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Hi All

Watch this space for a Kruger trip report

3 - 5 November - Pretorius Kop
6 - 10 November - Lower Sabie
11 November - Crocodile Bridge

Was an epic trip! Its a pity that the things that you wait soooo long for, are always over so quickly.....

I'm on my way home today, but with a 11 to 12 hour trip ahead, thought that may as well start a TR
When home I have many pics to upload, I actually ran out of space on the camera card....

First few days to follow soon

Day 1
Pietermaritzburg ---» Pretorius Kop

Who would have thought that the 3rd of November would ever come?? Awake early and "bright eyed and bushy tailed" we were ready for our next Kruger adventure

On our "hoping to see" list, we had the following :
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Roan/Sable antelope
- Hopefully big 6 bird
- A variety of birds

And so we made our way off, intent on actually landing up at Maroela. However those plans didn't quite work out.... On the way up we were stuck behind an abnormal load that took up the entire width of the road as well as being stopped by numerous one-way road closures due to construction. As a result we decided on Pretorius Kop

On our way to Kruger, I couldn't help noticing how beautiful our country is! The rolling hills of KZN were lovely and green, plastered with an array of flowers. In Mpumalanga, we went through a number of mountain passes making the trip a scenic one

Eventually, we arrived at Pretorius Kop at about 5:30. After setting up camp, we were welcomed Kruger style as the fiery-necked nightjar, Barn owl and Scops owl made their nightly call

Day 2 to follow soon

Day 2
Morning Drive

Our first full day in the park. We decided on a shorter morning drive, rest in camp during the heat of the day followed by a longer afternoon drive. We made our way along the H1-1 to Shitlhave dam. Here there was a herd of waterbuck.

DSCF6594 by Juslind, on Flick

A fish eagle was also catching breakfast.


DSCF6597 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6599 by Juslind, on Flickr

We made our way back along that road, and took a drive on the S7, Here we met an elephant, also having some breakfast It was quite amusing as he was using his tusks to rest his trunk on He was definately not a happy elly though, and we had to keep our distance.


DSCF6614 by Juslind, on Flickr

Along the way we spotted some kudu, a rhino, and a klipspringer who was resting under a tree. Even the klipspringer was hot, so decided it was time to head off back to camp. Back in camp, all the birds had come out, including some louries.


DSCF6608 by Juslind, on Flickr
Afternoon Drive

For the afternoon drive we took a drive to Transport Dam. A herd of elephants were busy eating around the water, so we waited to see if they would come drink, and we were rewarded

The biggest elly, we assume was the matriarch, went for a drink first, but this hot weather meant that a swim was on the cards. She made her way to the middle of the dam, untill only the top of her head was out the water. Soon after, another one followed suit and they "played" for a while in the water. Satisfied with her swim, she made her way to the dam wall where she carried on eating, with the other elly eventually following. Later on the youngsters of the group also decided to have a swim. They stayed close to the edge as there was also a small one with them. They played and splashed the water all over. When it was time to leave, however, they did not really want to. The group of them eventually exited and returned to the water about 4 times In some of the pics you can actually see the ellies running back into the water


DSCF6623 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6625 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6631 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6634 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6637 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6642 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6651 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6655 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6659 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6663 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6665 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6666 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6671 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6672 by Juslind, on Flickr

Also at the dam, we spotted some hippos, african jacana, fish eagle, blacksmith plovers and a sandpiper.

On the way back to camp we went via the Naphe loop, and then back on the main road we saw some buffaloes and a rhino.

DSCF6680 by Juslind, on Flickr

Day 3
Pretorius Kop

On day 2, we had mainly explored the main roads around Pretorius Kop, so today we decided to explore the gravel roads It was overcast, not lovely light for photography, but it stays cooler for longer so I think the animals will hopefully be out......

So we went along the S7 to the Doispan Road. Along there we saw a duiker and a vulture, all the animals like to face away from me when it came to time......


DSCF6685 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6684 by Juslind, on Flickr


From there we went along road that runs along the river to Skukuza. In all the sightings were a bit on the low side. However, still being early we hoped for some action back on the main road. One highlight, though, was listening to all the coucals call in the riverbed, because I love that call

Just as we got to Paul Kruger, I received an update that there had been a lion kill about 400m outside Skukuza. I actually originally did not beleive it at first....As we rounded the corner to go to Skukuza we were assured that there had been some drama
Three male lions had taken down a buffalo, in the middle of the road! It then dawned on me, that if we had of gone on the tar we may have witnessed the kill...... To see these lions was also another thing. Quite a queue had developed. And so we waited.... and waited... and waited untill 45 minutes later we moved one car space forward....hmmmm.... later on in the trip I would realise that it was ok, because we got even better lion sightings

Eventually, this was the only photo I got


DSCF6690 by Juslind, on Flickr

The kill was about a meter off the road, but it was quite concealed in the bush. And at least we got to see the lion, because as we got there the one lion had just finished feasting and was moving away from the kill

We made our way back to Pretorius Kop along the H1-1, where we came across some ellies and some buffaloes. As well as some more Waterbuck at transport dam.


