Tag Archives: wildlife

Introduced Bird Species in South Africa

South Africa observes the “National Invasive Species Week” in October annually. Hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the campaign focuses on creating awareness among the South African public about the threats non-native species pose to our ecosystems. In this edition of de Wets Wild, we’ll be focusing on a handful of the introduced bird species found in our country.

Common Myna – Acridotheres tristis

The Common Myna was introduced to South Africa from India and Sri Lanka between 1900 (Durban) and 1938 (Johannesburg), and has become one of the most common urban birds in almost all the cities and towns in the north-east half of our country with newly established populations also noted in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and elsewhere – no wonder it is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species, not only in South Africa but the world over. Very worryingly, they now seem to have thrown off their urban shackles and are increasingly being recorded in several of our national parks as well. Common Myna are highly intelligent and quite aggressive and easily outcompete several indigenous kinds of birds for nests and food, even destroying their eggs and killing their chicks. They carry foreign diseases and parasites that afflict not only other birds but also humans.

The Common Myna is an alien invasive species

Common Myna

Common Mynas

Two pairs of Common Myna fighting over a nest

Common Mynas

Common Myna

We weren’t exactly thrilled to see this exotic invader, a Common Myna, at Mankwe Dam

Common Myna

Common Myna – not a species you want to see in a Nature Reserve, being an invasive exotic

I wasn’t exactly thrilled to come across a Common Myna – an alien invader – on the Grassland Loop

Common Starling – Sturnus vulgaris

Another species considered to be among the 100 worst invasive species on the planet is the Common Starling, which first arrived in South Africa (Cape Town) in 1897, having been introduced from England by Cecil John Rhodes, himself a controversial figure. Not only is it responsible for immense damage to crops and orchards, but it too outcompetes native birds for resources like nests and food. While the distantly related Common Myna has taken control of the north-east of our country, it seems this member of the starling family has claimed the south-west of South Africa, especially the Western and Eastern Cape, and is staging its invasion of the rest of the country from there.

Thankfully two other species Rhodes tried to establish at the Cape of Good Hope, the Common Chaffinch and Grey Squirrel, while still resident in and around Cape Town, have not become as entrenched in South Africa as the Common Starling.

Common Starling

Common Starlings

Common Starling

Common Starling (photo by Joubert)

Common Starling

Common Starlings

European Starlings

House Sparrow – Passer Domesticus

Today, the House Sparrow occurs in virtually every corner of South Africa – if there are people permanently settled anywhere, you can be sure there are House Sparrows too. It would appear that they first arrived in Durban from India around 1880, from whence they rapidly spread throughout South Africa and to our neighbouring countries – it is estimated that there are 8,000 of them in the various rest camps of the Kruger National Park alone! Thankfully they are not a major threat to any indigenous bird species nor are they a pest to agricultural interests, rarely being found far from human habitation.

House sparrow at Mpila

House Sparrow

House Sparrows

House Sparrow

House Sparrow in Lower Sabie

Bathing House Sparrow (photo by Marilize)

House Sparrow (photo by Joubert)

Female House Sparrow

House Sparrow

**Lovebirds – Agapornis species**

Africa and Madagascar is home to nine species of Lovebird – a family of small parrots – but only one, the Rosy-faced Lovebird, occurs naturally in South Africa; in a tiny corner of the Northern Cape along the border with Namibia. Lovebirds are very popular in the pet trade, and it is probably due to escapees that feral populations of Lovebirds have become established in Pretoria and a few other locations in South Africa. Many of the Lovebirds now flying wild around our suburb have features in common with the Rosy-faced, Black-cheeked, Fischer’s, Lilian’s and Yellow-collared Lovebirds, but they are probably all hybrids of these and other kinds.

