SANParks.org Forums

Thanks for the ID, Batmad!

My SO's PC crashed and we lost so many photos - including the horseshoe bat. I thought I'd posted it on here somewhere but keep a record of the tinypics I save and it seems I didn't

It was fairly small - my guess would be about 6cm and was hanging more "traditionally" (not like the mauritian ones).

Wonderful pics Wilmaw,

We spent some time there earlier this month and I can confirm it has the most water I have ever seen there before.

Large

Large

We didn't get to see any animals but lots of nice birds and plenty of bat droppings on the seats at the one side of the hide.

On our last few trips to southern KNP, Gardenia Birdhide has become a must stop. We had a herd of ellies move off as we arrived on one occasion, watched a few impies, this last Dec, watched buffies lying around in the water for ages. Even if there are no animals around, we enjoy sitting in the quiet cool hide watching the birdies. It's becoming our favourite birdhide.

Been there the first time a few days ago
Missed the ellies in the water
But it was full of water

in all my visits there, I have seen a cattle egret and a few terrapins. I prefer the Matambeni hide near Letaba.

We were there early in 2009 and found a mother and kid Rhino pair, also lots of birds. Then when we went there in October, it was bone dry. However, we always wait some time just in case something interesting happens, as the Kruger is famous for unexpected surprises.

These are of Gardenia Hide off the S119, between Afsaal and Malelane Gate (slightly east of them). They were also taken last July.

The photos are of:
the entrance to the walk-way leading to the hide, (altho' not the best photo!)


This is the walk way to the hide.


These two are the views from inside the hide, looking out,

Am playing around with Google earth, and here's a 2010 pic!:

Still nothing!

Sarcastic sod!

We found the water level to be up to the hide end Jan 2011 and a croc in the pool. On our last visit the level was much lower, while rhinos preferred the dam on the opposite side.

Photos taken 29 Jan 2011:





I found the loop very rewarding for seeing the Big 5 and birds, just unlucky with leopards.

Lions on the S25 just before the turn-off to the hide.

Two days ago:




Kingfisher still there!

Songodin thanks for the wonderful pictures !!! We love Gardenia Hide, for our breakfast stop. In January 2010, we watched a python stalking some plovers right in front of the hide, it eventually came out of the water, and went under the hide. We have seen Rhino and Giraffe, Impala, and plenty birds over the years. Mama Faru