Nsemani Dam
I spent a lot of time at this dam. There was constant activity from both animals and birds. herds of elephants came and went.
There were a few hot days and the elephants visited the dam to cool down and have a bit of fun.
Early one morning a herd arrived and proceeded to walk around the dam next to the road. They must have left a straggler behind and he obviously did not see which way they went. He was running on the other side of the dam trumpeting loudly. Eventually he entered the water on the far side and joined up with the rest of the herd, and calm was restored again.
I also saw buffalos at the dam a few times.
There were many birds at the dam. Green-backed herons, Plovers, Stints and Thick-knees. Yellow-billed Storks, Wood Sandpipers and Egyptian Geese with numerous Little Swifts flitting about overhead. The White-faced Whistling Ducks were a Permanent feature at the dam.
So were the Knob-billed Ducks. I fact, I had never seen so many of these ducks in one place before – there must have been at least 20.
There were also a few Grey Herons about.
And where there is water, danger often lurks.
The hippos were there as well, but they were so cute and will get their own episode. And so will a most epic sighting on my very last visit to the dam.
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A story about Kumana Dam
Kumana dam was very dry with only a small amount of water. Despite this there were quite a few birds around. There were Diederik cuckoos flying around. Lapwings, Water Thick-knees, Woolly-necked Storks and a pair of Hamerkop were looking for food in the semi-dry mud.
But it was the Saddle-billed Storks that were really entertaining. Especially the male. Every time the Woolly-necked stork came near, he chased it away. It almost looked as if he was performing a dance.
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A Story about Leeupan
Leeupan was completely dry, and from the state of the mud had been for some time. Not even the recent rain changed that. The rain did however create a puddle, and this was sufficient for a thirsty Giraffe.
The giraffe’s little companions also made good use of the puddle. The Red-billed Oxpeckers really seemed to enjoy their mid-day cool-down.
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A story of Transport Dam
Transport Dam is one of my favourite dams in the south of Kruger. On the afternoon after arriving at Skukuza, I decided that there was enough time for a drive to Transport dam. There were no other cars when I arrived, and after the long drive from Tamboti to Skukuza it was the perfect place to Park for a couple of hours and just wait to see who would show up.
The regular birds were there – Yellow-billed Stork, Water Thick-knees and Egyptian Geese. A Pied Kingfisher (one of only two I saw during the trip) was also hanging around the rocks.
Zebras, Blue wildebeest, Impala and Waterbuck came to drink.
A herd of Kudus also came down to the water. They were however very skittish and took more than an hour before they took a few tentative sips.
A pair of African Fish Eagles were on top of a tree on the other side of the dam.
The one then took off and flew past my car. Such a magnificent bird.
I saw this Cardinal Woodpecker in a tree as I left Transport dam.
The next day I stopped at the dam for only a few minutes. It was very quiet, with only a lone elephant.
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A Story of Sunset Dam
I had one full day in the park while staying at Skukuza and I decided to start the day by driving to Sunset dam. Who can resist this view?
As usual there was lots of activity. The crocodiles did what they do best – bask in the sun. On the other side blue wildebeest, zebras and impalas came to drink.
There were also a few African Spoonbills.
The White-faced Whistling Ducks looked beautiful standing in a row while the immature Bateleur was soaring overhead.
Other birds included a Pied Wagtail, Diederik Cuckoos, a Wood Sandpiper and Three-banded Plover as well as this Black-winged Stilt.
As I drove off, I spotted this Little Grebe trying to keep out of sight.
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A Story about Mpondo Dam
I can’t remember ever visiting this Dam. After leaving Sunset Dam I drove down the H4-2and the S26 to Mpondo dam. On the far side of the dam was a herd of Buffalos. Closer two elephants were having a bath.
Some Impalas cam to drink, and a Warthog enjoyed the mud.
The area south of Lower Sabie was extremely dry. I was actually quite shocked given how green and wet it was further north. It is as if the drought is still very much real in this part of the Park. Despite this, Mpondo Dam is a lovely dam, and I think there can be a lot of action if the conditions improve.