Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Leaving The Park

2018-01-16 | puppy1952

16 January 2018

We left Berg en Dal just after 6:00 am yesterday morning. It is only a half hour drive to Malanane Gate where we would exit so we put on our seat belts and did not expect to see anything exciting on our way out. But The Kruger shows you what she want to show you and on this day she wanted to bid us farewell! The first sighting to raise our sober mood was a rhino. We could look back and see it well but didn’t take photographs as it was difficult to reverse with a caravan in tow.

Next up a really big bull elephant.

He seemed to be smiling at us – “Come back soon – promise I won’t chase you again!”

Even a small pond is good enough to quench an early morning thirst

While were saying our goodbyes to Big El, Shan yelled – Hyaena!

He crossed the road behind us, clearly on a mission.

It was difficult to get a good shot

But on the other side he turned to look at us

And grinned his farewell

We arrived at Midmar Dam Nature Reserve at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon and booked into a rustic cabin for the night. A little later today we will meet Lauren and Alan for breakfast and then I will go with them to take Shan to St John’s. Simon and Earl will go ahead to Kokstad.

What a privilege it was to have spent these two weeks with our grandchildren. There were things that freaked them out about us and things that freaked us out about them but we tolerated each others inadequacies with teasing, joking and laughing and it was awesome. It was an extraordinary bonding time that I feel has drawn us all closer to each other. They are well on their way to being grown up so having had this time before Gran and Grandpa are no longer fun to be with was really special.

At Supper I asked the kids what their holiday highlights were

Simon: (Who sat up front) Yelling ‘stop!’ when I saw something and my deaf Grandpa carried on driving so I had to hit him with Roger (the stuffed monkey) to get him to pay attention!

And Simon was the best spotter and got the most points – so it was important to stop when he saw something!!!

Shannon: The leopard and the hyaena sharing a meal – because everyone believes they’re mortal enemies and yet even though food is their number one priority they were prepared to share which means we as humans do not understand how animals think at all. If they can show tolerance then so should we.

Grandpa: Scaring the shit out of the kids when the elephant came toward us! No I’m joking it was just having them with us.

Gran: Bonding with the kids was awesome and like Shan I was really was blown away by the leopard and hyaena sharing the zebra kill.

My wish for all four of my grandchildren is that they will continue to enjoy the wild until they are old like us. Being in the bush is so good for the soul.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 13

2018-01-14 | puppy1952

Today was our last day in The Park. We packed up at Lower Sabie and were ready to leave by 7:00 am. Shan says her body simply won’t let her sleep beyond 5 am and she wonders how she is going to adapt to the school routine next week. Simon is still reeling from the early morning wake up calls!

We took the long drive to Berg en Dal slowly stopping at Skukuza for breakfast. We sat on the deck of The Cattle Baron and enjoyed watching elephant, waders and green pigeons.

Senegal Lapwing

When towing a caravan in The Park you have to be extra careful when meeting an approaching elephant. The kids were a bit nervous about this guy, but he obligingly went into the bush when he saw we could not reverse

From Skukuza it was another hour or so to Afsaal. We stopped there to go to the loo, to say farewell to our favourite waitress and to get ice cream

Some highlights from our trip.

Lovely elephant sightiings

Ground Hornbill are always entertaining

Omigosh That rock looks unstable – but the klipspringers seem to trust it

Icons of Africa – The elegant Giraffe

We arrived at Berg en Dal at midday, set up camp and rested until 4 pm. On our afternoon drive I upped the points to 20 for any of the big five and 50 for anything we hadn’t seen at all on the trip. Anybody reaching 50 would get an ice cream. We had some good birding and saw buffalo, lion and rhino which meant that we’d seen four of the big five for the day. We made it back through the gate with a minute to spare.

Common and Blue waxbills

wallowing buffalo

Sleepy Lion

Mom and baby

Rhino

We all earned enough points to get ice cream but after our braai nobody wanted to eat them so we will save them for tomorrow!

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 12

2018-01-13 | puppy1952

13 January 2018

Last night I said, “You’re doing so well being ready to leave camp by 6:00 am. Tomorrow is our second last day in the park. Let’s try to get out even earlier than usual.”

“What do you call early?” asked Shan suspiciousy.

“The gate opens at 4:30 – but let’s say 5 or 5:30?

Two pairs of eyes looked at me in horrified disbelief. “Why?” they asked.

“Because you’re more likely to get the animals in active mode early in the morning. Lions spend 20 hours a day sleeping in the shade under trees. The chances of seeing them active in the morning is increased if you get out there nice and early.”

They reluctantly agreed.

It took a while to get them to wake up this morning and Simon said, “Gran, how can you do this to me!” But we managed to get out of the gate just after 5:00 am. Dawn was golden on the horizon and the kids’ cameras were clicking away at the seldom seen, awesome sight.

