The Isolated North

Africa » South Africa » Mpumalanga » Kruger National Park
January 9th 2009

Published: January 11th 2009

"Happy New Year!" Our hushed celebrations rang out into the warm Summer air, as glasses of champagne were clinked together joyously. I found myself mesmerized by the surrounding night, staring out across the swirling blackness of the Shingwedzi River, I could only just detect the outline of the horizon in the distance. Apart from celebratory camera flashes and the magnificent scattering of stars, ... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 34, Displayed: 21

The Grey Heron

This grey heron waited just long enough for a photo to be taken before flying off, disturbed by our presence.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Ground hornbills are endangered, yet they are spotted fairly regularly in the Kruger Park.

Fluffy

Tania spotted this monitor lizard in a tree near to our chalets after a glossy starling signaled the alarm. We named him fluffy.

The Local Residents

This is just one of the many squirrels that roam around Shingwedzi camp foraging for food. Squirrels thrive in areas where mopaneveld is dominant.

Fluffy's Face-off

Fluffy had a minor disagreement with an inquisitive squirrel.

The Feeding Frenzy

These water birds and crocodiles were spotted on the causeway over the Shingwedzi River very near to the camp. As the water level rose it flowed over the causeway bringing with it an abundance of fish. This proved to be a popular location for crocs and water birds to do some fishing.

The Devil's Eyes

The water over the causeway was shallow enough for us to drive over and as we did so we came in very close contact with the crocodiles that were lined up against the structure, waiting for the fish to swim the gauntlet.

Sunrise

This windmill is one of many that pumps water out of the arid ground to supply man-made watering holes. This greatly increases the carrying capacity of the 'veld'. And provides nice photo opportunities too...

The Vigilant

We spotted this lion on the H1-6 on our way to Mopani. In true lion style he provided us with a few moments of vigilance before he lay down to sleep.

The Not-So-Vigilant

Doing what lions do...

Bone-Crunching

This hyena pup was gnawing on the remains of what we assume to be last night's dinner. Hyena's have incredibly strong jaws and are capable of crushing bones.

Curious

These hyena pups emerged from a den below the road and proceeded to provide much entertainment as they frolicked and played.

Play With Us!

The adult hyenas seemed fairly unimpressed by the young ones' search for attention.

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