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May I add :-
S50 to Kanniedood dam a couple of times (afternoon drives) and the bird hide .

Instead of using the H1-6 tar road coming and returning take the S50 all the way - highlights are fantastic pools in the lower reaches of Shingwedzi river (I have a Pel's fishing owl tick here)
-Nyawatsi bird hide , Grootvlei dam and Shibavantsengele view point all remote and close to the Lebombo's
- all the N'shawu waterholes (possibility for Roan antelope)

Generally the gravel roads around Shingwedzi are less rough and have an atmoshere second to none .

The biggest pride of lions I have seen was on the Mphongolo and there were also two males with a female on heat - they would charge if you drove to close .

Hi there, katja
Hopefully the S50, that runs along Kanniedood dam is open during your visit. During our our trip in January, the the river was almost flooded and getting closer to the road. The next day, after a long rainy night, the S50 as well as many others in the area was closed.

I'm not sure if the roads in the area are still closed, but hopefully during your stay it will be open for you to enjoy. I didn't have much luck on the S52, but I did see a small and very shy Sharpe's grysbok. On an early morning ride just outside the restcamp along the H1-6 we something on the road as we came closer we discovered in was a freshly 'chewed' impala scull. . We quickly scanned the area and saw a male lion in the walking in the thick bush, followed him for 15 min before he disappeared.

Leopardspotter

The Red Rocks road is a great drive in my opinion. A few years back after seeing very little we came upon a juvenile leopard standing on a fallen down tree. It looked at us for a min and was gone. It was no more that 5 m from our vehicle. About 1km further on we came upon a giraffe kill with a small pride of lions on the kill. We were the only car there for 1 hour! This was at the the turnoff to Tshanga. I still see a few white backed bones lying there when i pass by.......

Yes, I second that opinion. Red Rocks is way cool. Have also seen leopards there and a pride of lions on the actual red rocks - a photographers dream. Lots of nice ellies giraffe, kudu and buffalo too. I enjoyed staying at Bateleur as well.

Hi all

Changed my Kruger trip for Dec/Jan to Nothern Kruger. Yeah! I decided to go north this time, have'nt been there for quite a while and I want to experience the Nothern section aswell.

Now, as I was bound by availibility, I booked 1 night in Bateleur Bushcamp Just want to know, how are the roads leading to Bateleur recently.

Any noteworthy stuff going on, and sightings. As to the number of game, how is it, as the R52 is all along the river??

Waiting for reply...

Hi Gamespotter!

I think you mean S52

I have never been in the far north in summer but I do remember the Red Rocks route as being very varied in scenery...parts are along the dry river bed, other parts in bush, there are some amazing trees along the route...very scenic and definitely has that special feel of being alone in the bush. It must be amazingly beautiful in the early morning and late evening....a night drive would probably reveal interesting sightings.

You'll have to report back on your return!!

Hi

Theres a watering hole just after Red rocks on your way to Bateleur, last monday we spotted 2 Lionesses and 3 cubs lying on the rocks. It was an awesome sight.

Regards,
Zelda

Rooibosrand Dam, near Bateleur, June 2005.



Group of 10!

Been there a few year ago
The hide at Baterleur is great.
Witnessed a ellie drinking water just a few feet away.

The Tshanga Lookout near the camp is also awesome
And you wont miss Afr. Fisheagle or Hippo at Rooibosrant Dam

Any nice sightings recenty?