When small Streams turn into Rivers

[Pumbaa]

How come you always see little bee-eaters I don't think that I have ever seen one

Nice sequence of the bee-eaters

I think that the "birdie" is a dusky lark

Beautiful view from the bungalow

For us it is always a must to stay at least one afternoon in camp when staying in Olifants I am not quite sure but if my memory is correct we unfortunately did not see any single little bee eater during our this year's trip - It was far too hot and dry already

[Pumbaa]

All sorts, Pumbaa!

Astounding bee-eater action shots!

I like the baobab in the distance too!

Ja, the Matambeni Hide area is not high on my list at all!

At least we could visit a bird hide and the road to same along the Letaba is nice with breathtaking views

[Pumbaa]

Thursday, 23. February 2024 – Olifants - Mopani

Explored roads: S93 – S46 – S94 – H1-5 – S95 – H1-6 - S50 – H1-6 - S143 – S144 – H1-6 – S142 – H1-6 – S50 – S142 – H1-6

Since this morning we had luckily been escaped from the load shedding with only a couple of power failures which only lasted maximum 10 minutes but that early morning we had no electricity which meant no coffee which is in fact a problem for me. So we packed everything together luckily we always do have a strong torch with us so we did not forget anything inside and the closer it came to gate opening time the brighter it got outside so we could pack everything into the car without getting a victim of the uneven steps in that camp.

Although we knew we had to drive again a detour we again turned into the S93, however, that morning we left the S44 behind and as already expected is was again a quiet drive and only along the S46 when the road neared the Letaba river we stopped for a couple of giraffes – simply love that shot with all the green vegetation



and also a group of zebras was already awake as well.



In one of the many loops – this morning we only turned into our favourites – we noticed an African fish eagle



as well as a Wahlberg’s eagle.



Unfortunately today it was an extreme quiet drive at least we stopped for a goliath heron in the best morning light,



more goliath herons and luckily a jacobin cuckoo was willing to spend a bit time with us already in our favourite loop on that road



and in that one we once again spend a bit more time and noticed also a fork tailed drongo



and a curious hippo.



Far too soon we again reached Letaba camp but to our joy also today the woodhoopoes were collecting something for breakfast and were about to feed the little ones under the trees where we parked – obviously today maggots were number one on the menu

[Pumbaa]

which also here had to be presented around



at least one of them caught a cricket and it took a while before we can drag ourselves away from that sighting.



The road along the Letaba river was today also not that productive but we noticed a lilac breasted roller



and to our fun today even our beloved little pond was inhabited and we found there a green backed heron as well as a far too hidden woodland kingfisher.



We came across waterbucks



and for sure had again to capture the one or the other white fronted bee eater during our drive along the S95





and in the Letaba we noticed yellow billed storks,



more goliath herons



as well such a peaceful scene between an open billed stork and a couple of Egyptian goose



as well as more waterbirds at least they did not let us down.



to be continued…………………

[Lisbeth]

No !

Letaba is a good place for waterbirds

The photo of the fish eagle is very pretty

Our super Birder

[Pumbaa]

No !

Letaba is a good place for waterbirds

The photo of the fish eagle is very pretty

Our super Birder

All these roads leading along rivers in that area are fantastic

[Pumbaa]

Along the H1-6 we spotted wildebeests as well as impalas but overall it was an extreme quiet drive and as already expected the S48 was closed but the S50 was open which we so much hoped so we had enough time to stroll along our beloved Nshawu waterholes. First we stopped for this cute kittlitz plover



as well as ostriches



but overall it was also here extreme quiet also a short side trip to Mooiplaas revealed nothing,



however, when we reached Nshawu No 4 more and more zebras were around



from small to large and also the waterhole



was nicely filled which in fact was no wonder as also that area was nice and green as we already saw that area here completely different and here we stayed for a longer period



and after we carried on also a couple of elephant bulls were around.



Meanwhile we strolled along the S143 and we soon noted a black shouldered kite not far from the road on a branch

[Pumbaa]

and now again masses of zebras as well as wildebeests could be seen



also with lots of little ones who obviously collectively decided to take a midday nap in the sun



and so did the wildebeests.





Also birds got their attention such as this European bee eater



and one of the many magpie shrikes



an elephant herd already gathered under a larger tree



whilst this little gorgeous youngster could not be overlooked



and we even spotted waterbucks and



another elephant bull.



Overall it was so much to be seen so that we nearly forgot our quiet moments earlier that morning



especially all the youngsters could not be left behind although Timon took enough pictures.



to be continued……………..

[Lisbeth]

Are you sure it's a kittlitz plover

Quite a few beautiful zebra photos

Lots of closed roads; rather disappointing

[Richprins]

Catching up, Pumbaa!

No coffee!

Ja that Shawu road is totally different, a sort of weird part of Kruger reminiscent of the Okavango!

Love the woodhoopoes again with the feeding, and the ellies under the tree, looks like a hot day again.