Google Earth - KNP from the SKY!!

[Nungu]

Continuing on our route South-West towards Punda Maria Gate:

Thulamila Watering Hole (not to be confused with Thulamela Archeological Site)
(GPS: 22°43'02.85”S 31°01'07.76”E)



Very close to Punda Maria gate is this little cul-de-sac, the S98 – take you to the watering hole as well as the viewpoint.

Thulamila Viewpoint
(GPS: 22°43'40.87”S 30°59'28.27”E)



This is a flat topped hill with a very obvious slope. It is a Venda word which simply means "hill slope". It provides a fantastic view over the northern parts of the park, but the road leading up to it is very rough and steep…. And remember it’s the same road out… so don’t anger the ellies or they will be waiting for you on your way down!!!

[Nungu]

Sure thing Theuns

Punda Maria Gate
(GPS: 22°44'18.43”S 31°00'31.66”E)



This gate leads to the Punda Maria camp. It’s 550km from Johannesburg. Follow the N1 toll road north through Tshwane (Pretoria), Polokwane (Pietersburg) and Louis Trichardt. Turn onto the R524 in Louis Trichardt towards Thohoyandou and continue further on to Punda Maria Gate.

In November 2004 the gate was upgraded with a new building, reception area and ablution facilities. The new facility was built with technology in mind an there is a dedicated lane for wildcard holders.

[Nungu]

I'm a bit dissapointed - the images from up North is not as clear as the places further South.... I can't zoom in any closer on the Punda Gate, because it becomes too blurry..... but compare that with this one I have of Balule....



HUGE difference....

[ndloti]

The resolution on GE has improved since I last zoomed in on Balule , seems certain instances who require them for scientific or other reasons are able to apply for better quality images to be loaded ?

Looking at another location of great interest nearby there is also an obvious change .
I notice a change to the vegetation cover , the coverage is obviously also newer ?

[TheunsH]

Great seeing the one of Balule Nungu. We have camped there many years ago and I can see the change in the flora...much more trees now!

[Nungu]

Can you believe it!!!

AT LAST!!! a new posting.

I apologise for the delay in posting but the taxman has kept us very busy over the past few weeks and for all those fans patiently waiting ... here is the "Gestreepte Donkie" Striped donkey

Again, not the best quality zoom on GE - but an excellent camp to visit - make sure you include this in your next trip:

Punda Maria
(GPS: 22°41'30.60”S 31°01'02.16”E)



This quaint rest camp, at the foot of the pretty Gumbandebvu Hill, is the northernmost SANParks camp in Kruger. As such, it provides a convenient base from which to explore the bird-rich Luvuvhu Valley, botanically diverse sandveld and magnificent archaeological ruins of the ancient citadel of Thulamela. Punda Maria is a play on the Swahili for zebra, "punda milia" (meaning Striped Donkey).

The camp is shady and peaceful, with a distinct character of its own. Some of its original white-washed, thatched buildings with rough-hewn leadwood verandah posts, built in the early 1920's, are still in use today. With the upgrade in 2004 a swimming pool was also built for those hot summer days.

[Nungu]

I thought I'd start the new year with one of the best loops in the North (if not all of KNP) - the Mahonie Loop near Punda. And first up is the Coetzer Borehole just outside the camp...

Coetzer Borehole
(GPS: 22°41'51.30”S 31°01'15.35”E)



This borehole was named after JJ Coetzer – the park ranger between 1919 and 1923. Also the “father” of Punda Maria, which was a play on the Swahili name for Zebra (Punda Milia) and his wife’s first name – Maria. There is much controversy over the naming of Punda Maria as in 1959 the named was changed to Punda Milia, as it was thought that this is what Coetzer had meant when naming the camp, but this was later overturned and the name was changed back to Punda Maria in 1981, and rightly so.

[normana53]

If you go to 24. 02'27.73 S / 31. 30'08.93 E, you can see what appear to be hippos(?) on the bank and in the water.

[Nungu]

Yip - looks like hippo's or ellies - I'd also go with hippo's....



This is the confluence of the Olifants and Nhlaralumi rivers. These are probably the only times you would spot animals on GE - when they're in a riverbed in the open.... the resolution on GE is too low to spot anything in the bush. Another problem is that this image dates back to 30 May 2005... so it's not really current - but well spotted - my fisrt

[Nungu]

Thanks all you guys for the encouragement and kind words. I'm glad you enjoy the posts so far. So here's the 2nd one for the Mahonie loop:

Matukwale Dam
(GPS: 22°40'53.63”S 30°57'43.27”E)



There are 3 major waterpoints on this loop. The Matukwale dam is the middle one of the 3. This dam is situated on the west side of the loop and is frequented by all kinds of game. This is also a birding paradise. The dam is fed by a small stream by the same name.

[Nungu]

The last of the Mahonie Loop:

Witsand Waterhole
(GPS: 22°40'00.62”S 30°59'32.42”E)



The last of the 3 waterpoints on the loop is called Witsand. The Mahonie loop is 26 km’s long and the most westerly public road in Kruger. Interesting to note that some sources indicate the Maritube Dam, but I couldn’t find it on my map. Apparently this dam doesn’t hold water well and is often dry. Ndloti and Richprins seem to know it, so maybe one of you could show me where on GE?

[ndloti]

Maritube waterhole/dam is where the loop in the road is , in wet weather it flows south eastwards towards a marshy area on the right side of the road .

[Nungu]

Thanks Ndloti

You confirmed what the sources said - that it doesn't hold water well and is only wet in the rainy season - probably why they don't show it on my maps.

Thanks for the pic as well.

[Nungu]

Moving away from Punda, on the H1-8, heading South:

Mandadzidzi Windmill
(GPS: 22°41'21.52”S 31°09'40.39”E)



Mandadzidzi means honey badger footprint. On the H1-8 here, you can see the overhead powerlines from the Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique.

Elandskuil Windmill
(GPS: 22°42'16.52”S 31°09'46.29”E)



The area around Elandskuil and Mandadzidzi is probably your best chance to spot Eland in KNP, the largest antelope in Kruger.

[Nungu]

Thanks Binkieloo....

Well it's been a long time since my last post, but upwards and onwards.... we continue our trek South (well I guess the it should be downwards and onwards )

Dzundzwini Lookout
(GPS: 22°46'10.60”S 31°09'25.81”E)



On the S58, you will find Dzundzwini hill. At 600m above sea level this is one of the highest peaks in the park. There is a natural spring at the northern foot of the hill. Dzundzwini means "at the land belonging to the chief and cultivated by his people".