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... :)