near Mhalamhala, Limpopo (South Africa)
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Itinerary description
This route was done on the 12th of March 2024. Day 2 of our Kruger trip began by leaving Olifants Camp and heading down to the Satara area and camp. After Satara the S40 was taken past Timbavati Picnic Site and Ratelpan Hide before heading back to Olifants Camp for night 2 at the camp rondavels. All the routes followed in this series of Kruger wildlife watching trails were done by means of driving in a vehicle. Unless booked on a bush walk, horseback trail or something similar will require a vehicle to travel through the park. Waypoints marked on this trail are only a small sample of the sightings seen on the day. General game sightings in the Kruger are plentiful so the sightings marked in these trails represent only some of the highlights where we opted to capture a photograph or two. It is by no means all that was spotted on the day, some sightings like that of Impala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Elephants etc. are too numerous to waypoint each one. On the other hand, some sightings are too brief or obscured by vegetation that any meaningful identification with a photograph is not worth noting and or marking on the map. The routes followed here are just an indication of what was and could be done for a day's self-driving, road closures and other factors mean that every drive through the Kruger Park in terms of route, time taken to reach points and distance covered will be slightly different from one another. These recordings should act merely as a journal of our experience and are not exact routes which anyone is obliged or recommended to follow. A word of advice would be to plan your route according to the official Kruger Park Map Guides (available at camp and some gate shops) allowing plenty of time to reach your camp or gate before the official closing time. Naturally one must consider time for stopping at sightings, road blockage by Elephants and other game, park speed limits and stopping at bird hides, viewpoints, historical sights and any other interesting attractions that the park has to offer (there are numerous). If self-driving in the Kruger, please make yourself aware of the rules and regulations of the park, be courteous when it comes to shared sightings and leave no trace. Do not litter, feed animals or alight from your vehicle unless a sign indicates that you are allowed to do so. The big five and other dangerous animals are wild and at large in the Kruger so do not take your chances and keep to the safety of your vehicle. If you do alight from your vehicle at bird hides and lookout points etc. make sure that there is no threat in the near vicinity, this is especially true for predators but more so for game which is dangerous but stereotypically not perceived as much of a threat in popular culture e.g. Buffalo, Hippos, Elephants (do your research if unsure). As far as game drives go, they are almost always a hassle- and trouble-free experience. It is recommended that to make the most of a Wildlife experience like the Kruger that one should develop an appreciation for all things in the park and not just seek out large game or the big five. Appreciation of the general scenery, birds, reptiles, plants, and trees to name a few makes a trip to a national park like the Kruger far more rewarding. Enjoy the raw beauty of nature in this world-renowned park and please play your part in keeping it pristine for future generations.
Waypoints
Buffalo near Ratelpan Bird Hide
Buffalo near to the Ratelpan Hide. Take caution when exiting a vehicle.
Waterbuck in River 08:00
Waterbuck often found near water sources, plentiful sighting in the Kruger
Baboon Mother and Baby 07:53
Baboon with a small baby close to the car. Large troop nearby feeding on seeds and Marula fruits
Wildebeest Playing 08:59
Young wildebeest playing and trotting on the open plains near Satara an area known for large populations of Lion
Baby Vervet Monkey in Camp 11:17
Mother Vervet Monkey with a small baby in Satara Camp. The camps provide safety and an abundance of food
Young Giraffe 11:53
On the side of the road with its mother and ladder of other Giraffes nearby.
Waterbuck 11:57
A herd of Waterbuck found close to the road. Common sighting near water in Kruger
Large Tusker and Kudu 12:04
Herbivores calmly grazing within close proximity of one another. This elephant has impressive tusks. Possibly one of the newly named tuskers
Hippos in the water 12:22
A pod of Hippo with calfs playing in the water. water deep enough for hippos to submerge
Fish Eagle, Marabou Stalk, Woodland Kingfisher 12:27
Birds found at the water hole. Fish Eagle and Marabou stalk. Small but colorful woodland kingfisher.
Whiteback and Hooded Vultures in Tree 13:00
The most common of the Vultures sighted in Kruger. Often found near other predators kills
Lilac Breasted Roller 13:20
One of the more colourful and common birds found in the Kruger. Plentiful in almost all seasons
European Roller 13:29
A European roller commonly found throughout the Kruger especially in summer months.
Timbavati Picnic Site 13:45
A picnic site on the banks of the Timbavati River. Popular for breakfast and lunch stops. Has bathroom facilities available
Lions with young Male 13:57
A pride of Lions with a young Male starting to develop a mane
Large Crocodile with Mouth Open 14:41
A large Nile Crocodile warming itself on the river bank sand with its mouth wide open.
Black Backed Jackal Breeding Pair 15:40
Often found in Breeding pairs near a den. Well hidden by the tall grass. They often scavange off carcasses
Hippos Out the Water 16:36
Large Hippo and a calf out of the water during the day. On a small bank in the river
Bateleur Perched 16:39
Bateleur or Berghaan perched on a tree. Easily identified, has red or orange bright features on the beak and legs
Mozambique Spitting Cobra 17:09
One of Africa's venomous snakes, lift their hoods when threatened. beware as they aim to spit venom into the eyes. We had to close our windows to avoid this.
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