And then the rain set in or at dusk the bush comes alive

[Mel]

Broad-billed roller

I like the antics of the boons in the sand

And more of those great bird photos

[Pumbaa]

More lovely shots...I like the baboons.

We indeed had a great time in observing same

[Pumbaa]

for the broad-billed roller!

The hamerkops "building a castle"

The baboons are always worth looking at for a while with all their antics

A pity was that the Broad billed roller was that far away

[Pumbaa]

Broad-billed roller there??

Baboons on the beach...

What on earth are the hamerkops doing??

Never saw one there as well but a guide showed us once a shot he took from one in in that area so obviously same is occuring there sporadically

[Pumbaa]

Broad-billed roller

I like the antics of the boons in the sand

And more of those great bird photos

We had a more than great time in photographing all the masses of different birdies

[Pumbaa]

It meanwhile got late and we also had to tear loose as well as it was about time. On the short way back to camp along the tar road we, however, had still enough time to stop for a couple of Senegal lapwings



and for another tawny eagle.



This was the hottest day we experienced during that trip and when we returned back to camp we put the air condition on full whack but still had to capture the beautiful evening view from our verandah.



This evening we spent dinner at the Cattle Baron and must say that the service as well as food there were more than brilliant and delicious as on top the restaurant was extreme full.

Friday, 16. February 2018 – Skukuza

Our travelled roads that day: H1-1 – S1 – S65 – H1-1 – H4-1 – S30 – H12 – H1-2 – S83 – H11 - S42 – H4-1 – H12 - S83 – H1-2

It cooled down extremely overnight so it was by far more comfortable compared to the heat the last days. First road we headed forward to was our beloved S65 as we only could drive same last year once after the heavy rains and so this year it was our aim to drive same more often. On our way we stopped for a group of kudus grazing under a tree, for a herd of elephants



and for an impressive rhino.



To our dislike the S65 was deserted and only after we drove more than the half we came across a running hyena



and soon another one appeared and both climbed on top of a small rock where a bit indeed only a very bit water was left.



Whilst the hyenas were busy in quenching their thirst



or even trying to take a bath impalas were also crossing the road



and finally also a warthog came running and chased the hyenas from the rock away.

[Pumbaa]

A bit further down the road we had to stop again as a huge clan of hyenas were blocking the road and to our delight the smallest of them was very curious and stayed long enough for a couple of shots.





A couple of older pups were present as well or even came out of their hiding place and laid down along the roadside.



Some of them had some bones to chew on



and gladly allowed us a couple of shots really close



whilst the adults were extreme sleepy.



First we were the only ones travelling along that road but soon more cars and even a lot of safari vehicles arrived and soon a traffic jam had been built up at the hyenas





to be continued…

[Lisbeth]

The Senegal lapwing is a pretty bird

A sweet little hyena cub and also the bigger one is still cute for another couple of days

[Mel]

Oh my word, that little hyena is so very cute! I want one
(But it must stay little )

[Richprins]

Great sighting, Pumbaa! I love the waterhole action on the rock!

Ja, it often happens that it is cloudy and cool after a hot spell.