Simon took this one through the side mirror of the car

The hippos were having an early morning swim

This chap seemed happy to see us

We took the S128 and then joined up with the H4-1 to Tshokwane. After a few minutes the early rising caught up with Simon and after taking a photo of some buffalo he gave up and fell asleep!

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He woke with a start when Shan called out – Elephant! and one was right next to his window. Then a really big one stepped into the road behind the car and decided to follow us. This caused shrieks of “Drive, Grandpa, Drive!” from both kids. “Nah,” said Grandpa “I’ll let him catch up first and then drive!” The kids thought this might be fun and encouraged him to wait till he was really close but Gran reprimanded him. “Don’t you dare be a hero – you never know what he might do!” Nervous laughter from the kids before they started yelling for him to drive again!

The big boy just wanted to follow us

Simon fell asleep again but after the next sighting sleep was impossible. The early rising was paying off.

Two young lions playing

We counted six of them but found out later there were 12 but some were hidden

This chap pulled the bark off the tree and played with it

Such a handsome lion

We watched these lions playing for a little while and then went on as breakfast was calling.

A car was parked at the next turnoff and we almost rode straight past when Grandpa yelled – oops – Lion!

A honeymoon coupe!

She looked sleepy

But The King had other ideas

People are watching – to find a room of course

And she did – well a sort of private spot anyway.

“The children’s education is complete,” I said.

“What do you mean, Gran,” said Shan

“That we now know how lions mate!” said Simon.

Four of the Big Five before breakfast! Yes getting out early certainly paid off this morning!

But wait, there’s more! The occupants of the car who had the honeymoon coupe first had moved on ahead of us and were parked next to a tree. They pointed out a Verreaux’s Eagle-owl. Great!

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Tshokwane serves the best coffee in Kruger and we were ready for ours when we arrived there shortly after our lovely morning.

On our return trip we revisited the honey moon couple and continued to enjoy the regulars. The birding was good too. The best was seeing ground hornbill again.

It was almost midday when we arrived back at camp.

Simon has struck up a friendship with the boys camping next to us. All the kids had a great afternoon at the pool.

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We went out again for a short drive at 4 pm. Nothing too exciting crossed our path but after the morning’s excitement we were content to enjoy the regulars.

Tomorrow is our last full day in The Park. We will spend our last night at Berg en Dal and then leave early on Monday morning.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 11

2018-01-12 | puppy1952

12 January 2018

The weather is once again hot in The Kruger National Park with temperatures reaching the mid thirties.

This morning for our drive we drove to Crocodile Bridge Camp. There were lots of the usual animals about and we got four of the Big Five. Four rhino were quite far away so we didn’t take a photo. There were a few elephant sightings but as we have many ellie photos we didn’t take of them either. The same goes for buffalo which we saw from camp and from the bridge. There is no restaurant at this Gate Camp but you can get coffee from a kiosk and ready made sandwiches, pies, muffins etc from the shop. In the past we have enjoyed their pies but today there were none available so we settled for sandwiches which were also very good.

These are the highlights from this morning’s drive.

A Bateleur finally posed for a half decent photograph

The veld was littered with Impala – The kids now call them litter!

A wildebeest resting in the shade

Donkeys in striped pajamas everywhere

A flotilla of white-faced ducks with a female knob-billed duck in the foreground

An emerald-spotted wood-dove

Wild Dog about to settle down in the shade for a midday nap

But we disturbed their peace

Such gorgeous creatures

Yes – It’s hot!

When we got back to camp our neighbours told us about lions just three km from the bridge so we went in search of them.

They were asleep under a tree quite far from the road but The King got up and stared at us

Then flopped down again

At the bridge we got this lovely Goliath Heron

We chilled in camp for most of the afternoon and then went out again for a short drive from 4 o’clock to 6 o’clock. The Amur falcons and rollers were flocking together and hawking insects which was really interesting to watch.

Rollers hawking insects

Here are the other highlights of our afternoon drive

Southern White-crowned Shrike

Burchell’s Coucal

Snake-eagle with a reptile of some sort – see the tail

When we got back the kids went for a swim with the neighbour’s kids and later Simon went on another night hike and saw hyaena from the restaurant deck.

It was a beautiful evening and we had a braai. It was after nine before we were ready for bed.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 10

2018-01-11 | puppy1952

11 January 2018

Last night The Earl said, “I think we should get up slowly tomorrow. Let the children sleep in a bit – they’re exhausted. I readily agreed. But this morning when I emerged for my shower at twenty to six, Shannon was sitting in a camp chair staring at the game at the fence!

