The 18th of August arrived. Joubert’s twelfth birthday. With great excitement the two of us packed the Duster at Skukuza and got ready to depart for Satara, where we’d join the Sweni Wilderness Trail that afternoon. It was still pitch dark when the gates opened at 6am, and we were already on the Marula Loop by the time the sun peaked over the horizon.
With the morning sun lending a beautiful golden glow to the morning, Joubert noticed a few tawny bodies moving through the dry grass as we passed the Orpen Rocks. The pride of lions quickly disappeared behind the rocks, only to emerge on top of the boulders to provide us with an awesome photo opportunity – and even better as we were the only vehicle there for quite some time!
By the time we leave the lions a few other vehicles had already joined the sighting, so we leave the cats to their other adoring fans. Soon after, at Leeupan, we find a herd of elephants enjoying their early morning drink, with the youngsters terrorizing their thirsty neighbours.
A quick detour to Orpen Dam has us amazed at the number and size of the crocodiles lazing on the bank.
The day has really become very hot by the time we set off on the second half of our drive to Satara, having stretched our legs at Tshokwane Picnic Site. Very few animals show themselves in heat like this, and the number of Olive Grass Snakes we see crossing the hot road is very surprising.
We reach Satara in time for a quick picnic lunch before getting our gear ready, a last visit to the shop for drinks and snacks, and checking in for the Sweni Wilderness Trail…
DeWetsWild 
Wat ‘n wonderlike manier om sy verjaarsdag te vier, Dries!
n Verjaarsdag wat nie een van ons twee gou sal vergeet nie, Aletta. Baie dankie.
W
😀
A Birthday to remember, for sure!
That was certainly our inclination, Kathy!
What a way to celebrate Joubert’s birthday!! 🙂
Very special indeed, thank you Takami!
What an exciting birthday for Joubert!
Thanks, Sue – wonderful for his dad also to share in it!
Baie geluk Joubert! Ek kannie glo hy is al so groot nie. Toe ek jou blogs begin lees het, was hy nog ‘n kleutertjie. Pragtige foto’s en lekker gekuier saam met julle, Dries.
Lekker om jou weer in hierdie geweste te sien, Dina, en baie dankie!
WHAT a Birthday!!!!!
I hope Joubert’ll remember it for a very long time, Anne
Heerlik om weer saam te kon ry en kyk. Die groep olifante is n pragtige foto so met die bietjie water en omgewing.
Baie dankie, Ineke
Very exciting birthday for Joubert! Great Dad no doubt. That was some birthday present! Fantastic photos. Thanks for the post, D. 🙂
Thank you for the kind and generous commentary, H.J!
10 out of 10 for spotting the lions, Joubert, and I really like the shot of the lion peeking over the top of the rock. I also love the shot of the waterbuck. Is the lioness in the greenery at the bottom of the last shot?
Thanks, Janet!
The lioness is lying on top of the big boulder to the left, just in front of the smaller stacked boulder behind. Wonderfully camouflaged.
Hello Birthday Boy! Your photos are wonderful, Joubert. You know I love the elephants, but the most wonderful shot is the lion peeking from the boulder–just the eyes. What a great snap!
Thank you very much, Lois!