Number 10 – Lowlights
Naughty monkeys – It is really sad how some of the primates have completely lost their fear of humans. One morning I stopped at the N’wamanzi lookout. I parked parallel to and less than 2m from the railing. I got out to enjoy the view, and started chatting to a couple in a vehicle next to mine. In the few minutes that my back was turned, 2 monkeys jumped into my car. Fortunately I had no open food in the car, and I chased them out quite quickly (Before they could poop!). But once out, they came back, and one female refused to back off, even coming for me with bared teeth. Eventually, with assistance from the guy in the other car we managed to chase them away. It once again proved that you have to be so vigilant and keep everything closed to avoid any unfortunate incidents.
Number 9 – General sightings
My highlights include all the sightings from Letaba to Olifants and surrounding area, until just North of Satara. Because I only spent 1 night at Olifants, my general sightings will be part of my Top 10.
On the S44 I came across a large herd of impalas. This young one was adorable. And he still insisted on having a drink from mom! She was not impressed and tried to kick him away. Maybe the little horns were sticking into her belly!
On the road to the Engelhard Dam I saw a herd of buffaloes and zebras. 
Another zebra in the early morning light bidding me goodbye as I left Olifants.
I saw a troop of baboons close to the turn off to the Olifants camp. This big boy was enjoying the roots of some plant, pulling out one after the other.
While looking at the baboon, a butterfly caught my eye.
This squirrel was one of only a few animals I saw on the S93 – maybe the animals found the road just as un-enjoyable as I found the road conditions. Some of the last animals seen in my Olifants episode – Blue wildebeest and zebras.
Number 8 – Birds
Birds will always form part of my highlights of any Sanparks trip.
This was one of the trips where I saw more of the smaller hornbill species than ever before.
This is still a young one because he has not gone completely grey yet!
Just before the Balule turn off I came across a huge congregation of Marabou storks. I’ve never seen so many together before (I would see more later in my trip). This is 3 photos stitched together, but there we still 3 times as many in the area.
There was a beautiful European Roller.
There were also a Vulture and Bataleur.
I came across another Sandgrouse couple.
Number 7 – Getting Batty at Letaba
I stopped for a body break at Letaba. The camp was very quiet, both from a bird and human perspective. I took a stroll around camp. A wall-climbing Squirrel drew my attention.
And then I noticed a mommy bat and a young baby clinging to her belly. This was a very cool sighting for me as it is not something you see regularly.
Number 6 – Olifants river bridge
One of my favourite things to do in the Olifants area is to stop on the bridge over the Olifants River, get out and enjoy the view. I can’t believe this is only no 6 in my top 10.
Even if there are other cars and people, it is one of the most relaxing things. Only one car ruined the moment a little – 3 young guys stopped behind me. Their radio was on loud enough to annoy me. I tried to block out the sound, but when I couldn’t, I got in my car, drove to the other yellow line where I continued to enjoy this wonderful spot a little longer.
The numerous swifts were kind and allowed a few photos – probably the only place I have managed to get half decent photos.
There was a sweet little Pied Wagtail that was very friendly.
During my last stop on the bridge there was a Tawny eagle soaring overhead, and the ever vigilant Fish Eagle.
Number 5 – Olifants Ellies
No Olifants camp episode will be complete without mentioning the Olifants Ellies. I saw a few herds, and as always, I just loved spending time with them.
I saw this one on the morning I left – a real cutie enjoying breakfast in the early morning light.
Number 4 – Olifants view
Number 4 is the reason why I had to stay at Olifants this trip, even if just for one night. There are many, many incredible views in Kruger, but this one …… sigh ….
The view from the Olifants lookout point.
And then a gorgeous sunrise on the morning that I left.
Number 3 – Tsessebe
I was driving between Letaba and Olifants when I saw my first ever tsessebe in Kruger.
You can see hundreds of these animals in other Parks, but for me seeing one in Kruger was an absolute highlight, I even squealed a little with glee!
I had 3 animals on my wish list for the trip that I had never seen in Kruger before. This was one of them, and I would end my trip with 2 out of 3 – not bad!
Number 2 – Hyena
I left Olifants early to drive to Satara. Just a few kms out outside of camp I found this guy on a mission. He was approaching at a fast pace, and I had to be quick with the camera. He walked past me and the 2 cars behind me without as much as a sideways glance. It was my first hyena sighting of the trip and it was perfect.
Number 1 – White-headed vulture
I was driving back to the Olifants camp and stopped next to the river just before the N’wamanzi lookout.
I saw a vulture soaring overhead, and was excited to see it was a white-headed vulture. It landed in a tree a little distance away. Soon its mate joined it. I’ve seen white-headed vultures in the park before, but always at a great distance, and have no decent photos. Even though these 2 were further away than I would have liked, they were still closer thanI have ever seen these birds before, and this was without a doubt the number 1 highlight of my Olifants stay.