When I returned she and Simon had already packed up their tent. To say that Grandpa and I were gob-smacked is an understatement. ” Why are we awaiting, Granny and Grandpa. Let’s get the show on the road!”

So it was quarter past seven when we finally left Satara and hit the road toward Lower Sabie. We stopped for breakfast at Tshokwane where the monkeys were just as naughty as ever. Simon brought the catty – just to scare them. However, one of the staff brought him some pebbles and said – if they annoy you, don’t hesitate to shoot! Music to young boys ears – and to Grandpa’s. I’m happy to say neither of them managed to hit a monkey but they didn’t bother us and we managed to eat without our food being stolen.

When you put your order in and pay for your meal the cashier gives you a card with a picture of an animal on it. When your food is ready they call out the animal and you collect your food.

This is what we received.

We weren’t too sure whether to respond to the word or picture!

Highlights of our morning:-

Tawny Eagle

Black-backed Jackal

Giraffe – always so elegant and attractive

There are no perimeter camping sites at Lower Sabie. But we found one close to the communal kitchen and near enough to the ablution block. We thought we would struggle to find a suitable spot but we were quite spoiled for choice in spite of the rest camp being fully booked. We must have come at just the right time.

It was just after 11 when we arrived and after setting up we stayed in camp until 3:30 pm. We introduced ourselves to the neighbours – a couple with four young sons aged 2 to 12. After we were settled I took our washing to the laundromat. I did some bird watching and had a coffee a the restaurant while I waited for it to be done

Tawny-flanked Prinia

Lower Sabie

View from the board walk at Lower Sabie

When the Earl and I were in The Park in November we did not see a Verreaux’s Eagle-owl and this trip we have been seeking them every day without luck. “This bird is worth 20 points,” I told the kids. Find me one, please.

We were getting a little bored on our drive this afternoon, Simon was fooling around in the car making us laugh when I saw an approaching car slow down and look into a tree, then drive on. We stopped and saw nothing and were about to move on when Shan yelled – It’s a Verreaux’s! I nearly fell out of the car in excitement. But I couldn’t see a thing. She carefully pointed it out before I saw it. Wow – how on earth did she see it! It was a beautiful sighing and it was calling too

We stayed with it for a while when suddenly Simon and Shannon simultaneously said – there’s another one! They pointed that one out to me too. Then Shannon yelled – “A turaco. Flip – I’ve been waiting to see these two birds and now I see them in the same tree!”

We were thrilled with these two birds but soon we found another unusual creature perched high in a tree.

Hooded Vulture

After another quiet stretch some monkeys appeared to entertain us

Before returning to camp we stopped at Sunset Dam which is usually very busy. Today not too much was happening but we did see some fun things.

Baboon having a drink

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What a big mouth you have, Mr Hippo – Would you like a Chomp?

Malachite Kingfisher

Back at camp Simon chopped some wood for our braai, Grandpa lit the fire and I made a salad while Shan went to shower. The neighbours kids came over to ask Simon to join them on a night walk with an older boy from another campsite. So off they went to see owls, nagaapies and scorpions. He had great fun.

Our camp at Lower Sabie

The Earl making braai

Grandpa cooked Kudu steaks and Lamb Medallions on the braai. Shan said Grace and thanked the Kudu for providing us with food!

Enjoying a great feast

Life is Good in The Kruger National Park!

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 9

2018-01-10 | puppy1952

The wind died down last night and did not blow us all away to Oz. We all had a good night’s sleep but the effects of early rising for the past week have taken its toll on our teenage grandchildren. It took a while to coax them out of the tent this morning and it was after six before we went off for our morning drive.

Shan was out of it for the first hour of the day!!

We did a short morning drive along the S100, checked out the Leopard/Hyaena kill and then went back to camp. These are the highlights:-

Vultures were feasting on the leftovers of the leopard’s kill.

We also found some white storks. I imagine they’d just made a delivery of babies to some Park Parents.

We found a spot where there was a Painted Snipe, Grey Heron, African Black Crake and Fish Eagle.

Painted Snipe

Fish Eagle

Some other birding delights of the day were:-

Finally I got a half decent photo of a Magpie Shrike

Carmine bee-eaters

Amur Falcon

Then we had an encounter with a bull elephant in musth. He owned the road and just kept coming toward us. “Reverse, Grandpa!” yelled the kids. “We’re going to die!” moaned Shannon. “Tell my parents I love them!’

Slightly scary when a giant heads straight for your vehicle

While they were freaking out they both kept their cameras trained on the scene videoing the drama. There were other cars on the road too and we all just gave the Elllie his space and reversed until he decided he’d had enough fun and went off into the bush.

