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So it was finally time to leave Shingwedzi and head toward Punda for our last night in the park. We drove the Mphongolo loop S56 on our way north, and enjoyed lots of sightings including birds, Giraffe, Elephant, Warties, Zebra, Mongoose, Steenbok, Impala, Kudu and only two other vehicles.

along with Giraffe

What a beautiful and peaceful drive. I hope that it can be re-opened soon, along with Shingwedzi.
Shortly after getting back to the H1-7 Torticat saw something in the distance. We pulled to the side of the road and watched a Secretarybird and a Tawney Eagle walking together through the bush. We could never get a great view of them, and at first thought they were competing for a kill, but after a while it became clear that they were walking together trying to flush something to eat from the brush. It was a very odd sight, and I wish I could have gotten photos of them, but they were much too far from the road. Torticat did get a little video, that mostly shows the Secretarybird, but you see the Tawny every once in a while in the shots until he finally flies away.

It was a hot day and so we drove up to Pafuri picnic area, but it was crowded with two large groups, so after talking with one of the locals

we turned back towards Punda.
On the way to our final camp we spotted this pair

After a long hot day, we finally made it to Punda and checked in.

So peaceful when looking at the pic's .
Talking of only two other vehicles, quite a rare sighting up North .
Thanks for sharing Normana and Torticats .

Awesome sightings Normana53 and Torticat!

I love the Giraffe amongst the green trees, as well as the beautiful Ostrich pair!

Very interesting that the Secretary Bird and Tawny Eagle were walking together in their search for food! Nice video Torticat!

Our arrival at Punda Maria signaled an end to another wonderful holiday in Kruger. We settled in to our last home at Kruger, and then headed out for our evening Drive. A large number of raptors were soaring above the mountain, and our guide said they were Tawny's that arrive about this time of year and spend a lot of time near the camp before moving on to the south. There must have been 15 or twenty! Our main goal for this drive was to see the Pennant-Winged Nightjar, and Robert(?) knew right where to go, timing our arrival to dusk and the ever darkening evening sky.
We parked the vehicle in a small clearing and waited. Soon we could hear the sounds of our prize, and in fact could make out two different birds calling in the evening sky. Soon they were flying past, I was able to get one blurry shot as one of the two fly away from our vehicle.

A few moments later one landed on the ground 3 or 4 metres in front of us.

Quite impressive "tail" feathers, when flying it reminds one of a Chinese ornamental kite fluttering in the wind with long streamers hanging down. An amazing addition to our life lists!
The ride back to camp included many Impala, Steenbok, a few Duikers, a Sharpe's Grysbok, and a lone Hyena who seemed quite annoyed at our presence.
After another very long but satisfying day in Kruger, we climbed into bed knowing that it was our last night in our beloved Kruger.
The morning brought a long drive back to Johannesburg for a stay in a hotel near the airport, and then the long flight home.
Shortly after leaving the park we saw two signs that made us laugh and giggle for quite a few kilometers down the road. I wish I had stopped to take a picture.
The first said " We Pump your Toilet Juice"
The second was on a more serious subject, HIV prevention. It is that last line that had us howling like Vervets.
Prevent HIV
Abstain
Be Faithful
and Condomize

I thank everyone who took the time to read of our travels and apologize for the long delays between postings. Can't wait to get back to SA. Next time we are heading to KTP, a first for us.

What gorgeous night time pics, Normana

as for the signs on the way home.... a funny sad reminder of Africa.

Lovely trip report, thank you so much.

Congratulations on finding the Pennant-Winged Nightjar normana53!



Those long feathers are actually on it's wings if you look at the pictures in the bird guides, and I agree, they are very impressive! I also thought they were tail feathers, until I looked at the pictures in the guides.

It's so sad that your trip has ended, but we can already start looking forward to your KTP trip report!

We have been there last week, but only for three nights, and didn't even cover a third of KTP! It was a wonderful experience, but I want to tell you, please make sure that you include two or three nights in Augrabies as well Norman! We have spent only one night there, which was also much too short! Their restaurant is more than worthwhile, so at least you can dine in Augrabies!

We will soon make our booking for next year, with no less than 3 nights at Augrabies and 8 nights at KTP!

Thanks a million for your lovely trip report! I have enjoyed every episode and every wonderful picture!

Thanks Norm for a lovely ride!!!

It was great meeting you and Torticats.

KTP is very different to Kruger in many ways, but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there Sept 2011.

Thanks for a great ride with many stunning sightings along the way that was shared with us .

Although KTP differs a lot from KNP, you will enjoy your visit .

Thanks MM, Val, Hilda And Barry for sticking with me on our adventure, and for all of your kind words, and for your friendship. Can't wait to get back and start a new adventure.