Skip to content

SANParks.org Forums

View unanswered posts | View active topics






Post new topic Reply to topic  Page 1 of 1
 [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: which roads to travel
Unread postPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2012 6:14 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:34 pm
Posts: 264
Location: Edenvale
Hey guys,

I will be in Satara on the 26th for 4 nights :dance: :dance: :dance: first time in Satara and 1st time that far up in Kruger. Will be using the new 500mm Canon lens so looking for awesome birding sightings also :) I know the S100 is a must but if im not 1st in line I might be sitting in a dust storm behind everyone going on it. So which roads should I be traveling on :)

Thanks guys!! cant wait to be in kruger!!

_________________
Canon 5D MK III :) :), Canon 7D , Canon 450D | Canon 400 F5.6 L | Canon 70-200 F2.8 L IS|Sigma 10-200 EX DG OS F4-5.6 & goodies :)
Runner up wildlife photographer of the year 2012-sunday times & winner-Canon S.A. reflection category


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: which roads to travel
Unread postPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2012 11:07 pm 
Offline
Distinguished Virtual Ranger
Distinguished Virtual Ranger
User avatar
Award: Angel of the Year (2011)
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:36 pm
Posts: 8439
Location: Lausanne (Switzerland)
for me, H7 to Nsemani dam is a must, then S40, Girivana (the first portion I found 2 Leopards) then Timbavati Road S39 along the river and like Boorgatspook said Sweni Road (S126) also along the river :dance:

S100... sometime lucky sometime nothing... and everybody go there :?

_________________
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye. Le petit Prince


:yaya: my last TR here


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: which roads to travel
Unread postPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2012 11:49 pm 
Offline
Junior Virtual Ranger
Junior Virtual Ranger
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 13, 2010 9:51 pm
Posts: 1472
Location: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
Here are my views and experiences of the roads in the Satara area (in no particular order):

The H6 - I've had brilliant sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah and african wild cat along this road. I far prefer it to the S100 (although also an excellent road) as there is less dust, it's elevated because it's tarred so it's easier to spot things when the grass is long and its beautiful open plains have lots of interesting birds. The Sweni Bird hide at the end of this road is probably my favourite bird hide in KNP, always plenty happening in terms of both birds and mammals - I can sit there for hours!

The S41 (South) - another one which is a predator rich road. I have seen both lion and cheetah make kills on this road. Lovely for birding too. I have also had 4 separate sightings of Sharpe's Grysbok along this road (three of them close to the little bridge/causeway of the N'wanetsi river in the thick scrub, so keep a look out for them). I have seen lots of exciting birds and mammals at Gudzani dam, another place I can sit for hours. Highlights include Wild Dogs and a Serval fishing for barbel.

S100 – this is a great road. Predator rich, great for plains game. I doubt I need to say much about it. I have had brilliant sightings on this road but, as with any road in the park, days where I haven’t seen so much as an impala. My advice, unless you’re the first one on the road in the morning do the H6 first and then come back along the S100, the dust combined with the rising sun will destroy you and your photographs if you’re not in front.

The S90 and the S41 (North) - this is generally quite a quiet road, but I have had good luck with elephant (nice tuskers), cheetah and lion. It's also a brilliant area to tick some more grassland birds off your list. My favourite sighting was a Kurrichane Buttonquail with tiny little chicks crossing the road - one of the cutest things I've ever seen!

The H7 – this is a brilliant road for lion, cheetah and leopard, and of course the resident orpen pack of wild dog. I have seen lions make a kill at Nsemani Dam on two occasions. My best cheetah sighting of all time was also on this road near the S39 junction. The only negative is that it’s a relatively busy road (well for the central area anyway).

The S36 and the S126 – my most successful leopard roads in the park, particularly the Sweni River road. Both these roads are brilliant for predators (I’ve seen caracal along the S36 north), big herds of buffalo and if you’re lucky some nice tuskers might make an appearance. Also brilliant birding roads in my opinion.

The S39 – This my favourite road in the park in terms of scenery and due to the fact that you can drive for an hour in peak season without seeing another vehicle (although I have no idea why). I have seen Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Barred Owlet, African Scops Owl and Pearlspotted Owl on one drive. Also brilliant for predators. I have seen a leopard take a warthog along this road and also seen the Timbavati pride with numerous kills over the years. Surprisingly, in terms of my statistics, this is my most successful cheetah road in the park. The Ratel Pan bird hide is probably my second favourite bird hide in the park, brilliant for water birds and great for photographing hippos.

Okay, I could write a book on the Satara area I love it so much, so I’ll stop now before I write another 2 pages! Either way, it’s a beautiful area filled with many surprises and never disappoints! If you have any questions on any of the other roads in the area please don't hestitate to ask :thumbs_up:

_________________
Study nature, Love nature, Stay close to nature. It will never fail you!


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group

Webcams Highlights

Addo Nossob Orpen Satara
Addo Nossob Orpen Satara
Submitted by nicholaslw58 at 23:22:59 Submitted by grannyb at 00:50:32 Submitted by Oumie at 20:56:50 Submitted by nicholaslw58 at 23:13:40