The commentary on the video was hilarious. “I don’t know who will see this but at least you will know how I died. This is freaking terrifying! Grandpa – reverse faster. (chuckles from Grandpa) Don’t worry kids he’s not angry he won’t do anything. (from Grandma) That’s was the last crushed people said (from Shan) Lots of nervous laughter.

It all lasted about three minutes and when it was over the kids said – Man that was scary! – But really we were in no danger. This was no angry, charging elephant.

Back at camp we had breakfast and spent a few hours chilling before going out again at 3. It was not a very exciting afternoon – probably just as well after the morning drama. The highlight was coming across a mommy hyaena with cubs

I was also thrilled to get the African Hawk Eagle

The weather was cold again today but by this evening we could see that it was clearing. The Earl cooked a chicken casserole for supper. An elephant passed by the fence. He was so silent that had the neighbours not alerted us we would not have seen him. It is such fun being close to the fence.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 8

2018-01-09 | puppy1952

What a night!! The wind got up and blew all night rocking the caravan and preventing us from getting a decent amount of sleep. There was thunder and lightening too but no rain. This morning Shan and Simon looked totally wrecked. “I thought the tent was going to be blown away with me in it never to be seen again!’ she complained. “Well, ” said I ” You would just have been taken off to the Land of Oz and there you would have met a lion with no courage so you’d have been perfectly safe!” She was not amused.

“Tonight I’m sleeping in your bed!” said Si.

Well I was actually waiting for that to happen but no little bodies found there way in. They were too scared to move! I did peep through my window to see if they were okay and all seemed well and it seems they did survive!

We left camp closer to 7 than 6 this morning. It was still blowing and it was overcast and much cooler than yesterday which was a relief. But the wind was still hectic. Travelling in the car was more comfortable than staying at the campsite! We did a short loop, returned for breakfast which Grandpa cooked and then went straight out again, taking our left overs with us for lunch.

On our Before Breakfast Drive we had some lovely sightings of the usual gang but these are the highlights.

We saw first one bull elephant and then another.

Why had it got chunks out of its ears, Shan wanted to know. And why is the one tusk so worn out.

The wear and tear on the tusks is from using it to dig and if the elephant is right dominant the right tusk will be more worn than the left and vice versa. I’m not sure but many of them do.

The second bull, though, had ears and tusks in good condition. That’s because he takes care of himself and brushes with Colgate – I joked.

Simon earned more points by spotting brown hooded parrots for us.

Giraffe entertained us at regular intervals

A red-crested korhaan caught a juicy grasshopper for breakfast

A turtle out of water – probably seeking a new pond.

After breakfast we planned on doing a long loop but we were too tired to finish it so took a short cut home. It was a good choice as we had some lovely sightings on the changed route.

We saw a jeep jockey stopped on the side of the road and asked him what they were looking at. “A tortoise,” he said. “But 1km from here you will find some ‘nice’ lions.

“Drive,” Grandpa, “Drive!” yelled the kids. Much to their disgust Grandpa took off very slowly. Just look for cars, he said. Then you’ll know we’ve found them. Simon saw the cars first and then spotted a sleeping lion some distance before the group of cars and a little way off next to a waterhole.

First a back view – but it was a male which was a good sign

Then another male fast asleep

And another

We moved closer and found a good spot to see yet more male lions. There were five altogether – a bachelor pride!

Good Morning Your Majesty

It was time to stop and stare. I climbed over the seat and got the ice creams out of the car freezer.

Why did I get the deformed one? You all got healthy ones!

Shan decided to take a photograph of hers – Ice cream in the bush-veld.

“My grandparents stop for birds. I stop for ice cream”

After enjoying our lion and ice cream we moved on and enjoyed some more birds

European Bee-eater

My favourite small antelope is the Steenbok. They are usually solitary but sometimes mating pairs will be seen together. This morning we got a pair.

They are very shy and try to hide

Mr Steenbok thinks I can’t see him

Mrs Steenbok showed herself

Soon after this we came upon another traffic jam. “What do you think we will see?” I asked. “Wild Dog.” said Simon. “Cheetah!” said Shan. “Lion” said Earl. “Leopard.” said I.

Simon saw them first and called – Wild Dog. I saw them second and called Leopard. Then I changed it to Cheetah. – Shan was right! Simon got 20 for spotting them first and Shan 10 for the right guess.

There were six on a kill – A mom and five almost fully grown cubs. Shan had been dying to see cheetah and they were on my side of the car so I quickly swapped places with her so she could fully enjoy them.

Shan getting some good shots

It was quite a feast

These three had full tummies and were just resting

A driver in a car facing us wanted to leave and tried to start her car. Uh oh – The battery was flat. She was devastated and put her head on the steering wheel and looked like she was about to burst into tears. Her companion too looked distressed. I put my head out of the window and called, “Don’t worry! As soon as we can my husband will help you. We have jump leads.” She put her hands together in thanks. I think they were French tourists.

