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Hi hilda, it looks like he's thinking ummmmmmmmm.

Thanks for the butterfly info, I knew it was something like that. I looked at the other pictures I took but none of them show the hindwing clearly.

I love those zebbie pics - all the stripes lined up!

More little buffs coming up in today's report

Day 11, 2 May. Shingwedzi.

Today started out cloudy but cleared by 08:00 hot again at 30+.

Last night I found Forumite Crested Barbet and SO and had a nice chat with them. Nice to meet you CB!

This morning we drove the S56 Mphogolo River Road. The first thing I was able to shoot was this Giant Eagle Owl.


A little later we spied this Vulture covered carcass in the river bed, probably an Elephant but difficult to tell.


A Bateleur taking off.


A family of Nyalas at one of the pools in the river bed.


And one with muddy legs.


A pair of Saddlebilled Storks.


Elephant crossing.


Stop! Buffalo roadblock.


A calf getting the good stuff.


An even younger one (umbilicus still attached) was looking a bit bewildered.


and decided to have a lie down.


Then I sneezed! All heads turned towards me - I sneezed again and the whole herd thundered off, back the way they came.




Up to Babalalalala for a quick pit stop, then back to Shingwedzi on the H1.
At Boyela waterhole, we turned into the access road and noticed there were lots of birds making a fuss about this.



And further down the road was a flock of 7 Ground Honbills - here are 5 of them.


Just outside the camp we spied some Impies with passengers,
A Red-Billed Oxpecker


And a Yellow-Billed Oxpecker - I was under the impression that these were only seen riding on Rhino & Buffalo but they seem to have expanded their host base.


This afternoon we took the S50 river loops again. There wasn't much happening but we did meet Forumite Witwolf.
A Bushbuck came down to drink.



And a Fish Eagle did a flypast.

Day 12, 3 May. Shingwedzi -> Mopani.

Another beautiful day, clear skies and 30+ degrees.

A change of plans today, my SO decided that we should take a break from camping and stay for a night at Mopani. We got up late, packed up the camp and left Shingewdzi at about 08:00.

First thing to photograph was a old bruiser of a Buff in the river bed.


A Redbilled Hornbill.


Then, in the distance we saw something running down the road, Hyaena! Our first this trip!!!!!
She was on a mission, running at a steady 18kph, we got right alongside her for a couple of minutes.




And she led us to this....




Mom showing her tender side.


What TR would be complete without a Lilac-Breasted Roller?


A pair of Hammerkops practicing their acrobatic skills.


When we arrived at Mopani I took a look around the garden beds and found quite a lot of subject matter.
A Long-Billed Crombec.


A Natal Spurfowl taking a sand bath.


A Dragonfly, some Butterflies.




and a White Helmetshrike.


This afternoon we took the Capricorn loop.
A rather large Wildebeest taking a drink from Mom.


A Chestnutbacked Finchlark.


Temminck's Courser.


A Kori Bustard.


A very hot Purple Roller.


Dwarf Mongoose.


A Blacksmith Lapwing.


And lastly, A Kori Bustard walking into the sunset.

Day 13, 4 May. Mopani -> Balule.

Another beautiful day, clear skies and 30+ degrees.

We started the day by driving the Capricorn Loop again, starting at the south end of the S50.

Some of the Communal Spider webs were glinting in the early sunlight.



A yellowbilled Hornbill was posing so nicely in the beautiful light.


Then...... A zebra.....? NO..... Donkey with horns.....? NO...... Aaaaah, Roan!!!!!




Some Zebras moving towards Tihongonyeni waterhole.


Plenty of game at the waterhole.





Further down the road, an Ele in perfect light.


A Lilac-Breasted Roller with kill.


After breakfast at Mopani, we headed south. Along the way was a Secretary Bird.


Then, lots of dust as two Zebras were fighting.





And at Malopenyana, two old friends meet again.




By the time we arrived at Balule and set up camp, it was too late to go on an afternoon drive so we took the afternoon off.

