Africa Wild

Following a bumper trip in 2011, we didn't really expect to be going back to Kruger again in a very long time. Especially since I discovered Kgalagadi. But the opportunity presented itself and we just did a short hop.

We had an awesome trip even though it was so short. 8)
No lions or leopard but some pretty cool sightings none the less. I will update our travels as we work through the photos.

Day 1 saw us entering at Orpen and travelling up to Phalaborwa Gate. I have to be honest here and say I hate the new gate at Orpen. Ugly as sin. Didn't even bother to make a photo. Had no trouble renewing our Wild Cards though.

This critter at Orpen Camp was the first to be photographed:





Along the H7 after a thundershower, one of the tiniest zebbies I've ever seen:



Lots of Southern Carmine Bee-eaters around:

We arrived reasonably late in the day and were met by some thundershowers on our way to Satara.

Usually they're gone in a flash but this Steenbokkie happily did his business offering us a photo opportunity:



Happy to find some Ground Hornbills for our guests:



Just outside Satara we found a large number of White Stork:



Ag and why not... Couldn't find the Scops owl next to reception, but these guys were hanging all over the tree:

Good thing we weren't travelling at his pace...we still had to make our way to Phalaborwa Gate!



We had an amazing trip as far as elephants go. We saw some REALLY big ones. Made things very interesting in the car though. One of our guests watched way too many You Tube videos before we left and scared herself silly of elephants. Took a long time to convince her they're mostly gentle giants.

Number 1 close to Satara on the H1-4:



And then Ngodzi blocked our way between Olifants and Letaba. You'll notice we were rather far from him... DuQues had to shoot at 400mm! It did get better later on as you'll notice by the closeness of the elephants to the car.



A buffalo along the S69:



We were very amused at the interaction between these birds. The Helmetshrikes did NOT like the Tawny in their tree.

Onto Phalaborwa....

Some Klipspringertjies on the way to Sable Dam.



A good spot by one of our guests in the shrubs next to the parking spot by the hide - a Greater Spotted Cuckoo:



And a Sabota Lark not wanting to move from next to the car... Proud of this photo - I had to make it because Duco was on the wrong side of the car.



Of course the Klipdassies said hello too:



We arrived at the gate with 7 minutes to spare. We spent the next 2 nights with friends at our favorite accommodation in Phalaborwa. Day 2 would see us doing a Safari into the park...

Hello Guinea Pig

Lovely bird photos

And you found a tusker Perhaps you would like to post it here and win an award

Guinea Pig
I love the Bat, as well the cute tiny Zebra
nice portrait of the Lizard and of course the Tusker


the White Storks are starting their passage to the North

Hi GP - nice to see you again!

You had some lovely sightings to start your trip! Love the cuckoo and the tusker!

HI Guinea Pig some really nice sightings and great photos

Ugly Orpen gate

Wow, great tusker

Those bats drive me crazy at night

Some fantastic pics

Super sightings so far, looking forward to more!