On route to Ngwenya Lodge

20 August 2021 - Midrand to Ngwenya via Hazyview and Phabeni Gate; Day 1

I hadn't been to our timeshare at Ngwenya for 2-years and was really looking forward to this trip with my wife and father-in-law. My son had study commitments, so sadly could not join us on this trip.

I had heard about the roadworks and delays on the N4 to Nelspruit, so we decided to have an early start and take another route through Sabie and onward to Hazyview. My plans went array when we hit thick mist in the mountains outside Lydenburg which reduced us to a crawl and losing the time we thought we would gain. Nevertheless, we were on holiday and we pressed on to Kruger Park Lodge for a late breakfast. From here it was a short drive to the Phabeni Gate and entrance to the Kruger National Park. 

It remained overcast after Sabie and for the rest of the day, which made travelling comfortable. From Phabeni, we headed toward Skukuza Camp - stopping for a massive herd of Buffalo not far from the entrance gate. This would be one of many big herds we would see during our stay. 

B+W always works well for Buffalo

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

A little further on, we came across a den of Spotted Hyaena's with these two adorable and obliging cubs coming to check us out.

Spotted Hyaena cub (Crocuta crocuta)

We had a brief stop at Skukuza, enjoying the many Greater Blue-eared Starling's around the shop

Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)

We pressed on toward Lower Sabie and had to stop for a couple of Giraffe crossing the road - some adorned with Oxpecker's

Cape Giraffe (Giraffa c. giraffa) 

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)

Just before Lower Sabie, a male Lion resting in the river bed

Lion (Panthera leo)

We didnt stay long and continued to and exited the Park at Crocodile Bridge for the short drive to Ngwenya Lodge, situated on the banks of the Crocodile River.