Kruger National Park: Shingwedzi

 The 4th November was a long travel day, driving from Berg-en-Dal to Shingwedzi Camp. But what a day it turned out to be! All of the Big 5 seen (five different groups of Lions) & really poor views of a Black Rhino! It was one of those days when most of the sightings were of poor quality.

At Afsaal Picnic Site.

Male Lion at De La Porte Waterhole

Elephant

Digging for water!

Play time!

European Bee-eaters have recently arrived.

Olifants River

There has been a couple of African Skimmers

 here recently. But we couldn't find them.

Immature African Fish Eagle

Saddle-billed Stork

Sunset from our camp.

Plains Zebra

Giraffe

Dwarf Mongoose

Marabou Stork

Black Stork

On the 5th November we decided to drive north along the Mphongolo Loop. This is one of our favourite drives in the whole of Kruger, as it closely parallels the river, with some great viewpoints & it is good for both animal & bird sightings. Today it was quiet, but still a lovely drive. 

Mean looking Crocodile!

Yellow-billed Stork

African Spoonbill

Impalas crossing the river, just outside camp.

The rest of the day was spent in camp. The low water bridge just outside camp was productive with both Crocodiles & plenty of Yellow-billed Storks & African Spoonbill.

On 6th we drove south along the main road to Mopane Camp. We then had to drive out of the park to Hoedspruit Hospital, as I had managed to pull out my chemo from my port during the night! The drive took all day, as it is over 400 kms round trip. They fixed me up quickly & I resumed my medication. I wasn't feeling great, so had an early night.

Great White Egret

Water Lilly.

Hippo with Yellow-blled Oxpeckers

Egyptian Goose

Black Crake

This Impala had been caught by a Crocodile

in this isolated pool.

It was trying to get on land.

Unfortunately the Impala never made it to safety.

Pearl spotted Owl with prey.

The next day we drove to Mopane Camp via Red Rocks Loop Road & enjoyed a late brunch at Mopane, as the restaurant was finally open again, (after the recent floods). It was an excellent drive with one outstanding sighting!

Lion

Baby Impalas are here!

Warthogs having a tussle!

Banded Mongoose

On the 8th November we drove the Mphongolo Loop again. It was a very dull, overcast morning, not great for photography, but we did see a lazy male Lion in the river bed. 

The rest of the day was spent battling the oncoming storm. The next day we left for Letaba.