Day 14, 4 May. Balule.

Clear skies and 30+ degrees again - I love this weather

The first thing we did this morning was to see the damage to the Balule bridge, it looks a lot worse at this end. According to Olifants reception they don't know when they are going to repair it.


Still lots of sand on this end.


We then headed south on the S90 and found a Hyaena den. These two large cubs were chewing cars, they seem to like tyres and bumbers.



But this one was too scared to come out to play.


The light was nice on these Giraffes.


Sitting a few metres away from the Giraffes was a BBJ.


Then we met up with some exuberant Impalas





Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NO, it's Super-Impie.


Then, a little further along the road, we ended our spotty cat drought when this beautiful Leopard calmly strolled across the road in front of us.




Two Lappet-Faced Vultures have a nest that uses the entire top of this tree.


First sighting of a European Roller this trip.


And these two Swainson's Spurfowl were having an altercation.


A male Ostrich, resplendent in black and white.


According to the notices at Satara, this is "The most photographed Scops Owl in the world".


We drove to the Olifants River bridge this afternoon, meeting up with a Kori Bustard on the way.


The new look Olifants River - looking downstream.


And upstream.


The road back to Balule.


And a quick stop at the Hyaena den.


Where one of the small cubs was out and about.

Day 15, 6 May. Balule.

Today started off cloudy and breezy but it cleared by midday and was again clear and 30+

This morning we took the S39 to Timbavati picnic site, then went on to Olifants for breakfast.

One of the view points comes up to this ridge of rock that runs down the middle of the park. Spot the Klipspringer.


Then we saw these three brothers.




A young Zebra foal.


A martial Eagle, who had just finished breakfast


and one who had just started.


At the restaurant at Olifants, the Redwinged Starlings were on the lookout for tidbits.



Only a short drive down to Bangu waterhole this afternoon. On the way a Steenbok, unusual at this time of year as they hide in the tall grass.


A Sabota Lark got close enout to photograph.


A mature Kudu bull with a younger male.


At Bangu waterhole some Eles were quenching their thirst.


And these ones were stepping up to the tank.



On the way back, a tiny Zebra was taking a drink.



There was another moody sunset.


Back at the den, one of the Hyaena cubs was getting some milk and TLC.

Day 16, 7 May. Balule.

Today started off cloudy and breezy but it cleared by midday and was again clear and 30+

We traveled down the S90 again and started with a look at the Hyaena den. The small cubs were getting roughed-up by the others.




But Mom saved them from their bigger clanmates.


Before we even got to the junction of the S89, Lions - 3 females who moved off into the bush fairly quickly.



A pair of African Hawk Eagles and a Stonechat.



Then, at Gudzani Waterhole, more Lions



We turned onto the S41 towards and then drove the infamous S100.
It always pays to stop at the bottom of the dongas.


A Wildebeest group hug.


On the S41 about 1km from the S100 junction, guess what!



At the Shibotwana Waterhole, a crowd of Zebras.



and across the road, two mismatched Waterbuck bulls sparring.


About 4kms from the end of the S100, OH NO, NOT AGAIN


This Greater Blue-Eared Starling got his breakfast before we did.


After a breakfast without coffee because both of their new coffee machines were not working I managed to get some of the birds bathing at the water feature in front of the restaurant.




This afternoon we drove to the Olifants bridge and then down the S90 to Bangu waterhole.
At the bridge was a Croc on a rock and his pal.



On the way to Bangu, a LBJ.


And on the way back to Balule, another boring sunset

Day 17, 8 May. Balule -> Skukuza.

Today was cloudy but it cleared in the late afternoon.

We got up when we woke up and packed up camp, leaving Balule at around 08:30.

