16 September 2014
Today was a day of two halves. In the morning we set off around
Shabeni where we spotted the resident klipspringers. Carrying on down the link
we found plenty of giraffe and zebra as well as kudu and zebra munching on the
fresh new grass. Along Albasini we found more giraffe, this one very
interesting as it included the young female one who has got a broken jaw. This
doesn't seem to hinder her as she was happily munching away. We found more
general game before we got to Phabeni gate where it was time to say good bye to
Nancy and Phyllis. Ladies it was a pleasure taking you on safari, I know you
enjoyed your time here and really hope that one day we see you again on safari
with Nhongo safaris.
Time to carry on with my two remaining guests. We heard about lions
back on Napi and so we headed back that way. We drove past ellies, zebra,
giraffe and impala before we got to Napi. As we approached I spotted the final
lion get up and disappear over the rocks not to be seen again. The rest of the
morning was a similar story, missed wild dog and missed leopard. It was also
very quiet although we did see some nice rhino sightings from a far. We then
decided to take an early lunch at Skukuza.
The
afternoon was a different story as we set off around the river. first across
low level bridge spotting hippos and then Sand river. Once across sand river
the sightings started to mount. Baboons, vervets, Bushbuck, steenbok and then
the first of dozens of elephant sightings. During the afternoon sighting after
sighting of elephant families going down to the river to drink and cool down. We
also got a lovely sight of two African fish eagles perched in the tree. However
the best was too come as we found four female lions next to the road. As we
watched they started to stalk a group of giraffes down in the river bed. The
giraffes spotted them quickly though and the lionesses gave up. We watched for
a while longer before they disappeared into the reeds. We carried on along the
river spotting numerous species of general game and turned back onto Napi to
return to camp. We then got to Delaporte and found a large male lion lying in
the river bed. Apparently there was a second one hiding nearby but we couldn't
find him. We carried on back to the lodge finding plenty of game, the odd elephant
and rhino. We even had time to stop and provide a bit of help to a couple of
damsels in distress who had a flat tire. Perhaps lucky we did as they had the
flat tire in exactly the same spot where the lions were this morning.
17 September 2014
This
morning was the last of the tour and it gave us an opportunity to get a few more
great photos before we left the park. We spotted zebra, giraffe, kudu,
klipspringers, warthog, Waterbuck, hippo, fish eagle, egyptian geese,
cormorants, baboons, dwarf mongoose and impala. On the final stretch we found
more giraffe and then buffaloes. Before a final surprise in the shape of a herd
of elephants. About 25 strong. Who all crossed the road in front of us. We then
headed out of the park and down to Nelspruit for the transfers. Stella and
Raymond, it has been lovely been on tour with you. Glad we got those lions for
you Stella and wish you safe travels around South Africa. Also good luck with
your bungi jump Stella ;-)
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