The cheetahs finished their meal and were getting restless. The Earl opened the door and climbed up to get the leads out of the box on top of the roof. Simon and Shannon freaked. “Grandpa – the cheetahs – they’ll eat you!” “Don’t worry kids, the cheetahs’ tummies are full – they won’t want to eat a tough old man like Grandpa.” Other tourists looked on in horror. I indicated to them that the other car needed help and they all nodded in wonder.

The cheetahs looked on too and started to move away from their kill. They kept a wary eye on The Earl and the young man from the other car but made no attempt to attack. They were, I think, more afraid of them than they of the cheetahs. If you zoom in on the photo you can see a blurred image of them staring at the goings on.

The Earl fetching the jump leads

Doing the necessary while the cheetahs look on

Some of the other tourists looked horrified that the assistance happened so near a group of predators, but they were far enough away for the two men to hop back into the cars if they approached.

When got back to camp at around two o’clock, our neighbour approached us.

“Have you done the S100?” she asked.

“Only yesterday.” we replied.

“Well today a leopard killed a zebra near the waterhole. Go quickly and you might see it.”

The kids were not keen to go out yet again and The Earl needed a nap so it was after 4 o’clock when we decided to see what was happening on the infamous S 100. We couldn’t have timed it better. We came upon the traffic jam at said waterhole.
“Surely the leopard won’t still be here.” I said.

“It’s a hyaena!” called Simon and he was right. No sign of the leopard at all. We managed to get a really nice position and had perfect views of the hyaena working away at the zebra kill. In the trees and on the ground there were also vultures waiting anxiously for their turn to get at the carcass.

This zebra is rather delicious

The undertakers of the bush

The hyaena was really tucking in and we were enjoying the action when The Earl suddenly said, “Hey, I can see the leopard.” And he carefully described where he saw some spots under a nearby tree. How he spotted it, I do not know. It was simply a collection of spots with ears the twitched from time to time. We couldn’t believe it!

“Why is the leopard allowing the hyaena to eat his dinner?” the kids wanted to know. We explained that this often happens to leopards. They make the kill and unless he gets it up a tree quickly other predators steal it from him. He was clearly exhausted and lying under the tree unable to challenge the thief.

But after about half an hour something amazing happened. The hyaena dragged part of the kill toward the tree where the leopard was lying. As soon as he passed the spot, the leopard got up and went to the kill where he started eating, unchallenged by the thief.

Leopard returning to his kill

Tucking in to a lovely meal

Then to our immense surprise the hyaena left the piece he’d dragged away. We expected to see a scuffle between the two predators but instead the leopard allowed the hyaena to join him at the table. “A mixed species dinner date!’ said Shan.

Hyaena and Leopard sharing a meal!

This went on for some time and then the leopard left the table and went to chew on what Hyaena had left in front of the tree!

I wonder if these two creatures are friends. Did Leopard say – Hey, Hyaena – You’re welcome to my zebra – it’s too much for one leopard. You’ve got good teeth and jaws – make a start on it and I’ll join you later.

There certainly was no attempt by either to chase the other away. They really were content to share. Sharing, is after all, caring! I just wonder if they ended up inviting the vultures to finish it off when they were done. We didn’t have time to find out as gate closing time was fast approaching. We were, however, thrilled to see what we did.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 7

2018-01-08 | puppy1952

8 January 2018

The past three day have been particularly HOT. Today the mercury reached 43 degrees C. Even the evenings are hot and we remain scantily dressed even outdoors. This is a huge contrast to the cold and wet December we had in Kokstad!

Simon, still wet from a swim, helping Grandpa with dinner last night

It is a 92 km drive from Skukuza to Satara. We were packed up and ready to leave at 6:30 am and it was already hot.

Meet Roger – he travels everywhere with his friend Simon and keeps us all amused when the outdoor wildlife are hiding from view.

Roger dislikes confined spaces so holds on tightly to the roof and peaks at us through the window. He loves to let the wind blow through his fur.

His baboon cousins enjoy eating the fruit of the sausage tree

This guy has a huge appetite for them

We arrived at Satara around 10 ish and set up as quickly as we could in the heat of the day. The only thing to do on a day like this is to find aircon or swim! I took the kids to the pool while Grandpa napped then did the laundry.

We set off for a game drive just after three. Hooray for modern motorcars with effective climate control. The S100 is famous in The Kruger Park and usually produces excellent sightings. We did see lots of plains animals but today the predators evaded us.

The highlight of the day was finding the rare and endangered Painted Snipe. I spotted him with some other waders while watching bee eaters and kingfishers flying and dipping into the river.

