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The big birds were the first to greet us; first a bateleur, then a Whalberg’s eagle, then a tawny eagle who looked as if he was enjoying the leftovers of a guinea fowl.



Unfortunately a big tourist bus arrived from the opposite direction and didn’t even slow down. The eagle took off up into a tree and only then did the tourist bus stop for a quick 30-second photo-opportunity, before speeding off again.

Mum and I sat watching the eagle and also checked out the feathers that were spread out all over the road and scattered throughout the grass at the side of the road, speculating as to what had happened to the guinea fowl – it had to be a leopard! The bush was very thick – there was no seeing through it, but as we were looking, the eagle swooped down again to see if there were any more leftovers!

It carefully checked the bush to make sure the leopard wasn’t around …



then made his way into the tall grass where there were more tasty morsels to be found.



Other sightings that morning on the H3 included steenbok, a brown snake eagle, and ellies.



My Mum is ellie-crazy and I knew that Kruger would deliver on the ellie sightings!!! Mum was happy with this shot …



but I knew we’d get better! (little did I know HOW much better!!!)

We did a little detour onto the H1-1 Napi Road to go and check if the klipspringers were there, and were delighted to see them.

Hello WendyA

You has such nice raptor sightings, so many different ones and always special to see the klipspringers And the elly as well

Hi Wendy
Amaizing start to a trip and to have mum there with you is something special
Just love the tawny! And what great close up kiekies you got to take
Stoooopid busdriver!
Also love the rockjumpertjies! Glad to see all is well with them and they look healthy and cute as ever
This is going to be an a-maizing TR

Welcome back Wendy,

great to realize that you started another report and this time with Mom - I would never be able to bring my mom as she is that afraid of ellies, rhinos and so on It would not be a pleasure for her

Lovely klippspringer sighting already and for sure the tawny at the kill is stunning too

Hi Wendy,
Looking forward to sharing this trip with you and your Mom

Huff! Huff! Puff! Phew, just caught up!!!! Don't want to miss this.

Great sightings already, especially the klippies and the tawny.

hi wendy.......

i reckon the most likely cause of the demise of that tarentaal

was a "hit and run"

love the klippies

quite a worthwhile detour from your planned route ......

Is there still space on this bus??

Lovely pic of the tawny and really great klippie kiekies

Lovely Twany shots.

Beautiful little Klippie.........we haven't seen ours here yet!!

Wonderful sighting of the Tawny beautiful of All sightings.

Klippies are just so cute and special.

Hi Meerkitty! Thanks for your comments. We did have some great raptor sightings and my Mum loves birds so that was good - she was amazed at just how big the raptors were! It was great seeing the klippies - Mum couldn't believe the way they stood on their tippy toes and just how still they could stand!

Hello Heksie! Thanks for your comments - you know how special it is to have Mum there ... what a pity we were both there with our Mums but a week apart. I was also glad to see the rockjumpertjies, especially as I'd always seen them there before but then heard from VVV that one was killed in September (But then I read Barry and Hilda's TR last night and saw pics of 3 rockjumpertjies on those rocks ... )

Hi Pumbaa! Good to have you on board! What a pity you can't do a trip with your Mom - it really is very special! We were very lucky seeing that tawny with the leftover guinea fowl! I WILL catch up on your TR one of these days ... I just have SO much going on in my life at the moment, it is hectic!

Hi Manicwalker! Thanks for your comments. Good to have you on board!

Hi Anita! Good to have you on board. You didn't have much catching up to do ... we are only just starting! (Not like me trying to catch up on your TRs which I WILL get around to doing soon!). Thanks for your comments.