Lovebirds

Lovebird

Lovebirds

Feral Lovebird

Lovebirds

Lovebird

Lovebirds

Lovebird

Lovebirds

Rose-ringed Parakeet – Psittacula krameri

Rose-ringed Parakeets are native to the Indian subcontinent and a band stretching through Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia. Being popular in the pet trade escapees have established feral populations in various parts of the world, including South Africa, where large populations are found in Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Thankfully a population that occurred around Sodwana in what is today the iSimangaliso Wetland Park seems to have died out. In large flocks Rose-ringed Parakeets can be a serious pest in orchards, and they displace native hole-nesting birds from prime habitat.

Flock of Rose-ringed Parakeets over Pretoria

Flock of Rose-ringed Parakeets mobbing a Pied Crow

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeets

Ring-necked Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeet – these exotics seem to have become established in the reserve.

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeets

Rock Dove – Columba livia

The Rock Dove, also known as the Common Pigeon, arrived in South Africa along with the first Dutch settlers in 1652 and soon became feral when they escaped domesticity. While today they are found in virtually every town and city in the country, their reliance on human habitation for food and nesting sites means that they are seldom encountered in our protected areas. Nevertheless they can be a serious nuisance and disease carrier.

Rock Dove

Indian Peafowl – Pavo cristatus

The beautiful peacock is another bird that made its way to South Africa as an ornamental many decades ago. While they were purposefully released on Robben Island, some of these birds escaped from farms and zoos and free-ranging populations can now be found widely in South Africa and especially in and around major urban centres.

Indian Peafowl

Indian Peacock feathers

Indian Peafowl

Indian Peafowl chick

Indian Peafowl hen (photo by Joubert)

Indian Peacock

Indian Peafowl hen and chicks

Carolina Wood Duck – Aix sponsa

While they do occasionally venture from their native North American haunts and have reached parts of Europe on these forays, it is much more likely that the occasional Carolina Wood Ducks seen in the wild in South Africa escaped from captivity. It would seem that no feral populations have yet become settled in the country.

Carolina Wood Duck – Aix sponsa

Carolina Wood Duck male in eclipse plumage

Carolina Wood Duck female (photo by Joubert)

Carolina Wood Duck female

Mallard – Anas platyrhynchos

The exotic Mallard, and its domesticated descendants, started invading South African wetlands around the 1980’s after escaping from farms and the collections of bird fanciers. They’re now found widely across the country with the biggest populations in and around the larger towns and cities. The Mallard poses a confirmed risk of crossbreeding with our indigenous African Black Duck and Yellow-billed Duck, diluting the genetic purity of these native species.

Mallard and domestic duck

Mallard drake

What is interesting is that these species are not problematic in their natural habitats and ranges, and only get their “bad rap” due to humans introducing them to places they don’t belong. In the same way some species that are native to South Africa have become invasive in other parts of the world – the blue kurper (Mozambique tilapia) for instance also counts among the 100 worst invaders in the world.

Green-backed Camaroptera

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Camaroptera brachyura

The Green-backed Camaroptera, also called the Bleating Camaroptera for its easily recognizable call, is found widely over sub-Saharan Africa in dense vegetation ranging from thickets in savannas to forests, where they feed almost exclusively on insects and other invertebrates caught in the undergrowth. In South Africa they’re found in the Lowveld and escarpment of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, through most of Kwazulu-Natal and as far south as the Garden Route along the Indian Ocean coast.

Adult Green-backed Camaropteras are usually encountered in pairs – they’re monogamous and breed in spring and summer. Their nests are ball-shaped formations of leaves held together by spider webs and fibres, built by both members of the pair. Parents take turns to incubate the clutch of 2-4 eggs over a 2 week period and both parents provide food for the hatchlings at the nest until they fledge about 2 weeks after hatching. Fully grown they measure around 13cm in length and weigh only about 11g.

The IUCN lists the Green-backed Camaroptera as being of least concern.

