We stayed at Oliphants during the long weekend in September. The sightings very close to camp was not that good (say within a 5km range of camp) but had a lot of great sightings in the area. On the gravel road to Balule, we had a big herd of Buffalo (300+), lots of Kudu, elephants, impala etc. We stopped for coffee on the high water bridge over the oliphants river on the tar road early the Saturday morning as you are allowed to alight from your vehicle. There was only hippos, impalas and some birds. As we were about to leave, the impalas suddenly scattered into the bush. We then only noticed the pride of lions in the grass on the edge of the river. They later moved to an open area close to the water.
Another highlight was later that evening before gate closing time. We took the gravel road passing Balule again back to camp. There were two vehicles on the low water bridge at Balule. We then noticed the lioness on the Balule side of the river and it was clear that she wanted to cross the river via the bridge. (Did find 3 lions crossing this bridge about 3 years ago). Unfortunelly, the vehicles scarred her of each time it looked as if she were coming over. But she was very eager to cross (propably had cubs hidden somewhere on the other side). She jumped of, and then approached the water. Was quite a nerve wrecking experience for us. She swam at places and jumped from rock to rock. (Photos on Public sightings, Kruger galary).
Also had other nice lion, rhino, elephant, lion at buffalo kill, hyena and other sightings on the tar road towards Satara. On Sunday morning we found about 9 hyeans
at Ngotso north, some laying in the water, scaring of desperatly thirsty zebras.
The Oliphants experience was nice for change and will definitely go there soon again. The camp, after all the renovations, is great and the new sundowner deck with the breath-taking view is stunning.
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