SANParks.org Forums

Waterhole ID needed. Taken in November 1984, somewhere along the Timbavati Road (S39). Any ideas?




If you'd like to see the whole series, there are 14 pix of these ellies frolicing

Hi arks - I have no idea!! The cement 'block' must surely give a good clue though

Think Roodewal waterhole, can be mistaken...

Arks - do you remember if there was a windmill on the right? If so, I think its Ratelpan waterhole, just before you get to the hide (which I don't think existed at the time).

I don't remember, acekam, and there's no sign of a windmill in any of the series of pix, but I think it probably can only be that or Leeubron. And no, I do not think there was a hide in 1984 .

I'm going with Craig on this one... looks a lot like Roodewal wh to me

Definitely Roodewal

Interesting that three of you seem so certain that it's Roodewal. I'd have thought it was one of the ones further south, just from my memory of events as I drove up that road towards Olifants.

After these ellies, I later encountered lionesses with cubs and stayed with them well over an hour, during which time no other car came along. I had to tear myself away because it was getting late and I had quite a distance still to go to get to Olifants before gate closing time. And then I was further delayed by a breeding herd of elephants crossing the (tar) road. Quite an eventful afternoon

Anyway, many thanks for the IDs and I'll have to have a really good look along this road next year. In July of 2000, my last visit, a lot of this road was (still) impassable in a sedan

I was hoping not to have to show my hand here, as I was saving this one for a later quiz. But I am forced to, as this waterhole is about to undergo a serious identity crisis and that just isn't fair after all the joy it gave Arks 21 years ago.

This is a recent pic of Roodewal waterhole :


Its possible things may have changed over a period of 21 years, but I say, the cement slab has spoken - Arks was not at Roodewal.

My guess is still Ratelpan waterhole, although I'm not 100% confident because I haven't been to the Leeubron or Timbavati waterholes a little further south.

By the way, did I miss National Quiz Day on the forum today?

Thanks, Acekam. I agree it's not Roodewal. I'm quite sure that it must be one those further south, and from the pix of other sightings I had on that road before encountering these ellies, I think it's more likely Ratelplan than Leeubron. One thing's sure, I'll be making much more precise sightings notes in future

Hi Arks,

I like you have been unable to recall exact locations of pics taken in the past, but will definetely take more note on my next visit!

I believe I have a photo here below of the same waterhole but from a diffrent angle taken in March 2003, unfortuately I don't have a pic with the same angle as your pic

Certainly could be the same place Seems to have the same scratching post and you can just see what looks like the concrete block behind the ellie. Thanks!

Bump.... Anyone online now that knows it?

Looks like Ratelpan to me, second choice is Leeubron.

Leeubron......i was there in November with a pride of 15 lion!