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I have seen the most stunning male Eland on the ridges to the north of the H1-9. He crossed the road and slowly moved off up the ridge through the parkland. He had a black dewlap with black running up his neck onto his slate grey body. Black hocks. Black hair on his head. It was an awesome creature.

Did you get a pic of the Eland, we would love to see such a beautiful animal.

Got a pic of the grass! ... I'm a lousy photographer Elsa.

What a pity, maybe next time.

I've never seen eland form the road, but I've seen them several times well off the road, closer to the Limpopo river/Crooks Corner region. Very wary when I was there, saw them at a distance or saw their backsides receding rapidly.

The roads gives you the impression that you already left the park - nothing there except the odd yellow hornbill every 30 minutes or so flying by.

Elad.

It was quiet for us too.

We only saw one breeding herd on that road in 2005
And the odd antilope/zebra

Have seen the odd zebra, impala, nyala, kudu, ellie, warthog.
But we've also seen Greater-spotted Cuckoo, Crested Guinea-fowl, heard Stierling's Wren-warbler if I remember correctly, and lots of others.
Not always a bad place to be.

Hi
Please can someone who frenquents the H1-9 road PLEASE help.... when is the best time of day to travel this road especially for more unusual/rare species.... ? Is it much better early morning?
(I am visiting in late October this year.Original plan was to stay a night in Phalaborwa gate to enter park there, and staying at Shing.... now i am thinking of entering Punda or Pafuri gate and adding a night at Punda Maria too . If so, is there an very economical accom within 2hrs drive of either gate to stay in the night before and therefoe be at entrance gate at 5.30am opening? Have gooled mussina and louis trichadt accom and not being very successful...)

Thanks in advance.

Terri- Lee

Terri-Lee we usually drive that quiet stretch of road very slowly early mornings. It may not be the most exciting sightings wise any time of day, but it has a very special atmosphere that “talks” to those who love northern Kruger such as me. Wishing you a great October trip and that you will find suitable accommodation in that area.

google Tshipise .

Mapungubwe is only 80 Km west of Musina - an awesome place to be

I would say that in general this must be one of the quietest roads in the park. That is until you get to the bridge where there is an abundance of life.

I had the privilege of working at a lodge in the Makuleke concession for a while and although this road (excluding Luvuvhu bridge area) is usually extremely boring and lacks abundance it certainly has diversity and can surprise at times....

Some notable sightings I had included:

aardwolf
wild dog
racket tailed roller
arnots chat
honey badger
porcupine
leopard
lion
elephant, buffalo, sharpes grysbok, nyala, zebra, kudu (more common)



cheers

Hi
Thanks so much for the advice. I have decided to visit the Pafuri area from Shingwedzi rather than enter through Pafuri gate this time. Will drive the section from Levhuvhu Bridge to Pafuri gate as well as all the loops on the southern banks of the Levhuvhu River. Will post after the trip what I see.
H ave only ever gone as far as the Levhuvhu R so REALLY looking forward to the H1-9 beyond that.

Thanks again!! Can't wait!

Terri