Our camp is right next to the fence and this evening the kids were thrilled to spot a hyena walking past. We hoped to get sites next to the fence in each camp but at this time of the year that is not easy as the best sites get snapped up very quickly. We were lucky to get this spot and I’m glad that the kids will experience being closer to the wildlife at night.

Tomorrow, we’re hoping it will be a little cooler – even a thunderstorm to cool things down would be welcome.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 6

2018-01-07 | puppy1952

Today it was HOT. The mercury rose to 40 degrees C. It has been in the mid to high thirties and we’ve coped but today – phew – really hot!

Our morning began late as we’d decided today would be a rest day. We told the kids to wake us when they were ready to rise and shine. “Yes!” said Shannon “That will be well after 9 o’clock!”

“I’ll get up at about 8 and have a morning swim then come and wake you.” said Simon.

So what a surprise when I heard the caravan door open around 6 ish. Simon had come to get his towel and he and Shan went off for a swim. They returned at 7 and went to get boiling water from the communal kitchen to make us coffee. To say we were impressed would be an understatement! Well – they’re rural kids so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised!

We did take it slowly today. We set off just before 8, popped into Lake Panic which was very quiet and then went for a walk at The Nursery which was lovely.

We returned to Camp at ten and Grandpa cooked us a scrumptious breakfast. We spent the rest of the morning chilling in camp – swimming, editing photographs, checking Facebook etc. Grandpa and I had a nap and when we woke up we gave the kids lunch and then went for a yet another swim. We were ready to go out for a game drive just before three.

Unless we’re in the pool or the air conditioned caravan it is actually cooler driving in the car. In the heat of the day, though, animal sightings can be slow. What one does see is creatures crowded under the shadiest trees they can find, wallowing in waterholes or lying asleep in the shade of overhanging rocks or trees.

Shannon’s favourite buck is the Kudu. We always have to stop to take photo of these magnificent creatures. She loves the antlers of the males and the pretty faces of the females.

In the times when sightings are thin, I read interesting facts about the animals out loud to the kids. Shannon remembered that Kudu do not run straight away when they sense or see a predator. They stop and look at him and only run when he starts to chase. Usually a predator gives up if he has been spotted by his prey.

When we saw two females cross in front of us we once again had to stop for Shannon’s pleasure. On the other side of the road they stood stock still and stared into the bush. “They must have seen or smelled a predator,” said Shan excitedly.
“Let’s wait a few minutes to see what happens,” I insisted when Grandpa wanted to move on.

We watched as the kudu looked this way and that and just didn’t move at all. Then Grandpa started to move the car. “Stop!” said Simon ” I see something. It might be a dead animal!’

But it wasn’t.

Fast asleep and oblivious of kudu or humans

The buck could smell the lioness but had no idea where she was and we wouldn’t have either had we not read the signs that something was there somewhere. Shannon said – It’s a group effort – Grandpa’s driving skills – Not knocking the kudu over and killing our chances of seeing the lion. Gran insisting that we wait to see what the kudu had sensed. And Simon’s Eagle Eyes for spotting the sleeping lion!

We were the first ones to see this sleeping beauty and what a traffic jam we caused and so much pointing out to where the well camouflaged creature lay. We left them all and went off chuckling that a lazy lion could cause so much interest.

We continued to enjoy our sightings.

Male Nyala

Nyala female with baby

Blond Tawny Eagle on a nest

Hippo

Marabou Stork

As we were travelling along we suddenly came upon some elephants with babies. There was a car ahead of us and she was standing still. A large mother and baby were blocking the way and soon others joined them. For twenty minutes the elephants simply stood about not allowing anybody to pass.

Elephant Road Block

What were they thinking? Ha – let’s have some fun with the tourists!

Then they started walking slowly and calmly along the road toward the cars. Everybody simple reversed not daring to try to pass by them.

But after scaring us all silly they slipped onto the side of the road and ambled off into the bush. Ha Ha – elephants. Very funny!

After enjoying some baboons, monkeys, giraffe and birds we returned to camp along the road where we’d seen the sleeping lion. Sure enough there were a number of cars parked at the spot and when we got there we saw that ‘our’ lion had moved to another spot but was still fast asleep.

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We had a perfect view of her and I said – Let’s wait five minutes. She might wake up. And she did.

Is nap time over?

What are you all staring at?

It was almost gate closing time so we left our beauty to get over her sleepiness and headed back to camp. What a stunning rest day we had!

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 5

2018-01-06 | puppy1952

6 January 2018

Our day started with a bit of drama. We were late getting into the car and were just leaving camp when I realised that my binoculars were missing. They must be in the caravan – we must go back and so we did – but they were nowhere to be seen. Last night I’d left my handbag on the table outside the caravan. Nothing had been taken. How could my binoculars be gone! I was almost in tears as we set off without them. Then just before exiting through the gate The Earl missed his wallet. Oh no! We raced back to the caravan and I dashed in to retrieve it – and YES – My binoculars were hiding there too! They were under a towel that I hadn’t noticed in my first search!