Balule camp is, as usual, beautifully kept by Titus. They have made some concrete water channels though the camp but it seemed otherwise unchanged after the flood except the big shady tree in the bottom left corner is gone.
The big problem at Balule at present is the Vervet Monkeys, they are completely out of control and managed to get into our tent by undoing the zip. Caravaners have to lower the tops before they leave or the monkeys will rip holes in the netting to get inside.
The broken low-level bridge means that we were restricted as far as drive routes were concerned but a much more serious situation is the detour around the break in the H1-5. They are using the S91/S92 and the H8 and the 'through drivers' are driving the dirt road at 70-80km/h. If SANParks don't do something about it, there is going to me a major pile-up on that road.

While we were packing up, a female Chinspot Batis with a chick were hopping around in the tree above us.



Not much to photograph until we got to Skukuza. At the camp site was a band of Banded Mongooses.


After setting up, we went to Lake Panic for a reconnaissance. The sun was quite low when we arrived but I managed to get a couple of pictures of an African Darter and a Giant Kingfisher.




Back to camp. This is the first time we've ever stayed at Skukuza and it's a bit of a shock, we've gone from one of the quietest camps to a really noisy one. Next door have their bloody TV loud enough to hear that they are watching some soap-opera. Isn't it sad that some people can't leave their TV behind when they go to the bush.

Day 18, 9 May. Skukuza.

Clear skies all day temperature in the high 20s.

We went straight to Lake Panic this morning. It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the park.


There were some Hippos in the mist.


And a host of birds.
African Jacana.


Malachite Kingfisher.


Tawnyflanked Prinia? Or maybe not.


Black Crakes, two adults and a junior.



African Darter.


We left the hide at around 08:00 and drove to Afsaal via the Byamiti Weir which is open again. Very little to see except this raptor which I say is a Gabar Goshawk but my SO says it's an Ovambo Sparrowhawk.


After consuming the best and most reasonably priced breakfast in the park we headed back to camp and along the way saw another spotted one.


Back at Skukuza I managed to snap of one of the other residents.


Back to Lake Panic again this afternoon.
This guy is the boss of his bit of the lake.


I managed to get a sequence of pics that I've always wanted. Here are 3 out of the dozen or so I got.




Then a sudden commotion as two African Darters had a fight over the rights to this end of the lake.




A Grey Heron was flapping about in a tree.


More commotion as several Hippos started charging about.


After the shadows reached across the lake, we took a short drive to the low level bridges. This Fish Eagle was near the bridge over the Sand River.

Day 19, 10 May. Skukuza.

Cloudy this morning, clear skies this afternoon, temperature in the high 20s.

This morning we drove the S3 and saw a lot of very dense bush with occasional sightings of the river.
We did spy a Crowned Eagle but it flew before I could get my camera aimed at it.
We also saw part of a herd of Buffs with lots of young calves.


This next shot was taken in my wing mirror as I didn't want this person to know he was on candid camera (for some reason the camera wouldn't focus properly) - recognise the uniform? Yes it's one of SAPS's finest.


After driving into Hazyview for breakfast we returned via the Kruger Gate and on a plant near the curio shop I saw this huge wasp.


Back at my new favourite spot this afternoon - Lake Panic, a pair of Pied Kingfishers.


A Goliath Heron gingerly climbing down its perch.



A snorting Hippo.


An African Darter in beautiful light.



A Greenbacked Heron with afternoon snack.


And later in perfect light,



We then took a drive along the H3 to the granite dome (I can't read the name of it on our tatty old map).
Along the way we met up with an Angryphant who gave us quite a display.




From the top of the dome you can see for miles.


And the last rays of the sun turn the rock red.

Day 20, 11 May. Skukuza -> Lower Sabie.

Clear skies today, temperature in the high 20s.

Our last full day in the park but what a day! We had some excellent sightings including one that tops all the others for the trip!

Out first thing and up to Granopkop/Mathekayane/Sandflea to catch the sunrise. We were waylaid by a trio of Southern Ground Hornbills so We didn't quite get there before the sun rose but the view was even better than it was last night.




