Flavour of the Month - March/April 2018 : H1-1 and Transport Dam

[Dindingwe]

So it is my turn to propose a flavour for the months of March and April. I am a lover of the northern part of the Kruger but as there are fewer routes there and many have already been highlighted in this topic, I propose to go back to basic :

H1-1 - section between H2-2 and H3

The H1-1, also called Napi Road, which goes from Numbi Gate to Skukuza Camp is one of the oldest of the Park, as Numbi Gate opened in 1927, one year after the Park. As it is a rather long road (54 km), I suggest to limit this thread to the section between the Old Vortrekker Road (H2-2) and the H3, a section which is 34 km long.

This part of the park receives more rainfalls that the rest and is more mountainous. There are many granite hills and kopjes along the road, especially near Pretoriuskop. The bush is rather thick which makes sightings sometimes difficult, but they are easier eastwards. Predators and Big 5 are regularly seen (even if I personally never saw lions or leopards there). It is also famous for its rare Antelopes (especially Sable and Eland), that I personally never saw either...

Here are the maps of the area : a general map of the south-west of the Park, and a map of the section of H1-1 dealt with in this thread.

map3.jpg (74.84 KiB) Viewed 2332 times

map2.jpg (73.68 KiB) Viewed 2332 times

A view of the lanscape of this part of the park (seen from Matekenyane Kopje), during the rainy season :

Another kopje, where one can easily see Klinpspringer (but there is no in the picture!) :

Kind of vegetation and landscape along the H1-1 (this time with Elephant, and Klipspringer!) :

[Dindingwe]

Zebras crossing :

Wild dogs resting just on the side of the road :

[Dindingwe]

There is also a Hyena den, that everybody here must know, that use a big pipe going under the road. It has been there for a long time and it is very easy to see the Hyenas there, and pups as well.

Young Hyenas (July 2014) :

Adult Hyena (March 2016) :

In June 2016, I saw two mothers with suckling pups. One mother had one pup, the other one two.

The mother with one :

The mother with two. The two were fighting (gently) to have the best position to suckle. One of them apparently did not like that I took picture as he sticked out his tongue at me :

[Dindingwe]

Along the H1-1, there is a small shortcut, the S11, near the Napi Boulders. I saw these giants lying on the road. The sun was already going down and I had to wait for a while that they move. I could arrive on time at Pretoriuskop :

Hardly 100 meters before the junction with H3, there is a big kopje on the left (when we arrive from Pretoriuskop). I spotted this Klipspringer on top of a boulder :

[Dindingwe]

Except the Wild Dogs (seen in July 2014) and Hyenas, I had never seen predators along the H1-1. So I was very surprised and excited to see these Cheetahs (there were 3 altogether) in March 2016, right on the road, but they quickly moved on the side, and then disappeared down the Napi Trail access road.

My brother put a shit here, I will do the same :

The picture of my avatar :

The same day, but in the afternoon, going back to Pretoriuskop, we saw them again, more in the distance, about 1 km further :

And in June 2016, again more or less at the same place. I suppose they are the same 3 brothers. Maybe they are still roaming the area, but I notice I have not taken this road since June 2016. Shame !

[nan]

well done, nice choice

and what a lot and interesting sightings you saw
Cheetahs
Wild Dogs
Rhinos
magnificent Klipspringer
Hyena + babies
Zebras backs

and... and...

[Richprins]

Very professional and comprehensive this, Dingwe!

Transport Dam also has a windmill to the south, but it is often inoperative.

[Flutterby]

You've had great sightings on this road!

I love the little ellie on the rock!

[Dindingwe]

Thanks to all.

Yes we took this road quite a number of times, especially after we settled in Maputo, as we often went to Nelspruit for shopping and went back to Maputo through the Park, entering at Numbi Gate. We always had some interesting sightings.

There are several waterholes and dams alond this road. Shitlhave Dam already has its thread. Transport Dam also deserves one, but in the meantime here is a picture of the dam in the misty winter morning :

Waterbucks are regularly seen at the Dam :

[Flutterby]

Stunning pic of Transport Dam.