It was 6:30 and we were headed toward Tshokwane.

Simon – still in the lead with his sightings scores – did not let us down. He kept on spotting birds and animals for an hour or so and then he began to fade. What was wrong? A tummy ache, I fear. We almost turned back but he insisted that he would be okay. He would just have a sleep in the car. The only thing that cheered him up was when we came upon a clan of hyenas on a kill. They were not easy to see because of the trees but they were close enough for us to enjoy.

Soon after that we arrived at Tshokwane and Simon ate a Greek Salad and perked up considerably for the rest of the morning.

We returned to camp at about 11:30 and the kids went swimming, Gramps had a nap and I did the laundry. After lunch and chores were done we all went back to the pool.

Here are the highlights of our morning.

10 Points to Grandpa for getting me this Jacobin Cuckoo

Little Bee-eater – A 10 for Simon

Ellies having fun

Ten for Shan – Goliath Heron

Beware of the Spelling Police – a misprint on our calling card

Uh Oh -What’s an eliphant? when you order breakfast at Tshokwane they give you an animal card and call it’s name when it’s ready.

Cries of disgust when I told the kids that Marabou Storks pee on their legs to keep cool

They also were a tad horrified at it’s habits. They stab flamingos in their backs then drown them before dismembering and eating them – No way, Gran!

Klipspringers mate for life – Just like Gran and Grandp

Klipspringers mark their territory with the scent gland below its eyes. These two are clearly a pair. They would make sure no other of their species enter their territory.

White backed vulture drying its wings

On a river bridge – a lovely pied kingfisher

Shan got me my favourite bee-eater – 10 points to her!

After cooling off in the pool, tidying the caravan and sorting out the washing we set off for a short afternoon drive.

We found frolicking zebra, plenty of impala, elephants, wildebeest and lots of birds

A happy heffalump

A very cute baby Vervet Monkey

Mommy will take care of me!

We were about to turn left when we noticed some stationary cars to the right so decided to check out what they were looking at. At first we saw nothing and asked the occupants of a car what they’d seen. They didn’t have binoculars and said there was an animal over there! Simon spotted it immediately.

A lazy leopard taking an afternoon nap

After waiting 10 minutes for it to wake up we gave up and headed toward Lake Panic. Once again we saw some stationary cars. What can you see?

Hyena napping under a bush.

We’ve visited Lake Panic many times before and it has always been exciting. Today I said to Shan – It’s a bit quiet here today – not much happening. At the end of an hour she said – So this is what you call quiet! Well if you don’t know the place …. No – Lake Panic never disappoints.

White faced ducks and a jacana

Walking on water – Daddy Jacana

Green-backed heron

Daddy Jacana takes the chicks under his wing

Baby Jacana

Just before entering the gate at Skukuza we spotted The Three Little Pigs trotting up the road.

Warthogs on a mission

Because we stopped for them we noticed some lapwings – well camouflaged – and we almost dismissed them for common crowned lapwings.

Senegal Lapwing

The weather has been really hot with temperatures getting up to 38 degrees C. Right now it is 10 pm and I am sitting outdoors without a fleece. It is bliss.

The past five days have been lovely but by 8 the kids are exhausted and so are we! Tomorrow we will have a rest day!

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 4

2018-01-06 | puppy1952

5 January 2018

Yesterday’s scores were as follows – Simon in the lead with 70 points. Grandpa has 64 and Shannon 55. Grandpa was annoyed as at first we scored him the higher score but Si reminded us that we hadn’t entered the Walk points which pushed him ahead. Grandpa hadn’t done the whole walk but he did score for creatures he saw first before he went back to the caravan and none were scored after that!

Today we moved to Skukuza Rest Camp. It was a beautiful day with temperatures into the thirties. Packing up the caravan and tent was fast and efficient and we left Berg en Dal at 6:20 and made our way quickly along the tar road arriving at 8:30. We did not stop much along the way.

Check in at Skukuza was quick and efficient. We found a campsite next to the swimming pool and an attendant came to help us set up. We were done quickly and then walked to the shop for ice cream. It was really hot! We decided to rest and swim and only to go out after 1 pm. We were pretty sure the animals would be sleeping in the shade and not showing themselves in the middle of the day.

Shan enjoying the water – Simon kept hiding from the camera

After the kids and I swam and Grandpa napped we set off to see what we could find. Today turned out to have long stretches with absolutely no sightings – not even a bird! Of course there were some interesting things and we were thrilled to get the following:

Black shouldered kite

White-headed Vulture

The monkeys had the kids in fits of laughter

The baboons behave like humans!

