Africa Wild

Day 2. Sunday 27 July 2013. Sanbonani. Morning drive continued....

Near Nkhulu another rare sighting for us, Crowned Hornbill.



When we last visited Nkhulu in March the kitchen was being renovated, we were hoping that it had been finished and were looking forward to getting some food.

The kitchen hasn't been renovated, it has been CLOSED! PERMANENTLY! SANParks had renewed the contract for the tea-room but the kitchen was not included. So no more breakfasts at NKhulu! BOO-HISS!

Luckily they still served coffee so after a cup, we headed back to Hazyview. I refuse to pay the exorbitant price for the measly breakfast that Wooden Banana offer so we went to the Wimpy instead!

Lake Panic was my venue for the afternoon! I dropped the SO at Skukuza and got there around 15:00. The light was perfect and the bazooka boys were absent!

Charge of the Heavy-Brigade!




Darter



Pied Kingfisher beating lunch into submission



Golly approach, landing and thirst quenching





and a nest building Grey Heron


Back to Skukuza to retrieve the SO and a quick pic of some flowers at the reception car park.


Off towards Kruger Gate. We had some time to spare so we headed down the S3 for a couple of kilometres.

I was happy to get some more sunset pictures with extras.

great pic of the Crowned Hornbill, this is still on my list to see
Lake panic is one of my favorites, great pics opportunities there
love the sunset

Just caught up BluTuna

You had great sightings Love all the birds

and the doggies nice old lion all to yourself as well

Lake Panic is always a winner

JustN@ture wrote:
great pic of the Crowned Hornbill, this is still on my list to see
Lake panic is one of my favorites, great pics opportunities there
love the sunset

We've seen Crowned Hornbill on the Mahonie loop at Punda a few times but not enough to say it's common. I think this is the first one we've seen in the south. I was happy to get a passable picture of it

I'm also quite partial to the silhouette pictures - like my avatar.

pooky wrote:Just caught up BluTuna

You had great sightings Love all the birds

and the doggies nice old lion all to yourself as well

Lake Panic is always a winner

Hey Pooky!

Considering we were only there for a few days, we did do quite well! I always try to get to LP when I'm in the area, it has to be one of the most picturesque places in the park and an awesome place for photos.

WoW about your doggie pictures, BluTuna

and then the crowned hornbill, the kingfisher and the gorgeous bushbuck lamb

Such a shame about Nkuhlu!! Great sighting of the Crowned Hornbill. Lovely sunset pics!!

Nice pics all round BT.

First time I have ever seen a crowned hornbill.

BluTuna wrote: I was happy to get a passable picture of it

Passable picture To me its flipping brilliant.

WOW, I've never seen a Crowned Hornbill Lake panic is always special and I remember well, that I didn't wanted to leave the hide anymore.... too interesting. Wonderful day again

Pumbaa wrote:WoW about your doggie pictures, BluTuna

and then the crowned hornbill, the kingfisher and the gorgeous bushbuck lamb

As I said, we had some good luck on this short long weekend.