14 September 2014
The start of a new tour and after introductions in Nelspruit we headed
down to the Kruger National Park and Nkambeni. After settling in and abit of
lunch it was time for our first safari.
On camp road we found a lovely male waterbuck next to the road as well
as a zebra far away in the distance. We also found a group of three reedbuck
hanging on top of a termite mound.
We proceeded down Albasini where we found more waterbuck and also two
groups of kudu, one a female group and the second one a group of males. At
mestel dam it was fairly quiet with the hippos showing little more than their backs
and nostrils. We did have time to spot some of the birdlife around the waters
edge. We then spotted our first impalas before taking a drive around Shabeni.
It was very quiet although we did see a couple of ellies from afar. We did have
a nice sighting of vervets sitting in a tree having a munch as well as two
bataleurs resting next to each other.
On circle we came across a much closer and nicer ellie sighting as
well as more kudu, waterbuck and impala.
Time
was passing fast but as we headed back to the lodge we found a lovely herd of
elephants close to the road as well as lilac breasted roller and a pair of
tawny eagles. We then went to the burnt area and had plenty of sightings of
common duiker as well spotting some wildebeest mixed in with some impala. We
also found a large herd of buffalo next to the road before we returned to camp.
15 September 2014
This morning we set off early and again spotted a couple of common
duikers on the camp road. We then came across a nice male elephant, it looked
like he wanted to cross the road however he was being blocked by a large bus
who kept its motor running. Irritated by this the elephant backed off until the
bus moved on and then crossed the road. We turned onto napi where we found
plenty of kudu and impala as well as zebra in the distance. As we approached
the entrance we found a wonderful herd of sable close to the road. I counted at
least fifteen altogether and we followed along before they edged further into
the bush.
We then saw a crash of three rhino having a munch and a couple of
close elephant sightings before we got to transport dam.
At the dam it was a hive of activity with a large herd of waterbuck
drinking, impalas grazing, a large croc sunbathing and three big ellies first
drinking and then swimming. Not to mention the hippos relaxing and the numerous
birds preening, chirping and feeding. Its times like these when you could spend
all day at one of the waterholes as there is always something to watch.
After leaving the dam we found the now familiar sight of the hyena pup
lying outside the den before further along we had a couple of very nice rhino next
to the road as well as a big old male warthog feeding.
More elephants and then another familiar sighting as we found the
little klipspringer sat on his rock at surprise surprise, klipspringer koppies.
As we headed to skukuza for tea we had one last surprise at delaporte
dam. As we reached the bridge we saw a couple of cars standing on it. We looked
right and saw kudu and impala before we looked left and found a lovely leopard
sitting in the shade of the riverbed. We stayed with her until she decided to
get up and go which was our cue to do the same.
After a break at Skukuza we headed back down Napi where we spotted
plenty more general game, the little hyena pup and something that I know both
my guests wanted to see. Giraffes and lots of them, four on the right and
another five on the left. We also had a second giraffe sighting near numbi tar
of about five. We then stopped at Numbi gate where we met two new guests who
are joining us.
This
afternoon it was time for everyone to go on their sunset drive. A chance to see
the park when its later in the evening and a chance to watch a beautiful
African sunset with a drink and maybe spot one or two of the nocturnal animals.
More
coming soon!!
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