Elephants are always fun

The oddest duck ever – Knob-billed duck

Usually it’s okay to do the distance but today it was really hot and the ‘dry spells’ of no sightings began to work on the patience of the un-caged kids in the back seat. Concentration was lost, giggling and high jinks took it’s place. How much longer became the plaintive cry. And then — up ahead a traffic jam. A naughty tourist was sitting on the roof of her car – Her binoculars were trained on something in the distance. We were next to a river with a rocky bank. “There are supposed to be lions here,” she said. “But I can’t see them.” Well if from her vantage point she couldn’t, what chance would we have. We asked some others and they too said they’re here but out of sight.

Grandpa tried to maneuver the car into a better position and then he said, “What’s that walking toward us!”

All attention went from the elusive lions to what suddenly appeared and we were the first to see him!

The leopard was quite unconcerned about the interest paid to him by the tourists

We watched this magnificent creature of the wild nonchalantly walking past the cars. He stopped to sniff and spray and mark his territory and the excitement caused was phenomenal. It was 15 minutes to gate closing time so once we’d absorbed the sighting we made our way quickly back to camp. What a great way to end our day.

Kruger Adventure with Grandpa, Gran, Simon and Shan – Day 3

2018-01-05 | puppy1952

4 January 2018

I think The Earl and I have created two monsters. On this trip we’d decided that we would consider the needs of our young grandchildren. We would not stop for every little bird nor have long discussions deciding on its exact species. We would not travel too slowly, nor stay out too long. We did not want our grandkids to become bored. We wanted to encourage them to love the natural world and were determined not to put them off with our fanaticism. We need not have worried.

Stop Grandpa – look at this bird – is the constant cry we hear. And when other inconsiderate tourists race past in front of us and spoil a sighting it’s lucky they can’t hear the indignation coming from our kids. “What’s wrong with these people? Why don’t they ask what we’re looking at? Why are they chasing our birds away?”

Not everybody wants to look at birds, we explain.

They don’t know what they’re missing comes the reply!

Now they want to create a sign to put on the back of the car – Warning! Grumpy old man in driver’s seat and uncaged grandkids in the back seat. Will not be held responsible for what they will do to you if you disturb their birds! Pass slowly and at your peril!

They rule the outings – Go slower, Grandpa. Okay you can put your foot down now. Stop – Did you hear me – I said STOP – there’s a bird! Why are you moving – we’re not done yet. Wait I want to get the photo!

No – they’re not bored – they have us in fits of laughter with their comments and teasing. And clearly they are enjoying the wildlife and birds as much as we are.

Simon got 10 points for spotting this Grey Hornbill

Not our first Burchell’s Coucal so only 1 point

1 point for this ever present Woodland’s Kingfisher

No points for The iconic Lilac Breasted Roller

Now Grandpa is a strange specimen – if he comes upon an elephant unexpectedly he has a nervous breakdown and gives them a wide birth. But if he sees then in advance he has no fear about coming up quite close. Experience has taught him to read their mood – but the grandkids don’t know this. So when Gramps gets too close, there is pandemonium in the car. “You’re too close! He’s going to charge. I’m going to die! Go grandpa, go!” Grandpa just laughs and of course we are all perfectly safe and he just like to wind the kids up!

Look at that long tusk! It’s right next to Shan’s window!

Today though we had a wonderful experience with a large herd who milled around us. They are such gentle giants and as long as we respect them they respect us.

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Giraffe are a favourite with Shannon and me. They are such elegant long-necked beauties. Today we found them lying with their legs folded under them while they held their long necks up. They were surrounded by zebra and impala and all the creatures were getting along just fine.

Two oxpeckers giving a giraffe a beauty treatment

Shall I pluck your eyebrows?

The zebra were in frisky mood and tussled with each other. Clearly the young males were trying to prove to each other who was top of the pecking order. It was lovely to see the interaction.

We met Nick and Dawie at Afsaal for breakfast this morning. They were in for a day visit and made us jealous because they’d seen lion as they entered the park!

But we were delighted to find a strange bird walking in slow motion across the road. We’d never seen one of these before. Dawie helped us identify it.

Kurrichane Buttonquail

At Afsaal Picnic Site – Dawie, Shannon, Nick, Simon, Gran and Grandpa

Back at Berg en Dal the kids and I did the Dam Walk. We saw Egyptian geese, hippo, crocodile, terrapins elephant, water thick-knees and a marabou Stork.

Egyptian Geese

Marabou Stork

We ended our lovely day with a short drive after 4 o’clock and returned to have a braai before turning in for an early night. Tomorrow we head to Skukuza.