We then continued on thee H1-1 and up the S65 to the S1 and back to Skukuza after detouring to - you guessed it - lake Panic.
On the S65 there wasn't much to see util we came across this beauty.



and on the S1 a Gymnogene/African Harrier Hawk. I was a bit confused by the orange face but the book says they flush red when they are excited.



At Lake Panic, a Black Crake and an African Jacana.



Back to Skukuza for some breakfast. In the big fig tree by the river was a Purple Crested Turaco and a Green Pigeon.



Back to the campsite to pack up the tent for the last time. A mantis was on the tent and was easy to see until I put it on a tree.


On the way to Lower Sabie, a Shikra or Little Banded Goshawk,


At Lubyelubye Lions on the rocks.


And a couple of Kms down the road, another Lion.


After we checked in at LS, we went for our afternoon drive - H4-2/S28/S137/S130/H4-2.
Near the LS bridge, a Whitecrowned Lapwing.


At Ntandanyathi Hide - after a quick look for the snake - a Hippo was rolling around in small amount of water that is left.


And showing us what big teeth it has.


A little further up the gully, some movement........


What's that? What's that? What's that? WOW!!!!!!!!


Cape Clawless Otter. Only the second time we've ever seen one


At Duke waterhole, a Giraffe against the setting sun.


And as we reached the north end of the S130, I checked for traffic to my left and saw Doggies.





What and amazing day!!!! Big 5, Painted Dogs and OTTER!!!!!

Time to turn in now, have to be up early for our last game drive tomorrow morning.

Day 21, 12 May. Lower Sabie -> Home.

Clear skies but misty in patches, temperature in the high 20s.

Our last drive then home.

The day started with a kill right on the stoep A Gecko got an early breakfast.


We went for a last look at the causeway, then back down to Ntandanyathi Hide but I bet you guessed that!
Near the causeway, a Blackwinged Stilt and his reflection.


And a Giant Kingfisher.


The Sun came up across the Sabie River.


On the S28, a Pearl-Spotted Owlet.


With eyes on the back of his head.


Further down the S28 it was a bit misty.


Guess who was still at the waterhole?



After the hide we drove the S137 and the S130 southwards and saw a Crested Spurfowl, some Giraffes and a Burchell's Coucal. We also saw a Cheetah but it was too far into the dense bush to get a picture of.





Back to Lower Sabie along the S82 Mativuhlungu Loop. Male Impalas have been displaying everywhere we went but it seemed that as soon as I pointed my camera at them, they'd get shy and stop what they were doing. I finally managed to catch one in the act.


After we packed the last few things and hooked up the trailer, we headed for Croc Bridge to exit the park after one of their excellent breakfasts.
A last look at Sunset Dam and Yellowbilled Stork Leader was up practicing formation flying with his squadron. I think they need more practice.



A LBR doing some stretching.



And last but not least, at Croc Bridge, an Agama in the flowerbed.

Good to meet you too CB.

Many, many thanks to all of those who read this TR and special thanks to those who made comments.

To finish off my TR, I thought I'd publish my own top 10 pictures from the trip.

Starting with Number 10....

10. Cape Clawless Otter - Included Just because it's a picture of an Otter not for its composition - after little bit of photoshop magic.

9. Roan Antelope - Nice light on an unusual animal.

8. Spotted Bush Snake - Not often that I get close enough for this sort of shot.

7. Painted Dog - Another nice portrait in good light.

6. Hyaena - Difficult picture to get.

5. Giant Kingfisher - A fluked shot but I like it.

4. Elephant - This was quite a touching moment, these two are obviously old friends or relatives.

3. Elephant - I love the the look of outrage on this youngster's face.

2. Impala - A really difficult picture to get especially from a car. Perfect light, perfect pose.

1. Pied Kingfisher. I was hoping for the opportunity to take some pictures of a hovering pied Kingfisher. I had to be on the ball as it only hovered for about 3-4 seconds. Here are all 12 pictures I shot in an animated GIF file.