As mentioned in our previous post, the chief reason why Joubert and I decided to spend the first morning of our August trip to the Kruger National Park around Mlondozi Picnic Site was the recent sightings of a beautiful herd of sable antelope in that vicinity. Being one of our favourite antelope we couldn’t let the opportunity go by without going to see whether we can find the herd as well. Only on our second circuit around Muntshe Mountain and along the Mnondozi stream were we rewarded with the encounter we were hoping so dearly for. Without a doubt the best sighting I have had of Sable Antelope in over 30 years. As they crossed the road one-by-one we counted 25 individuals ranging from the magnificent bull to the long-eared calves.
Herd of Sable Antelope on the plains between Munstshe Mountain and the Mnondozi stream
Herd of Sable Antelope on the plains between Munstshe Mountain and the Mnondozi stream (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope calves
Sable Antelope bull (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope bull
Sable Antelope cow
Sable Antelope heifer (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope calf (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope heifer
Sable Antelope bull (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope bull
Sable Antelope females
Sable Antelope cow (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope heifer (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope calf (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope cow (photo by Joubert)
Sable Antelope cow
Herd of Sable Antelope on the plains between Munstshe Mountain and the Mnondozi stream
Herd of Sable Antelope on the plains between Munstshe Mountain and the Mnondozi stream (photo by Joubert)
Nice photography
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Thank you kindly
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Perfect timing. They are so impressive.
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We agree wholeheartedly, Tracy!
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Great shots.
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Thank you!
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Impressive antelope! They look so majestic.
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Our thoughts exactly, John.
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Dis ongelooflik mooi om so n groot trop van hulle bymekaar te sien! Pragtige foto’s van jou en Joubert!
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Baie dankie, Aletta. Dis nie n gesig wat ons gou sal vergeet nie!
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😊
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These are the best photos of the Sable Antelope that I have seen!
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Very kind of you, thank you Hien!
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Such regal animals, and clearly parading for you! ☺️ Eager to see what else the day holds….
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We couldn’t have been more elated to finally find them, Lori!
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Beautiful creatures
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To my mind the most beautiful of all the antelope, Sue
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I can see why!
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This is a magnificent birthday surprise! “little did we know how much more we’d see before it was finished!” – and you leave us with yet another teaser!!!!!!!
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There’s still the sequences of the fishing fish eagle and the murderous baboons to share before we can move to day 3 of our trip, Anne.
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Those really are magnificent animals and all the photos show that. Well done you (both)}
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Thank you very much, Janet!
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They are beautiful, elegant and strong animals. I’m glad that they are multiplying! Thanks, D. and Joubert. 🙂
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We’re also thrilled that these rare antelope are still to be seen in such a healthy herd, H.J. Just again proves the importance of protecting our national parks.
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Joubert–your photos are so wonderful! The heifer/calf/cow/bull crossing the road reminded me of the Beatles Abbey Road album cover. And I had to look up the difference between a heifer and a cow….I am such a city girl!
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Thank you, kind Lois. We also commented about the way they crossed the road one by one, as if in a fashion parade or something!
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Dis nou werklik ‘n belewenis om so baie saam te sien, ook die pragtige bul met sy horings. Lyk my hul is baie gelukkig in die wildtuin. Is hul in werklikheid ‘n Laeveld dier?
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Ons was uit ons vel uit van opgewondenheid, Ineke.
Hulle is ewe gemaklik in die Laeveld as in die ou Transvaal se bosveld gebiede – die Europese ontdekkingsreisigers het hulle die eerste keer net agter die Magaliesberge aangetref.
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Aha so hul is regte Bosvelders/Laevelders.
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Magnificent animals – how lucky to see them and Joubert’s images are terrific!
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Thank you very much, Jane. This encounter already made our day – little did we know how much more we’d see before it was finished!
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