I have been away for the past week in northern Kruger. We entered the National Park through the Paul Kruger Gate and headed to Letaba for the first night. The views from the camp towards the river are spectacular.
The bird life in the camp is fantastic along with troops of vervet monkeys and bush buck who frequent the camp. They are quite relaxed and are used to human presence.
Lots of hippos, buffalo and elephant are seen regularly along the major river systems.
The following morning we headed north towards Shingwedzi. Along the way we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn. As one heads north the vegetation, changes to the predominately mopane veld.
Huge old aged baobab tree are encountered rising high above the horizon. Surely they have stories to tell of times gone by.
As daylight broke we left Shireni bush camp. The hippo had been vocal all night long. The picnic areas are open and game wanders through them. The starlings and hornbills are ever present, hoping to feed on any crumbs that may be left behind.
The Pafuri region has to be one of the most beautiful areas. The Luvuhu and Limpopo River join close to Crooks Corner. Dozens of crocodiles litter the banks, waiting for an expecting mammal to come along.
We returned to Punda Maria for the evening. Originally called Punda Malia, which is Swahili for zebra. The rangers wife was Maria hence the name Punda Maria. We had roaring lions and laughing hyenas being vocal though out the night.
The Mohonie loop around the camp is special. The rare Yellow billed oxpecker is seen in these parts. We also witnessed a pair of kudus mating. The elephant bulls in this region have large tusks. This individual had lost one of his tusks.
Red and yellow billed hornbills and Kori Bustards are seen.
We headed south towards Letaba once again. The elephant museum in the camp is one attraction not worth missing. A magnificent display of elephant tusks from a previous generation. This display boasts some of the largest elephant tusks ever seen.
Numerous sightings of the rare Sharpe’s Grysbok were seen between Letaba and Olifants rest camps on the river road.
The views of the river are spectacular, especially from an elevated advantage.
The Impala and Kudu Lilies are beautiful at this time of the year. They flower in the winter months.
Various sightings large birds were seen. Bateleurs and Marabou Storks and Ostriches are seen on a regular basis.
The last evening was spent at Satara. This area is famous for its predator sightings. One road in particular the S100 produces some of the best sightings. A total lunar eclipse was viewed from the camp from 20:30. It was wonderful to see the different stages.
On our final day we travelled from Satara southwards through the park towards the Paul Kruger Gate and onto the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The view from Nkombe look out shows the vastness of the park. At Mondlozi Picnic spot the hippo population is vast. We counted in excess of for fifty individuals. Candelabras and Flat Flowered Aloes are common in this area.
A black rhino was lying up on the side of the road between Lower Sabie and Skukuza. This animal is known for its short temper and irritability. Obviously it was having a good day.
Elevated on a large granite rock was a male klipspringer. These antelope mate for life and frequent rocky terrain.
The following day we headed out on a game drive from Savanna. We were not disappointed. The wild dog pups have grown considerably. As they grow they are spending more time out of the den. They have moved their den onto the Alicoet farm. The pack has been doing well.
The Ximugwe females are spending more time together. The three sets of cubs are moved on a regular basis. The female with the short tail killed a young impala. The cubs enjoyed the meal.
Hlangisa has moved back to the southern part of the reserve. We are having regular sightings of her.
The Kishane male killed an impala on Makubela loop. The viewing was fantastic. He is the largest male leopard in the area.
At Schotia Dam the large herd of buffalo were discovered. The buffalo and a hippo bull were interacting. The hippo was constantly trying to intimidate the buffalo and force them from the water.
We were greeted with a spectacular sunrise with a herd of elephants.
The white rhino sightings are as usual. These large herbivores are quite relaxed with the vehicles close to them. Two of our females have had new additions in recent weeks.
The general game has been good.
We had a great sighting of a Giant Eagle Owl and Side Striped Jackal.
At this time of the year the sunsets are outstanding. This particular one didn’t let us down.
