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Lots of big trees damaged by elephants

The only really green trees were the Nyala-berries - one on the left. Right-hand tree damaged to such an extent that I do not think it will survive

They have put up that "ellie free" zone against the river between the tree top walk and the private land but I don't know if it really help to keep the big ones out. I think the electrified wire just urinated off the ellies if you see what they do to the fence after it zaps them.

Hi NetEk! I agree with you 100%. And the sad thing is that the Treetop Walk is not a walk between the trees any more! We could not believe our eyes when we saw all the dead trees there! And I suppose the unsightly holes that are covered with dead tree-stumps were dug to plant new trees but it just did not happen?!

This pic was taken from the Den Staat road (which was in a terrible condition - almost un-driveable). Lots of electric fences have been erected since our last visit - must be to try and keep the elephants out? Sadly to late for lots and lots of trees...

I don't know what it is, it's not just the ellies, it's as if the big fever trees have just been dying the last 3 years even with out elephant damage. As I have said before we are there atleast once or twice a year and it's sad to see areas in the river that was "all set about by fever trees" no completely open and cover with "krimpvarkies". Some people are saying it's the water table that is dropping due to whatever reason be it global warming, more farming in the catchment area who knows it's just worrying.

Agree NetEk. Same with the trees in/around Maloutswa pan. To a larger extent they died of drought.
I think the rainfall patterns are changing, maybe not the amount of rain per annum but rather when it happens.
A year ago this time there were water lilies on Maloutswa pan and lots of grass and flowers everywhere.
This year it’s the driest I’ve seen the western section it in 4 years. (since the last big drought 5 years ago, if I remember right)
Naomi , yes I’ve also heard from upriver about good rains.
Those holes at the treetop are relatively new, maybe they’re waiting for the rains before planting the newlings?? It would be nice to hear from the ptb (powers that be).

Even with fever trees being one of the fastest growing trees in SA at up to 1,5 m a year it's still going to take some time before the walk is a tree top walk again.

But that doesn't stop me we still keep going.

the rain came the rain came all at once
check out the facebook photos. https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/? ... 634&type=1

Our prayers have been answered!!

Thank you for the link giraffee!

will need some serious driving at the moment

Lots of info and pics about the rain in KNP - anyone with more info or pics about the situation in Mapungubwe?

The Limpopo is in flood. My Sister in law was there on the weekend ( she is still there , got stuck) the river came down on Saterday night apparently the river looks like it did in the 2000 floods. They are heli-vacing some of the people out of the camps as the roads are flooded. If you don't have a canoe don't go here.

The situation in Mapungubwe is bad from what I was told. The road just before Dongola is washed away, the water is right up to Rhodes drift and I believe a car was washed away and 4 people (2 Adults and 2 children) died. One of them is reported to be a staff member of Mapungubwe.

Thanks for the replies NetEk and BrendaK. Sounds really bad - poor people - first the terrible drought and now the floods. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to them.