Africa Wild

Another fine drive that sees less traffic is the S56 Mphongolo River Route. First travel north on the H1-7 main tarred road. It is worth stopping for a moment at Lamont water hole along the way as, occasionally, fair numbers of game drink here.

After about 5 kilometres, you will reach the S56 turnoff. This is another splendid route with impressive old sycamore figs growing along the river bank. Bird-watching can be particularly rewarding, and a marvellous variety of species will reveal themselves to the patient observer. Neither will big-game enthusiasts be disappointed, as this represents prime habitat for both lion and elephant.

Approximately 16 kilometres into this route is a large river pool. This is an excellent place to photograph elephant as they slake their thirst. I like to take my time along this road and rarely reach Babalala picnic site, which marks the end of the S56, before late morning.