SANParks.org Forums

Looking forward to our meet, but did you get my PM with my new number?

We love Desmond.......he's part of our extended family.

Don't worry Sparrow, I can see you in the back row!!

Hi , There has been very limited Cheetah Sightings in the Phala area, but there is a Wild Dog Pack who's main teriotory is between Sable Dam and Masorini, so am sure you will see the pack soon ,

There is a group of Cheetah's in the North, around the Babalala area so if you do go up North do visit the Mphongolo Loop .

Hi Val
Sommer a lot of jealous here about your 4 month stay in Phala
What amazing sightings you guys had there-lovely golden kitties and so up close
I'm just a bit worried of that poor lioness with the eye
Just another 12 days and then i will be in the park and almost be meeting you

Yes we are also worried about that eye!!
Will keep a look out for her.

Not long till we meet!!

Day 13 (Nov 12th)
We were at the gates at 5.30am and we were the 3rd car in the queue. In no time we were given our permit, and we were in!!

We decided to drive along the S131, though this has never been our favourite road, if I am honest. However it was a pleasant drive and we saw lots of ellies, zebbies and buffs.








When we hit the H14, we both thought we may need a bathroom break, so decided to go down the H14 then pick up the H9 and stop at the Masorini loos.

As we came to the junction, we thought we would just look in the little pond, as there are often Buffs there, having a wallow.

However this morning........no Buffs, but wait, what is that just getting up...............I don't believe it!!!

It was the most beautiful leopard, though sadly she walked further into the thick bush, so no photo opportunity.

Still, for all you leopard lovers, this is her last year!!





We were so excited, though it had only been a fleeting glance..............our first (but hopefully not only) leopard sighting!!

We drove to Letaba for a cheese and tomato toastie and a coffee, and then spent a pleasant hour on the bench in front of the restaurant.

There was no game in the river bed as is sometimes the case, but as we sat there, we were visited by a violet backed starling, a brown hooded kingfisher, two pied kingfishers, who were busily fishing, and eventually the crested barbet that I had heard but could not see, made an appearance!!





We then drove back to Phala, and found a huge breeding herd along the way, with the tiniest baba.......bless!!!






We shopped at Spar for a few bits and pieces, and then it was back home for a swim, and then a relaxing afternoon and evening.

Tough life isn't it?!!!!

To be continued......................

a Leopard... without photo... no problem... still a Leopard
I like the Brown-hooded Kingfisher and the path of Ellies, with the small one

Excellent!!! A Leopard, always a treat seeing one.
Love the brown hooded kingfisher. They are on my list of favourites.

Hi Val,

What an awesome day you had super special sighting of the Leppie

The pics of the Ellie are super ....the Mopani bush is so lush and green...Little Ellie is adorable..so tiny.

Ah..... Would be so nice to sit in one of those chairs in front of the Restaurant at Letaba...

Hi Val! Just caught up on your TR …

Sorry that your trip didn’t start so well with you feeling a little under the weather – glad to hear you are much better now!

So you had meets with Mites before you even got to Kruger??? I knew you were staying with Shi but how fab that Bushmom , Bushbaby 75 and Bushbaby 30 popped by to see you!

Interesting about having to have the Wild Card renewal number and card number linking up … when I last renewed by Wild Card, the actual card had only JUST arrived! The lady at reception at Lower Sabie said she’d linked it all up and it was 100% … good job I didn’t get rid of the paper confirmation which I’m STILL using!!!

Well that was a great start Val, sub adult lions on the S28 before your first impala sighting???!!! Awesome! Great first day with another fabby lion sighting as well! Loved the close up hippo!

Oh dear … now power when you got to Phala??? I had to giggle picturing the two of you draped in cool towels!!!

Eeeeewww … the lioness’ eye really does look awful – poor thing.

Aaaawww … how fab that Desmond the Dassie is still there! Can’t wait to see him!

Lovely photos of the lioness you saw on your way to Mopani!

Then MORE lions!!! WOW!!!

I had a chuckle at your story of the ellie who “got a fright” … is this a new Val in the park this year???!!!

How fab that you got to see a leopard, especially when you were looking out for buff! Hopefully it will be the first of many spotty sightings for you both.

VERY cute baby ellie you saw this morning!

Beautiful, beautiful photos Val … I can’t believe you are posting every day. You REALLY put me to shame. I still haven’t even LOOKED at my June photos and have yet to start that TR (with 3 – nearly 4 - to follow!).

Got your PM, thanks. Will call tomorrow evening – if you’ve been in the park since 5:30am you may be having an early night tonight …

Speak soon. xx

Val, I am so happy for you two for all those amazing sightings. Hope you find the doggies and the cheetah soon.

OMG , A Leopard, no matter what kind of a sighting it was, a Leopard is a Leopard.

Greats pics of the Ellies, Zebbs and Buffs.

Thanks soo much for sharing

Eagerly awaiting more

Thanks Val,

the Crested Barbet shot is stunning and at least you got to see a leopard

Another lovely drive in the Park with lots of wonderful sightings Val!

I love your Buffalo close-up! Beautiful! And your birdie pics too!

Stunning pictures of the Elephants, especially the little one will get all the oohs and aahs! So cute!

Thanks for sharing!