SANParks.org Forums

Bushbuddies, agree - the vulnerable and the scary in contrast. We were so fortunate to have had these type of sightings. Than you for comments.

noel, the snake was really exciting. With all the variety of unique sightings, Mopani did not dissappoint us and has become one of my favourite camps. Thank you for comments - it is much appreciated.

Sheenaugh-Lee, all the way from Skukuza to Satara, we continuously getting the bbm latest sightings report that the leopard with cub was spotted at Shipandani hide, but when we arrived, they were gone. Would have love to see the cub. . But we were fortunate to have seen other good ones, though. Thank you for comments.

Before taking the road to the Tropic of Capricorn loop (S143), we did another check-in at Mooiplaas. The ostrich family was still around as well as the tsetsebes. On the plains some birds were present and then we spotted these Lappet-faced couple with 2 chicks at the waterhole. This is the beauty of Mooiplaas, it always got something to deliver.


We had some expectations of Mooiplaas considering the great sightings we had enjoyed the previous year - Dec'11 when this pair of elephant was coming down to the dam to have a drink. I loved the dust cloud being blown away by the breeze.


Then we also had this tsetsebe coming very close to the car one early afternoon when a very light drizzle was coming down


The one morning we spotted a lion in a distance and then another one was walking towards him when they started rubbing against each other. It seemed that they were two brothers. After somne time, they walked off towards the bush.



A sighting also worth sharing from our Dec'11 trip was just around the corner from Mooiplaas on the S50, these elephants were standing under a tree, but the one with its head against the tree. He was standing like this for quite a long time as if he was sleeping.


That was an extract from Dec'11, but this time round the area was less eventful. The Tropic of Capricorn loop proved to be quite exciting with some good sightings alround... to be continued.

Awesome pictures at Mooiplaas of December 2011 Kaapsedraai! We also always stop at Mooiplaas with great expectations|!| Such a lovely place!

Looking forward to read about your experiences at the Loop of Capricorn!

Another beautiful day in Kruger with lots of stunning sightings .

Thanks for sharing, especially Mooiplaas with us .

Thanks for sharing Kaapsedraai !
Waiting for your Tropic of Capricorn loop
I agree with you.It's such a nice loop.I've never been disappointed when strolling round this road and even sometimes we had to hurry up back to the camp as we forgot the closing time !

hilda, thank you - yes, Mooiplaas got something special to offer.

barrayels, I appreciate the comments

Goronto, thank you for sharing your sentiments on this loop.

Well, Tropic of Capricorn coming up...

Love your tessebe shot, Kaapsedraai

and lovely lion sighting - We only heard them roaring one morning at Tihongonyeni but never managed to spot them

It is time to drive the Tropic of Capricorn loop (S143), so we headed up the H1-6 and passed the Bowker Kop with beautiful baobab.


A few kms further we arrived at the Tropic of Capricon plaque. Apparently it is noted that according to some trusted sources, the actual Tropic of Capricorn is about 3 km further south.


As we took the S144, we hit a roadblock with herd of buffalo crossing the road slowly and we enjoyed this sighting. This one with prominent horns was friendly, but did warn us to keep our distance...


Close to the S144 and S143 intersection we saw this swarm of Wattled starlings landed in the tree next to the road and then flew off again as soon as I managed to get a pic.


On the S143, there is a stretch of road with bush on both sides and just as the field started to open up, one started to enjoy some sightings of some the grass birds such as the Kori-bustard and Black-bellied bustard



As we slowly approached the Tihongonyeni waterhole, where all the activity normally is, a black-backed jackal was also following the grassbirds.


At the Tihongonyeni waterhole, which means in Tsonga 'at the blue wildebeest', there were a lot of activity which will be shared the next time...to be continued

Wow Kaap that dagga boy sure ha a pair of horns on him Nice sighting

Ellies and lions are my favourited pics. So many good ones though!! Keep it coming

Hi Kaapsedraai

You’ve had some great sighting in your dec’11 trip, thanks for sharing them as well!

Love your buf pic, looks like he means business.

Sheenaugh-Lee, yes - some these buffalos got some beautiful horns, some straight up, some curly and some wide open. I have got a collection of them which I might share at end of TR. Thank youy for your comment.

Cape of Storms - I appreciatte the comment . The next posting will be an elephant packed one.

t-bal - your feedback and comment is appreciated . I am glad that you are enjoying the Dec'11 info as well as I was not sure if I should include it or not, but we had such good sightings that I wanted to share it and give all a view of what potentially a specific area could produce.

Hey kaapsedraai I saw you posted in Noels topic that your always looking for the biggest horns how do you know wen youve found it cos youve found a few with exceptional horns but which is the biggest do you know? And then ofcourse how do you know its the biggest?

Sheenaugh-Lee, I actually do not have a scientific or calculated answer .
For me it is mere a game one plays in the car when you see a number of them and then to make it interesting you try and see which ones are unique and I guess, the horns is one element.

I always try to see which ones got more twists in the horn and then the length also plays a role. I guess, after spotting or photographed a few, you can then compare it on your computer/laptop/ipad. The same with the tusks of ellies - it is all relative to the other sightings one enjoys.

Then there are the buffalos - there horns comes in all shapes and sizes and curls and I love these portraits. Will share a few at end of TR.

Maybe there is someone that could help with your interesting question and that way we can be educated...

Thank you for lovely pics of all .......LIONS