Letaba

This is a post with lots of pictures, but I've tried to keep the descriptions brief. :)

After leaving Shingwedzi we traveled south-east through the game reserve to Letaba Camp. The journey took us about  and on the way we passed the Tropic of Capricorn marker, pictured below.

The Bridge over the Letaba River. The drought is not as bad here as it is further North and there's still water in the river.

Entrance gate of Letaba Camp

A Bushbuck walking around inside the camp.

We stayed in a family bungalow, right near the camp fence and had a wonderful view over the river and surroundings.

One doesn't even have to drive out if you don't want to - you see so much from the camp.

Walking in the camp - although the weather is hot, there are signs of Autumn setting in.

Jessica and I went for a walk along the camp fence.

In the late afternoon we took a drive further up along the river.

A Crocodile basking on the river bank.

We saw quite a number of animals, including this herd of elephants. After they had drank at the river they made their way back up the banks and crossed the road just behind us, (picture below). There were lots of babies and youngsters in the herd.  

This young Elephant bull was last to cross the road after the herd and he was not in a very good mood, trumpeting and thrashing around in the bushes!

After the being held up by the Elephants, we made it back to camp just before the gates closed for the night and then prepared the braai for supper. :)

One of the many little Geckos which come out at night and crawl along the outside walls of the bungalows, hunting insects which are attracted by the outside lights.

Jessica and I went for another walk along the fence just as it was getting dark and then came back to a delicious supper of braaied Wildebeest steaks. :) 

Causeway and River Loops

Just outside Shingwedzi Camp there is a narrow causeway or low-water bridge. When the river is full, this causeway is underwater but during drought there are usually just pools of water on the side. In drought or plenty, spending some time here is always rewarding as there are always birds and animals around this spot. 

Elephants are plentiful in the Kruger Park. The Bulls are often alone or in small groups whereas the females and young elephants are found in herds. Elephants like fresh water and, (as this one in the picture did),  often dig water-holes in the dry river beds to find underground water.

There were lots of Kingfishers around the causeway. Above is a Pied Kingfisher and below, a small "jewel-coloured" Malachite Kingfisher. 

Monitor Lizard or 'Leguaan' as it is known in South Africa. This one was lying a short way from the pool of water on the side of the causeway.

Terrapins sunning themselves. They are a type of freshwater turtle.

A Saddle-billed Stork "fishing" .

A group of Chacma baboons came along too. 

Not far from the causeway is a road that winds along the river in a series of "loops" until it reaches the "Kanniedood Dam". Translated into English the name means "Cannot-die" Dam. Even in times of drought there is water in this dam. The game viewing is always good here. 

Part of the Kanniedood Dam. The dam is full of hippos (pic. below) and crocodiles. 

Young Waterbuck and Egret on the bank.

Herd of Impala on one of the river loops  - there are over 130 000 of these antelope in the Kruger Park

Nyala female (above) and Nyala male (below)

An African Buffalo crossing the road. We saw lots of buffalo during our time in the Park.

Bridge over a very dry Shingwedzi River. Many animals are still to be seen in the dry riverbed as there are pools of water here and there. Apparently just the day before a big male Lion spent most of the morning just below this bridge.

At sunset, while driving back to the camp we came across this pair of Bateleur Eagles.

And so ends another day... :)

Shingwedzi

Shingwedzi takes it's name from the Shingwedzi River next to which the camp is situated. It is a rustic camp that still carries the essence of the bush. The area teems with wildlife. Here are some random photos taken in camp during the two days we spent in that area.

Veranda and kitchen area of our bungalow.

There is lots to see just by staying in camp. Birds, squirrels and other creatures that come into the camp are quite unafraid of people and often come onto the bungalow verandas. Monkeys and Baboons come in to the camp daily and love to open fridges and cupboards to see what they can find to eat. All the cupboards are now fitted with locks and one has to turn the fridge around to face the wall whenever you leave the bungalow.

There are many tree squirrels in and around the camp - they are so cute! :)

A glossy starling paid us an early morning visit.

Despite the drought, plants like the pretty Impala Lily still flower.

Walking to the restaurant for breakfast.

The office, restaurant and shop complex

In the restaurant - you have a great view from there over the river and surrounding bush. 

We saw a number of animals and birds from the restaurant window including this elephant.

The second night of our stay we had a braai (like a barbecue) for supper and once again had a early night - the early rising (at 4a.m), fresh air, heat and driving round makes one sleepy by 8 o clock. :P  At just after 3a.m. Mom and I woke to the sound of a lion roaring, he carried on for a little while and then all was quiet - everything keeps silent when a lion roars! :)