DSCF6695 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6677 by Juslind, on Flickr

Back at camp the guines fowls came to investigate...


DSCF6697 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6703 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6707 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6711 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6715 by Juslind, on Flickr

In conclusion, it was not a very busy day, but seeing the lion was awesome
Till next time, when in the next day or two the sightings keep on coming

Day 4
Pretorius Kop ---» Lower Sabie

The time had come to leave Pretorius Kop, and on this morning we were headed to Lower Sabie - where we would spend the next 5 nights

Our first sighting of the morning was a Stanleys Bustard, who was making a lovely call Closely followed by a rhino - peacefully sleeping...
We then came across a family a dwarf mongoose, which were just too adorable. A while later, we saw in the distance that there were a number of buffaloes in the road When we arrived, we eventually lost count....but decided that there were at least more than 200 buffalo! That was definately a huge herd. Later on, we came across a lone hyena.


DSCF6718 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6719 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6720 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6723 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6724 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6725 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6728 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6729 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6734 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6735 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6741 by Juslind, on Flickr

We made a stop at Transport Dam, where there were some Blacksmith Plovers, Egyptian geese and some sandpipers. Eventually, we arrived at Nkulu picnic site, where we were welcomed by some ellies Along the way, however, we came across some cars looking at something....but we couldn't see what... After closer inspection we discovered there had been a kill, and there was a bushbuck lying there but no predator in sight We decided to what and see if anything would come, but after a long time nothing came and claimed its meal. At Nkulu, I looked on the sightings board, and a leopard had been spotted in the same area. Maybe a leopard had made the kill and then gone to fetch her cub?


DSCF6737 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6743 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6745 by Juslind, on Flickr

Between Nkulu and Lower Sabie, we had a lion sighting. A female was lying on the far side of the riverbed, with her cubs. The one cub had its paw rested on mom, making it look like he/she was hugging her

Not long after, we arrived at Lower Sabie to set up camp. It looked like our campsite was home to a blue-headed lizzard


DSCF6748 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6750 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6752 by Juslind, on Flickr

Day 5
Lower Sabie

Our first morning drive at Lower Sabie was an entertaining one, where we had more lion sightings than impala sightings However, I won't talk about that first....

We made our way along the H10, here we saw a huge herd of buffaloes. They were all still sleeping, and then all of a sudden they all stood up, at once. It was like children standing up in a school hall on command. I wonder how they all knew to stand up at the same time....? We also saw that a few of the buffaloes had radio collars, and I was curoius as to what study is being done on them...if anyone knows?


DSCF6762 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6763 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6764 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6765 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6766 by Juslind, on Flickr
A short while later, we were stopped by two kitties lying placidly in the road They looked as though they didn't have a care in the world It was two juveniles, one male and one female. They were still playful, and when a car came along they would jump up and inspect each car. Eventually, they moved off the road, and decided that eating grass was better than meat We also moved off, and about 5 kms down the road, we came across a male and two females. They were lying quite far away, but it was easy to see them as the grass was very short and green from being burnt. We headed on, and found two more females patiently sitting and waiting.


DSCF6767 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6768 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6769 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6770 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6773 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6774 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6775 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6777 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6778 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6783 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6785 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6786 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6789 by Juslind, on Flickr

More on day 5 to follow soon, till then

Day 5 continued
Lower Sabie

We carried on along the H10, where we had a number of sightings including:
-Elephants
-Rhino
-Jacobin Cuckoo
-Steenbok
-Long-tailed Shrike
-Red Crested Korhaan
-Warthog


DSCF6793 by Juslind, on Flickr

After a quick stop at Tshokwane, we went on the H1-2. We stopped at Leeupan, and noticed that Kruger was needing some rain A dung beetle was doing some work as well....Even though the pan was dry we spotted some impala, warthogs, giraffe and a martial eagle.


