The Heat is on and the Lions as well

[Pumbaa]

Well this trip was the complete contrary to last year’s wet and rainy one. We nearly had each day up to 40 degrees on some days even more. The park was on one side still green but most of the waterholes looked sad as not much water was left but the rivers were still nicely full and flowing. Due to the heat and dryness the birds were not that easily to be found as last year. Please do not get me wrong we saw many of them but that was nearly nothing compared to last year and right in the beginning I will prove my words wrong as at our lodge along the Crocodile river we saw many birds but in the park they got rarer at least for our liking. For example we only had two very poor ground hornbill sightings same we already experienced with that bird species during our trip a couple of year’s ago when there was a severe drought and also the little bee eaters did not turn up unfortunately.

Were the lions last year a bit rare this year to our astonishment despite the heat we had so many wonderful sightings of them as we had never before and all of them were in fact high quality sightings therefore the leopards were rare but nobody can have everything at once and so each visit to the park is different and that is why we always return.

Due to the dryness and the lack at least lack for us of our beloved birds we concentrated on waterhole watching and must say that we had the best ones at the one at the end of the S130 close to the turn off into the S137 and at Leeupan where we stood more than 2 hours in the heat with 40 degrees.

[Pumbaa]

Wednesday, 7th February 2024 – O.R. Tambo – Malelane

Normally we were about to fly on the above date but Monday morning we were hit by the bad news that Lufthansa’s ground personal will be on strike that day so after a quick telephone call with the airline we were put off to the afternoon as they so far could not say anything. Luckily when I came back home from work I called them again and they proposed that we already can fly the next day, i.e. on Tuesday in evening with Swiss or only on Friday. Needless to say that we decided to fly already the next day but both of us still had to work that day so we already started on Monday evening a bit hectic with the packing luckily afterwards we realized that we not only forget anything essential we even forgot nothing and on top we had to contact the car rental company as well as our lodge in Malelane that we already will come one day earlier but that could be easily changed without any problems.

So with only a bit more than one hour for transfer in Zurich everything went well besides a slight delay due to luggage problems we arrived one day earlier in South Africa indeed not that bad overall after all the stress we had and also the drive from the airport to Malelane was uneventful with the obligatory stop at Milly’s we arrived around 4 o’clock in the afternoon at our lodge in Malelane as we postponed our shopping marathon in Malelane to the next day.

As we skipped the stop at Spar we luckily only had to tug our luggage and the camera bags to our bungalow as well as the things we bought at Milly’s because when we alighted from our car we were hit hard by the heat as meanwhile we had 41 degrees indeed a bit hot especially when we left Germany by only 0 degrees and heavy rain. Needless to say that we soon positioned ourselves on our verandah with tripod and looked around, noticed that the Crocodile river still had enough water, discovered a couple of Egyptian goose as well as a pair of fish eagle who just landed a bit farer away on a sand island and focused on a waterbuck lady closer to our verandah



and soon we were back into Kruger mood and could not believe our luck because due to the strike we even now were rewarded with a bonus day in our beloved home away from home. Here is a shot from the fish eagles and also a bushbuck wanted to be photographed as well.



We spotted elephants in the distance, hippos in the water, however, as all animals were still a bit far away we walked over to the larger pond at the parking area and here we were welcomed by a great number of weavers



busy in refurbishing their nests





or simply to sat in pose for us.



These fruits or whatever this is we noted already during one earlier trip on a tree in Lower Sabie camp but nevertheless same had to be captured as well



and also an African jacana could be detected before we returned to our verandah as now the also the golden hour started.



Far in the distance on the other side of the river Timon even discovered already a giant kingfisher not the best shot but luckily we saw one already.



Meanwhile one of the fish eagles came closer



and same even was thirsty so we could watch same quite a while before same joined its mate on the other side of the river in a tree.



Quite a lot of cattle egrets in flight could be seen

[Pumbaa]

and also the Egyptian goose were active



and same landed close to another one and soon an incredibly loud debate started.



Now the light was so wonderful and we were happy about that glossy starling who had quite a great number of bees or smaller insects collected



soon another one joined same also with a full bill.



They both turned from right to left and again back obviously they wanted to show how busy they had been.



After the glossy starlings had flew away and nothing else could be discovered because of the heat we enjoyed the sunset



and the view to the other side



and finally the view straight to the other side of the river from our bungalow.



As it was already late and the light started fade we were about to pack together when we noticed a larger number of speckled mousebirds who landed in a close bush



luckily here they are far easier to photograph than in the park so we stayed a bit longer with them until they finally flew away.





To our luck the lodge had its own restaurant so we simply could walk over to same and had a fantastic first dinner together with the typical night sounds until it was time for the bed.

to be continued…………….

[umtali1]

Pumbaa and Timon, yet another amazing Kruger fix for me . I’m definitely on board with supplies and sitting comfortably

Well at least you got there despite the strike and chaos of rearranging schedules

What a contrast between the two years

An excellent start. Really looking forward to reading more

[Meandering Mouse]

This lookks as though it iis going to be a very interesting trip report. It will be good to be able to compare the two very different faces of Kruger.

As ever your images are fabulous. The FE images are particularly lovely.

at the squabbling EJs. I can almost hear them. I also love the gluttonous Starlings.

I love the sunset. Another Kruger delight.

[RichardJ]

Bookmarked. Will be great to compare with our long stay

I have already forgotten about the HOT days

Great start Pumbaa and Timon

[FinMari]

I'm onboard

Good you got an option to leave day earlier

A bit change in weather

Waterbuck, Fish Eagles and many more locals welcomed you back

Thank you for sharing Pumbaa

[john n poppy]

An extra day at the lodge We also saw the giant Kingfisher at the pond...as well as our only Malachite for the trip

Watching the various birds fly up and down the crocodile river from the deck area was a very pleasant pastime for us as well.

I'm glad we didn't have quite the heat you had when we arrived at the end of march.

Looking forward to more

John

[Jan van Wyk]

Looking forward to another brilliant TR.......

....wow.... what a perfect start ..super sightings and stunning images........

....love the FE in the water .....

Thank you for sharing ........

[colbol]

Another Pumbaa and Timon adventure for us

Nothing wrong with the pic of the Giant Kingfisher in my opinion

Great shots of all birds and the scenery especially as the light changed

I’ve got some cold drinks ready for all while we follow along , cheers

[Tessa G]

I'm not missing the bus this time.

Despite strikes etc, you were back 'home'. 0c to 41c

Love your FE photos in the beautiful late afternoon light.

Beautiful sunset - just makes me give a big sigh, wishing I could be there, instead of a cold and wet Cape Town.

Great photos thanks Pumbaa

[Karin Mitton]

A bonus day is never a bad thing! Glad you managed to change your flights.
Great start as always. Lovely sunset.

[Carla + Tony]

An extra day in your beloved home from home and a birding bonanza at the lodge. Ending the day with a stunning sunset
What a wonderful start to your next Kruger adventure
Definitely on board

[Cape of Storms]

It's fascinating how each visit to the park brings a unique experience, highlighting the dynamic nature of wildlife and ecosystems.

The images you captured, especially of the fish eagles and various bird species, are stunning. The sunset views from your lodge must have been a perfect way to end the day. I'm glad you managed to sort out the flight hiccup smoothly and could start enjoying Kruger earlier than expected.

[manicwalker]

Pumbaa, your bird photos are lovely
The sunset from your lodge so inviting
I am hoping I will be able to follow your TT regularly