When small Streams turn into Rivers

[Pumbaa]

On our way back to camp we discovered a waterbuck lady with a little one who soon was hiding behind a bush



as we were still a bit too early to check in we parked under one of the fig trees were already a lot of birds were helping themselves from the more than ripe figs.



It took a while before we could drag ourselves away



and after a visit to the shop we were impressed by the number of fresh fruits and vegetables as we were in need of same and with full bags and for sure an ice cream in hand we sat down in the shade on one of the benches at the look out point as it were already 38 degrees in fact the hottest day we experienced this year in the park and enjoyed the view.



It was still a bit early but I simply tried to get the key for our bungalow and luckily we were checked in in no minute and I had the key of No. 1 in my hand. The bungalow was the closest to the restaurant at least not my first choice but the view was great and after we moved in we sat on our verandah and enjoyed the nice breeze which was blowing, the view and a couple of waterbucks





before we left camp only extreme late and we again drove along the S44 and S93

but the S44 was still extreme quiet so we only stopped again nearly at the end of the S93 for a couple of elephants



and needless to say that soon the little elephant calves stole our hearts



and were more than happy that Mom was extreme relaxed and allowed us to take lots of shots from her little family. For sure we always keep a safety distance to elephants and the sightings do look far closer as they originally were.



Also lots of youngsters were around



and they all enjoyed to feed on the high grass.

[Pumbaa]

Our last sighting today we this colourful roller



before we returned back to camp and luckily meanwhile the temperature already dropped to 28 degrees



so with the nice breeze blowing it was a bearable evening on our verandah whilst having another delicious braai.

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 – Olifants

Explored roads: S44 – S93 – S46 – S94 – S46 – H1-5 – S95 – H1-6 – S62 – H1-6 – S95 – H1-5 – H8

After the obligatory coffee on our verandah we soon started with gate opening time although it felt the Norther we came we are nearly the only ones leaving that early and as already yesterday we turned into the S44 but as often experienced there it was dead quiet that early morning. At least shortly before the look out point where you can leave the car we were happy to find a family of klipspringer



extreme close to the road side as often these antelopes could only be seen far away on koppies.



First all of they were feeding on the leaves whilst Mom and the daughter started to cross the road



whereas Dad still posed nicely



and so did the ladies – They were indeed extreme relaxed, however,



after they got the impression we meanwhile took enough shots from them all finally disappeared slowly on the other side of the road in the bushes and we continued



but did not came far as right at the look out point another klipspringer came across



and with the rock formation in the background of my beloved view point this is in fact one of my favourite pictures we took during that trip.



to be continued………………….

[Lisbeth]

I love the white storks in the last chapter

Lots of carmine bee-eaters on this trip

Cute tinyphants

To see klipspringers on the ground is not very common. In some of the pics, it shows clearly why they are klip springers They are built differently from other antelopes.

I understand why the last photo is your favourite one

[Richprins]

Great stuff, Pumbaa!

Gorgeous pics of the red bishop indeed!

Ja, one soon falls in love with Bangu, was the water actually working there, as it is normally not functional?

Nice to catch some lions!

The Olfants in flood is awesome!

38 degrees is quite hot, but survivable.

The last pic is indeed astounding!

[Pumbaa]

I love the white storks in the last chapter

Lots of carmine bee-eaters on this trip

Cute tinyphants

To see klipspringers on the ground is not very common. In some of the pics, it shows clearly why they are klip springers They are built differently from other antelopes.

I understand why the last photo is your favourite one

Also love their ballett feet - So cute

[Pumbaa]

Great stuff, Pumbaa!

Gorgeous pics of the red bishop indeed!

Ja, one soon falls in love with Bangu, was the water actually working there, as it is normally not functional?

Nice to catch some lions!

The Olfants in flood is awesome!

38 degrees is quite hot, but survivable.

The last pic is indeed astounding!

Unfortunately I cannot remember regarding Bangu Compared to this year's temperature 38 degrees was "cold"

[Pumbaa]

For sure we stopped and climbed out of the car at our beloved view point and although we have been there so many times we are always impressed by the beauty of that landscape and for sure from the Olifants river



which still was flowing that strongly and consequently no animals could be seen



as often in the early morning it was still extreme cloudy in that area as the clouds were still hanging in the mountains



and whilst looking around we noticed how high the river must have flown only shortly before.



Whilst checking out the different view points on the look out we even came across a couple of beautiful flowers and only after a long while we could drag ourselves away.





When we finally turned into the S93 we also discovered more animals such as many giraffes,



kudus



as well as the ever present impalas whereas this youngster was such a cutie



whereas most of the others were busy with feeding and we simply enjoyed just watching them for a while.





More giraffes who were busy with their breakfast came across

[Pumbaa]

as well as waterbucks with the strongly flowing Letaba river in the background



followed by a lone buffalo



with lots of yellow billed oxpeckers.





A waterbuck lady with two gorgeous youngsters in tow could not be overlooked



in one of the many loops which gladfully were all open and extremely good drivable as only recently that road had been graded.





Furthermore it was also extreme quiet carwise and it felt as if we were all alone on that road so we again could take our time with birding as well as photographing same and so we had plenty of time for a goliath heron



as well as a nicely posing pied wagtail.



The members of a large buffalo herd we stopped for next were not that good visible as the mopane bushes were extreme thick



but from time to time one or more popped out of the vegetation so we could take a couple of pictures





and on top lots of cute youngsters between them could be seen as well.



to be continued…………………..…….

[Lisbeth]

The river looks very sinister and the sky menacing

Cute waterbuck twins

[Pumbaa]

The river looks very sinister and the sky menacing

Cute waterbuck twins

It was such a breathtaking view and the waterbucks twins were the cutest