https://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=95311
Early in 2016 a friend phoned to tell me she is getting a long weekend in the Nyati guest house in Skukuza, and asked if I would be interested in coming with her and some friends.
People always say there are no stupid questions, but really, did she even have to ask? I obviously said yes, and then asked when. 24 September for 5 nights. Oh.
I had 2 projects scheduled for go live in September, and could not accept her generous offer.
But as projects go, there are sometimes delays. All of a sudden I had no reason not to go. I phoned her, there was still one spot left, and it was mine! I could only join the group for 3 of the 5 nights, but is was still better than nothing.
The rest of the group were only arriving in the afternoon, but I left early to make the most of the day.
I entered at Malelane gate, and managed a wonderful addition to my Kruger list – a Black Heron.
This gorgeous Tawny Eagle welcomed me shortly after I entered the gate.
I visited the Biyamiti Weir on the first day, and I also drove past when I went home. The first day the weir was very busy, but on the 2nd visit it was a little quieter. There were Water Thick-knees, Three-banded Plovers and a huge crocodile.
I just love the hairdo on this guy.
A whole herd of elephants came to drink. Being at eye level with the water allowed for very different views of the giants than usual.
This little one was a little playful.
And a kind gentleman told me about this little surprise – I had to drive up that steel little hill (fun), but it was worth it!
We saw very few buffalos, and the ones we did see looked very skinny. There were lots of impalas as always, and some warthogs as well. There were many hippos along the Sabie river, but as with the buffalos, they were skinny as well. The drought was evident everywhere as was evident in the number of hippo carcasses we saw..
Because we stayed in Skukuza the whole time, I was able to spend enough time at Lake Panic. It was a little quiet at times, but somehow I never leave LP disappointed. And this time I finally ticked the elusive Lake Panic Squacco heron, and I was delighted!
There was also a family of Wire-tailed swallows. The babies had fledged, but were still demanding food. The adults were really pretty.
There were also baby Jacanas and Water Thick-knees. The Thick-knees were sitting on an egg, the first time I had ever seen their egg.
I don’t often see the Thick-billed weavers at LP, so to see 2 of them was a real treat.
I loved this cute little Blacksmith Lapwing.
We also saw some animals of the scaly variety. Some of the crocs at Biyamiti Weir and Transport Dam were huge. Other reptiles included a few terrapins and some Tree Agamas.
I saw a lot of baboons and vervet monkeys. As always they are an endless source of entertainment. Grooming is an important part of the daily routine.
Now I know where the Afrikaans Name “Blouaap” comes from!
We came across this couple just before reaching Sunset Dam. Fortunately they were nice and close. One of my all-time favourite birds.
Shortly after I entered the park I came across a few cars that had stopped on the bridge. I asked a young couple what the source of the interest was, and they mentioned that there had been wild dogs in the river bed earlier that morning, but they could not see them anymore. I scouted the riverbed through the binoculars but could only see a few warthogs. I was just about to drive on when something lifted its head. The wild dogs! They were very far, and if the one had not lifted his head, I would not have noticed them lying in the shade. But even though they were far, it was still great to see them.
Two of the highlights of my trip involved night time birds. This Barn Owl was resting at M&B at Lower Sabie – a lifer for me.
And then there was a Verreaux’s eagle Owl and it’s chick that I spotted on my way out of the Park.
The tall ones were also ever present. They really are gorgeous creatures. 
Between Lower Sabie and the S28 – there must have been a puddle where this one was drinking from.
I saw a number of steenbokkies. They are always a lot more visible in the dry conditions. It looks as if there is something wrong with this one’s mouth?
Some other small antelope I saw –
I also saw a number of my favourite antelopes – Bosbok. I really love the females.
I read recently that the males are actually quite aggressive and have caused human deaths, and have been known to kill farm dogs. They look so sweet!
There were a couple next to the fence at the guest house. Wonderful sight to wake up to.
We also saw a lot of Nyalas. They are really pretty. There was a small herd quite close to the road at one stage, and we could get really close to this magnificent male.
As is always the case, I take way to many photos of ellies. Ellies were the first mammas I saw when I entered the Park.
I already had a fantastic encounter with them at the Biyamiti weir, and on the Sunday we were fortunate to see large numbers of these incredible animals.
At Kwaggaspan there were a couple looking for some much needed water.
There was also a lovely family at Delaporte. We spent some time with them just enjoying their presence.
This one seemed a little old to still be suckling? The mother did not seem to mind, and he was on one side, and the tiny one on the other side (behind her legs).
As you walk down the path to the Lake Panic hide you could just see a dead hippo, and depending on the direction of the wind, you could also smell it. I was surprised that there were no scavengers or vultures. On the morning I was leaving the Park I went to LP for a last visit while the rest of the group were still sleeping. I paused on the path t look at the hippo again, and then saw movement. I rushed to the hide, and counted 7 hyenas on the other side of the water. They trotted up and down, but eventually disappeared without getting their feet wet.
