SANParks.org Forums

Frank also showed us the wattle eyed fly catchers in November building a nest down by the river

Met up with Frank on 23 Dec when I just made a quick visit to the area.

Saw loads of Thick-billed Rollers in the area (Pafuri/Punda Maria)
Saw 4 Tropical in a tree 'talking' to one another. Fabulous sighting.
Unfortunately the Wattle-eyes were not around but Frank said that on most days they're around the picnic site. Did see them in Jan 2006 with Birding weekend.
The two species of Spinetails also frequently seen, flying over the river. Mostly Bohm's at picnic site, Mottled more to the west of the Park.
And Frank has only seen 3 pairs of Pel's recently, as mentioned elsewhere on the forum. They did a walk down the river specifically looking for them. Only 3 confirmed sightings. They did however had signs that there were more out there, ie faeces, leftovers from meals etc.

and then the biggie!!!

Frank has had 6 Racket-tailed Roller sightings up to the time I spoke with him. But unfortunately they are not in an area where normal visitors are likely to see them. He's had all his sightings in the area between Crook's and the border post, in the veld closer to the the river. If you are lucky you might get to see one from the road.

@Francois & JB: He promised to go show us when we get there with the Birding Weekend.

As Johann says there are plenty of Broadbilled Rollers (normally seen north of Shingwedzi in Summer) ...particularly numerous in Punda area this year...read "Boulders Kruger Trip" in Trip reports for photo of this hard to photo bird. Also I looked hard for Racket Tailed Roller at Border Post mentioned in my report but found 2 just outside Punda Camp...always a good place to see them but I hadnt seen them there for 20 years but lots of mates have.

Frank showed me Bohms flying over the riverbed at Pafuri spot as well as Green Capped Eremomelas and I found the Wattle Eyes for him...he was thrilledf to see them again as he hadnt seen them for a 3 week period before 19 Dec when this happenned (Pressure from monkeys which have "DISAPPEARED " from the picnic spot!!! all of a sudden....great news for the birds)

Best place for Mottled Spinetail is Nyalaland Trail Camp where100-200 roost everynight. The Pafuri Ranger with her expert team will be doing the trip down the levubu ro recount the Pels as she reckons they missed a few this last one.

Bert is 100% correct. Gas braai's are available at all picnic spots in Kruger.

You mean Frank? He took us once in our car to see a pair in Dec near the Picnic site when it was empty EARLY one morning

Frank....
Wonderfull to speak to, lovely to share breakfast with. And one hell of a bird specialist

Have followed this thread , this was one of the reasons we decided to enter at Pafuri Gate. Definitely planning to have breakfast at Pafuri. and check out the bird life as well as chat to Frank he sound like a very knowledgeable person.

This is honestly my favourite spot for breakfast

You are surrounded by massive leadwood trees, green bushes, Nyala's walking around, Fisheagles in the background, and the Levhuvu river infront of you. And because it's so high up north, it's never overcrowded.

AND Crooks Corner is a mere 12Km away from your breakfast spot:beautifull gravel road, and Fevertree forrest

Thanks amansi - It was a toss up between having breakfast at Tshipe or PAfuri . Pafuri won due to all the comments from the forum members.

We will be towing a trailer will we be able to get to crooks corner easily?

We travelled the road last week in a Citi Golf, the road is accesable with a trailer, as long as you take it slow (as you should on any gravel road). The only thing you need to keep in mind is that it's a narrow road, no turning around, or making a U-turn

But you shouldn't have a problem at all on the road with the trailer.

There is a gas fridge with coldish drinks, yes. But I would advise you to take your own goods along.

Sorry, mods, but there does not appear to be a topic like this in this forum!?

Just a question...is braai wood still sold at this picnic spot?... I can't remember.

Some pics of the area:

From the initiall discussions on this thread I would hope that no more tourist infrastructure is added to the area .
Keep it quiet and rustic .

Ndloti

IMHO, one of the best picnic sites in kruger

We have been going there for decades.

Pafuri to us is just one of those places where you feel a part of Africa, it has mystery, it has history, it has myths.

If you have not yet been there, go there and be rewarded.

Stop in the Pafuri Forest, switch off your car and listen, you will hear nothing, no you will hear and experience the joys of nature, chorused by birdsong.

You will leave humbled and refreshed - and you will return.