite a traffic jam had already been built up....we parked as well the car as we always stop on that bridge but whilst Timon was checking the area with the binoculars I already shouted “leopard!”



Same was a bit far away but still very good visible due to the nonexistent high grass in the riverbed which could have hidden him.



to be continued...

[Alf]

Great sighting on the high level bridge. Very lucky indeed

[Flutterby]

Always something to see, even if there aren't any ca...oh no wait, there's a leopard!!! Great sighting!

[PJL]

Loving all the bird photos Pumbaa
And a very nice leopard out in the open as well

[Mel]

Wonderful as usual... but the leopard... Definitely the icing on the cake. Even if it was a bit further off,
at least you got it out in the open. And the rest is what those killer lenses are for

[Bushcraft]

Catching up again

I’m still green about the lion sighting and the pic of the cub half covered in mud/blood is brilliant

That honey badger on the S36 is a great find

Junior ellie having a snooze

The snake looks like a female boomslang, definitely not a mamba

Leopard at Letaba high water bridge in the open. Very lucky with that

As per normal, fantastic sightings and pics

[Richprins]

Excellent again, Pumbaa!


The vultures come to bath, I think?

saw my first ever Grysbok near Olifants, so nice that they are still there!

My favourite is the woodhoopoe pose!

That leopard is faulty and sick...same as half the leopards BC saw in the drought...what is going on?

Maybe put it up under "unusual behaviour" and we can send it on?

[Pumbaa]

Great sighting on the high level bridge. Very lucky indeed

We were also extreme surprised