The River monsters were ever present at LP. When they float in the water it does look very ominous. And you also do not realise how big they are until they stroll out of the water.
Often when I am at LP I get the feeling that I am being watched.
This tree with its red flowers was stunning – I would love it if someone could help with an ID?
One of the highlights of this trip was all the Grey Rocks I saw. At one location I saw Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo together, but they were just not close enough together to fit into one photo. It would have been great to get 3 of the 5 in one shot.
I couldn’t get enough of them –
Baboons were all over the place. I saw at least 2 large troops – one in the vicinity of the low water bridge near the airport, and another as you approach Nkulu. I never used to like these animals, but as I see them and observe them, I find I enjoy them more with each visit. They can really be entertaining. Some photos of the younger generation.A few more baboon pics.
The light was on the wrong side, but to see these moments between the mom and the young one was very special.
Love the shiny little eyes peeking around het leg!
Hornbills and Kruger go hand in hand. Some trips I am fortunate to see many, and other trips I see fewer. This trip the Southern Red-billed Hornbills were hiding, and I think I only saw 1.
I normally see very few African Grey Hornbills, but this trip I did spot quite a few.
The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill has to be the most entertaining of the small hornbills.
I had 2 lion sightings during the first few hours after entering the park. The first one I could only confirm later when I looked at the photo on the laptop and cropped it to within an inch of it’s life
The 2nd sighting was a silhouette shape under a bush that was just about clear enough to tick the lion off the list.
On our way back after lunch at Lower Sabie, we saw a pride on the other side of the river.
On my last day I saw lions twice – once at Delaporte and one male on the Biyamiti loop. Neither were spectacular sightings.
Kudus are some of the most beautiful antelope, and they always look so graceful with their long, slender legs.
During the entire trip I saw 3 or 4 zebras.
I was fortunate to see 3 stork species during this trip – Black stork (no photos), Open-billed Storks and Saddle Billed Storks.
The Open-billed Stork was fishing next to the Lower Sabie Bridge.
I managed to catch a glimpse of a Saddle-billed Stork in flight over the Sabie River.
And then this young one visited Skukuza.
The ellies we saw were often close to the road. This meant that they were to close for the long lens, but this also afforded me the opportunity for some great close ups. The trunk of an elephant is an amazing thing, and when you see it close up and watch how an elephant use it, it is even more amazing.
I just could not get enough
I also love the tail and the bum of the ellie.
I think these photos of another 2 rhinos reflects the conditions of the park very accurately.
The adult baboons can be equally as entertaining as the little ones.
I love the stuffed cheeks.
This large male ignored us initially. When one of my friends took a biscuit out of a packet, the plastic made a rustling sound, and he turned immediately to look at us. His large teeth once again highlighted the fact that these guys are not to be toyed with.
The little bit of rain that fell on the Sunday created a few puddles. The local baboon troop made full use of these puddles to quench their thirst.
I have to complete this TR before my next SANPARKS trip in 2 weeks’ time.
As always, the birds were numerous. Just a few of the pretty feathered friends I saw –
I also got a lifer in the form of a Green-backed Camaroptera.
This guy made it really challenging to get a photo, but I was very happy to see the Orange-breasted Bushshrike!
These are 2 of my favourite bird photos of the trip.
In Skukuza I saw this little sunbird at her nest early one morning.
We were driving back from Lower Sabie. There was one car in front of us, and it stopped suddenly. When I tippy-toed closer to see what they were looking at, I was just in time to see this guy walk away. I was waving like a mad person to the friends in the other car who was visiting the Park for the first time because their one son really wanted to see a leopard. By then he had already started moving, therefore my photos are not great.
As is the case with all good things, thy must come to an end at some stage …….
I’ll end off with some of the birds of prey I saw.
Bataleur
Wahlberg’s eagle
If I am correct, this is a Lizard buzzard? I first thought Gabar Goshawk but you can just see the black on the throat?
I Saw 3 kingfisher species, but the Giant Kingfisher was to fast for a photo.
No Kruger trip can be complete without taking many photos of these colourful guys!
I was also fortunate to see a purple roller in the distance.
It was late afternoon when I was standing at the railing a the guest house, enjoying the peaceful view. Something made me look up into the tree, and I spotted something furry. After a while the fur started moving, and revealed 2 sleepy eyes. It was already pretty dark, the camera settings had to be quite stretched, and I had to Photoshop it to make it a little lighter. But it was a highlight for the boys (and for me!) to see this little bush baby.
And so I come to the end of another excellent Kruger trip. I never expected to do two trips this year, and I was ridiculously grateful that I was able to do so. This 2nd trip was only for 3 nights, but despite the short stay, the Park once again delivered some delightful sightings. This little trip also made the wait to my next trip in April just a bit more bearable. Can’t wait!