near Mhalamhala, Limpopo (South Africa)
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Itinerary description
This route was done on the 13th of March 2024. Day 3 of our Kruger trip began by packing up and leaving Olifants Camp. After taking the S91 and the S90 the tar H1-4 was joined after taking the Ngotso Wier Road forming a small loop. Thereafter the H1-4 tar road was taken down to Satara. From Satara the H7 was followed to Orpen Camp with a detour down to Muzandzeni picnic site included. After check-in at Orpen its only a short way on to Tamboti Tented Camp via a private dirt road where we spent the next two nights. 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
Cheetah Hunting in Long Grass 11:00
Cheetah Hunting in the long Grass on Route from Olifants to Satara 11 am
Southern Ground Hornbill 11:43, 11 March 2024
Southern Ground Hornbill Breeding Pair and a Jouvinile on the road from Olifants to Satara
Hippos Out the water and a Tawny Eagle at Nsemani Dam 13:23, 13 March 2024
The Nsemani Dam with Hippos out the water and a Tawny Eagle, close to Satara, good water in March of 2024
Pack of African Wild Dogs or Painted Wolves, obscured by Vegetation 13:41, 13 March 2024
A pack of African Wild dogs or Painted Wolves spotted on the Orpen Satara Road.
Purple Roller in a Tree 16:20, 13 March 2024
A purple roller found on a branch, distinct from the Lilac Breated and European Rollers.
Small Busbuck in the Grass 17:33, 13 March 2024
A small Female Bushbuck Feeding in the Green Grass. on 13 March 2024
Tamboti Tented Camp (Not for own tents) 17:55, 13 March 2024
The all Tented Tamboti Camp near Orpen on the Timbavati River. Rustic But comfortable accomodation
Ladder of Giraffe 09:02
A group or ladder of Giraffe feeding close to the road. Just before S91 Turnoff
European Roller 09:07
A European roller, distinct from a Lilac Breated or Purple Roller Seen just after turning onto the S91
Family of Warthogs 09:19, 13 March 2024
A Family of Warthogs wallowing in some mud and feeding
Pied Kingfisher on the Bridge 09:31
A pied Kingfisher, distinct black and white markings and has the ability to hover, feeds on insect, small reptiles and small fish
Pride of Lions and Temmincks Courser 09:44
A pride of lions watching the Balulule staff walking near the camp and a Temmincks Courser
Southern Carmine Bee-Eater 10:05, 13 March 2024
The Southern Carmine Bee- Eater bright red and pink colours not very common this far South
Vultures in Trees on the River 10:20, 13 March 2024
A group of Vultures White Backed perched in a tree possibly over a kill.
Bateleur in Tree 10:29, 13 March 2024
A Bateleur or Berghaan in a tree, bright red features distinguess and clear black and white contrast when flying
Red Backed Shrike 10:41, 13 March 2024
A small red backed shrike near the road and on a log.
Large Kudu Bull 11:15, 13 March 2024
A large kudu bull with impressive horns near to the road on route to Satara
Large Herd of Buffalo 14:36, 13 March 2024
A large herd of buffalo near the water drinking, moving off over the road shortly thereafter
Lappetfaced Vulture 15:46, 13 March 2024
The largest of the vultures with wings spread near the water.
African Scops Owl at Muzandzeni Picnic Spot 15:17
The Picnic Spot with facilities and a small African Scops Owlet camoflagued in a tree.
Bobejaan Krants Lookout 16:09, 13 March 2024
A viewpoint overlooking the Timbavati River way below.
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