Olifants to Timbavati Picnic Site

17 July 2022 - Roodewaal Camp, KNP; Day 3

An early start is needed in the hope of catching a few nocturnal species before they disappear for the day - no luck today. This time we took the sand roads to Olifants finding a pair skittish of Black-backed Jackal

Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas)

There had been some rain in the night, so this Emerald-spotted Dove was still preening its damp feathers on the side of the road, showing its diagnostic emerald spots

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)

We came across a herd of Waterbuck and they are really photographic antelope that work well in both colour and B+W

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

It was still quite gloomy at Olifants and before getting coffee I was able to photograph Lesser Honeyguide

Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor)

and Orange-breasted Bushshrike in the parking lot

Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus)

Heading back to Roodewaal, we checked on the Tawny, but the chick was hidden

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)

But then we managed to get onto a Leopard that earlier had been lying in the road and now seemed to be patrolling its territory

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Another enjoyable brunch followed by a circular drive later in the afternoon to the Timbavati picnic site. On route we had a couple of Purple Rollers

Purple Roller (Coracias naevius)

More White-crowned Shrikes

Southern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens)

At the picnic site, a pair of Wire-tailed Swallows were building a nest under one of the thatch awnings in between roosting on a nearby tree

Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii)

Driving out of the picnic site, we were greeted with this classic African scene of a Baobab, one of the more southern in the Park. This one had a Brown Snake-Eagle perched on the very top surveying its territory

Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata)

Back to camp for the afternoon sundowners and prepping for dinner around the fire after sunset

Up to Olifants Camp

16 July 2022 - Roodewaal, KNP; Day 2

After a good nights sleep we were out of the gate by 6am and were greeted to a magnificent sunrise as we turned onto the Timbavati road. Mist, dead trees and golden light - mesmerizing

Roodewaal sunrise

Just after turning onto the tar road heading north to Olifants Camp, we were one of 3 cars with a pack of 4 Wild Dogs - what a start. They alternated from running in the road to checking the bush on either side until they disappeared into the bush. No kill, but always a thrill to see. I generally dislike photographing animals on the tar road, but sometimes you dont get to choose..

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

Just before the Olifants Camp turnoff, we had great views of Black-crowned Tchagra in the early morning light

Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegalus)

We stopped at the viewpoint over the Olifants River and enjoyed watching a herd of Elephants that had come down to drink. There were also a couple of Hippo cavorting in the river below and I had to laugh when an Afrikaans couple called them Bosveld Dolphins

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Just before the gate of Olifants, I heard a raptor calling and after much searching, we found a pair of African Hawk-Eagle's, but one on each side of the road. This is a poor record shot of the one bird returning to its perch.

African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster)

We enjoyed some welcome coffee at Olifants camp. After which we explored the boardwalk and viewpoints from the camp. Aloes were in flower, so I enjoyed some time with a few White-bellied Sunbirds

Male White-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris talatala)

We then had a slow drive back to Roodewaal, finding a Tawny Eagle on the nest with a single youngster - a little distant, but awesome to see

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)

Not much further along on a graceful young Kudu bull browsing 

Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

Back on the Timbavati Road, a few White-crowned Shrikes made an appearance

Southern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens)

We then enjoyed a late brunch at camp and relaxed around the lapa for most of the day. Later in the afternoon, I did a short drive, but this time planned to go south on the Timbavati Road. Just as I exited the gate of Roodewaal I had to stop for a big heard of Ele's on their way down to the river. I switched off the car and enjoyed them as they passed behind and in front of me on their way for a drink

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

On this drive, I found Burchell's Starling

Burchell's Starling (Lamprotornis australis)

A couple of Magpie Shrikes

Magpie Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus)

A singled Bearded Woodpecker

Bearded Woodpecker (Chloropicus namaquus)

The obligatory Lilac-breasted Roller

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)

and good numbers of Kori Bustard - the world's heaviest flying bird

Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori)

Along with a few Tree Squirrels

Tree Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi)

By this time, sundowners were calling, so it was back to camp for braai, beer and wine along with good company and conversation