DSCF6797 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6798 by Juslind, on Flickr

Back on the main road, we discovered this


DSCF6794 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6795 by Juslind, on Flickr

And then, an owl


DSCF6800 by Juslind, on Flickr

On the bridge crossing the Sabie river, a babbon decided that walking was no longer an option and opted for the easier taxi


DSCF6802 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6803 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6805 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6807 by Juslind, on Flickr

Back on the H4-1, toward Lower Sabie, there was an one-horned kudu


DSCF6815 by Juslind, on Flickr

And a bushbuck


DSCF6819 by Juslind, on Flickr

Some more lions were also spotted Two females were on the far side of the riverbed. We thought that they were proberly from the same pride as the previous day

The temperature was now getting hotter and hotter, so we decided to spend the heat of the day in camp

Day 5 - afternoon

We did a short drive, going a few kms out Lower Sabie. We came across a bushbuck with the most adorable baby As well as elephants, a fish eagle and a pair of bateleurs.

At sunset dam, the hippos were having a good yawn


DSCF6835 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6836 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6837 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6838 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6841 by Juslind, on Flickr

Till we meet again

Day 6
Lower Sabie

Im going to continue doing my TR in shorter posts from now, as I have discovered that it is a lot easier (also with time )

We decided to go along the H10 again, due to the previous days success

Our first stop was on the Lower Sabie bridge, where there were an array of birds. Some pics of the closer birds....


DSCF6843 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6844 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6845 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6847 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6848 by Juslind, on Flickr

A while later, we came across some ellies. There were 4 of them, and 2 were doing some "play" fighting.


DSCF6852 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6853 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6855 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6856 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6857 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6858 by Juslind, on Flickr

Along the way we also saw some ostriches and a rhino

More to follow

Day 6 Continued

Our next sighting was a Reedbuck, and I believe it is the first time we had ever seen one in KNP


DSCF6859 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6860 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6861 by Juslind, on Flickr

Then we came across this really pretty flower, but not sure what it is....



DSCF6863 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6864 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6865 by Juslind, on Flickr

Then a giraffe...


DSCF6866 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6868 by Juslind, on Flickr

Day 6 Continued

Our next sighting of the day, was a pair of Coucals. The one was in full view, however, the other was was concealed in the bush. We watched them for a good while, as there were some calling in the background - so they also started calling


DSCF6869 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6872 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6874 by Juslind, on Flickr

Further along, there was a tortoise


DSCF6876 by Juslind, on Flickr

From there, we made our way to Mlondozi Picnic spot via the S122. Just by the picnic site, there were a whole lot of vultures.


DSCF6878 by Juslind, on Flickr

Upon arrival at Mlondozi, we could see that the vultures were all huddled on the gound eating. However, it was too far to see what

Day 6 Continued
Mlondozi

It was time to have a nice breakfast And we had some enteratinment from the ellies again

A large herd had come drink at the river.


DSCF6880 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6881 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6882 by Juslind, on Flickr

Spot the two tiny baby ellies at the back of the herd, just adorable In the river, there were a couple of hippos, however, the ellies decidd that they were the only ones that could be there. The matriarch, we assume, duly chased all the hippos out if her way, a couple of the other ellies also joined in. There was quite a lot of commotion as there were hippos running everywhere and ellies splashing water all over


There were also some hippos, lying out of the ellies way


DSCF6883 by Juslind, on Flickr

Eventually, some made their way to the dam wall....


DSCF6884 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6886 by Juslind, on Flickr

Itchy?


DSCF6888 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6889 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6891 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6892 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6893 by Juslind, on Flickr

This is just toooo tiring


DSCF6895 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6897 by Juslind, on Flickr

Till we meet again

Day 6 Continued

Still at Mlondozi, when the ellies moved off, some giraffes, waterbuck and kudus came to drink

Heres a pic of the resident birds


DSCF6899 by Juslind, on Flickr

And just to say goodbye....


DSCF6885 by Juslind, on Flickr

Then we were on our way.

On the reat of our drive, we saw a sleeping rhino


DSCF6901 by Juslind, on Flickr



DSCF6902 by Juslind, on Flickr

And then......the perfect time of day for a cheetah The cheetah had made a kill, however, we could not see it. The cheetah was certainly very full though!


DSCF6903 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6904 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6905 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6906 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6907 by Juslind, on Flickr

Eventually, we headed back to camp during the haet of the day

Day 6 Continued
Sunset Dam

We got back to camp at about midday, when we started to hear the hippos at sunset dam......However, they got louder and louder..... so we decided to go have a look. There were two hippos fighting, but they were grunting more at each other then physically fighting.


DSCF6908 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6909 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6910 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6911 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6912 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6914 by Juslind, on Flickr



DSCF6915 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6917 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6918 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6919 by Juslind, on Flickr

Day 6 Continued

We went on a very late afternoon drive, and here are some pics


DSCF6923 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6925 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6928 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6929 by Juslind, on Flickr

DSCF6931 by Juslind, on Flickr



DSCF6932 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6933 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6936 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6937 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6938 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6939 by Juslind, on Flickr


DSCF6940 by Juslind, on Flickr

Till we meet again