Intermission

Friday, 25th October And now faithful followers, I am afraid we are going to have a week’s intermission. Today we travel to Johannesburg from where we fly to Durban to be with son, Warren, and newly married wife, Naomi, before…

Skukuza 24th October

Skukuza 24th October

We are wakened early by Skukuza’s trademark – a chorus of White-browed Robin-chats (Heuglin Robins). They are the most melodious songsters and provide such a lovely start to the day. With the cold front passing by, today dawns partly cloudy…

Skukuza 22-23rd October

Skukuza 22-23rd October

Tuesday 22nd At last the extreme heat of the past few days ends as a front sweeps up from the south bringing leaden skies and even a little drizzle. As my main object is photography, we go out later today…

Skukuza 21st October

Skukuza 21st October

We were booked to move to Satara tomorrow but, for a number of reasons, have decided to stay on at Skukuza. The H4-1 Sabie river road has served us so well these last few days. After the barren Mlambane and…

Skukuza 19-20th October

Skukuza 19-20th October

Saturday,19th I desperately need a good photo of an African Finfoot. The best place to find one is in the waters of the Sabie River and the best vantage point is on the H12 high-level bridge. With this in mind…

Skukuza 18th October

Skukuza 18th October

Lake Panic is situated about 4Km’s from Skukuza. It is actually an artificial dam which once, during heavy rain, threatened to burst causing panic in the staff village below the wall. Hence the name. For me a visit to Lake…

Skukuza 16-17th October

Skukuza 16-17th October

Wednesday, 16th Again, under heavily overcast skies, we set off down the H4-1 river road. Immediately, we come across lions lying at the side of the road. The air is crisp and still and we are enthralled by the beauty…

Skukuza 15th October

Skukuza 15th October

Today I apply my new tactics and head down the Sabie river road (H4-1). Again, I am frustrated by missing a glorious sunrise which is over by 5.30am. Really the gate opening time should be 5am in October. Down the…

Skukuza 14th October

Skukuza 14th October

I follow a long line of cars out the Skukuza gate at 5.30am under a heavily overcast sky. This morning I am going to try the Salitje S30 which always promises so much but has disappointed of late. After the…

Bergendal-Skukuza 12-13th October

Bergendal-Skukuza 12-13th October

Saturday, 12th The Matjulu stream valley in which lies Bergendal camp has really been devoid of game. Lions are usually to be heard roaring about the camp at night and sightings by day are frequent. But during the week that…

Bergendal 10-11th October

Bergendal 10-11th October

Thursday, 10th Constant flickers of lightning light my way to the showers at 10.30 last night. At 1am I am awakened by lightning flashes and crashes of thunder followed by a little rain. The bowl-like setting of Bergendal seems to…

Bergendal 9th October

Bergendal 9th October

Another grey, heavily overcast day as I set off down the tarred S110 towards Malelane. I anticipate being out until late morning because of the cool day and I intend doing the Mlambane and Biyamithi roads. But the best laid…

Bergendal 8th October

Bergendal 8th October

Today is mostly clear with some scattered cloud. The gate guard plays it to the book today as I leave Bergendal at 5.30am. I am heading for my favourite Mlambane river road (S118&9) so quickly head down the tar to…

Bergendal 7th October

Bergendal 7th October

Camp gates open at 5.30am in October which almost coincides with sunrise. Today the gate guard has used his initiative and I find the gates open at 5.20am. It is heavily overcast this morning and I decide to take the…

Bergendal 6th October

Bergendal 6th October

6th October After spending almost five months in Kruger earlier in the year we left in June and I have been suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms ever since. Renette is at present in Cape Town with grandchildren so today I…