Green-backed Camaroptera

Green-backed Camaroptera (photo by Joubert)

Green-backed Camaroptera

Southern African Rock Python

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Python sebae natalensis

The largest snake occurring in Africa, and one of the biggest in the world, the African Rock Python is an impressive creature. Adult females are quite a bit heavier built than males and weigh around 55kg on average, attaining a length of around 4.8m though there are reports of snakes longer than 6m.

African Rock Pythons occur in a variety of habitats, from semi-arid scrub to riverine forests, and are fond of submerging in pools of water to ambush their prey. Adults will take prey as large as antelope and primates, constricting their prey before swallowing it whole. While it happens only very rarely, African Rock Pythons are capable of attacking and killing humans. They love to sunbathe on exposed rocks, especially after eating.

Females lay between 30 and 100 eggs, the size of tennis balls, in disused animal burrows, caves or termite mounds, and then curl around the clutch to protect them until they hatch after a 2-3 month incubation. She may even stay with the hatchlings until about two weeks after they’ve hatched. They may live from 12 to 27 years old in the wild.

Some authorities, including the IUCN, consider the southern race, P. s. natalenis, to be a separate species from the northern race (P. s. sebae). The Southern African Rock Python occurs from Kenya and the DRC southwards to South Africa, where they’re found in pockets of all provinces except the Western Cape and is considered a vulnerable and protected species. The IUCN considers the Southern African Rock Python to be of least concern. The Northern African Rock Python in turn is found from Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia to Senegal. Due to a decreasing population the IUCN considers it to be near-threatened.

Medium-sized African Rock Python seen at Middelvlei, between Letaba and Mopani

African Rock Python just north of Muntshe Mountain

Our best ever sighting of a wild python!

African Rock Python

African Rock Python (photo by Joubert)

Southern African Rock Python

The head of a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari

Long-billed Crombec

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Sylvietta rufescens

An endearing and confiding little bird with a peculiarly short tail, the Long-billed Crombec is usually encountered singly or in pairs as they actively search for insects, seeds and fruit among the leaves and branches of trees and shrubs, often joining other kinds of insectivorous birds in feeding parties. They inhabit a wide range of wooded habitats, from thorny thickets along drainage lines in the arid Karoo to various woodland associations. They also readily venture into parks and suburban gardens.

Long-billed Crombecs form territorial, monogamous pairs and nest in the months of spring and summer. Their bag-shaped nests, hung from a branch and constructed of spider web, fibres, leaves, grass and wood chips, take at least a week to build. Clutches count 1-3 eggs and are incubated by both parents in turns over a 2 week period. The chicks leave the nest when they’re two weeks old and usually become independent of their parents around ten days after fledging. Adults weigh around 11g.

The Long-billed Crombec has a wide distribution in South Africa, occurring in every province of our country. North of our borders they can be found as far as Angola and the southern DRC. The IUCN considers the Long-billed Crombec to be of least concern.

Long-billed Crombec

The Birthday Boy, The Angry Lions, and the Sweni Wilderness Trail

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For almost as long as he’s been able to talk, Joubert expressed a wish to go walking in the Kruger National Park. The challenge with that however was that children younger than twelve years old are not allowed to take part in the guided walks on offer, due to the danger and distances covered (and, I suppose in some cases, short attention spans).

However, at short notice we were made aware of availability on the Sweni Wilderness Trail – the most popular of the trails in Kruger – running from the 18th of August 2021 and, with that being Joubert’s 12 birthday it seemed a blessing straight out of heaven, too good to pass up even if it meant he’d have to miss a week of school…

Unfortunately work commitments meant Marilize wouldn’t be able to join us, so it was just the two de Wet boys that departed Pretoria on the 15th of August for our wilderness adventure. Over the past few weeks we showed you most of what we saw and experienced in the three days leading up to the trail as we traversed the southern reaches of the Kruger Park and then made our slow way up to Satara on the 18th of August.

Klipspringer

Elephant youngster wielding his weapon of choice

Sable Antelope bull

Baboon murder

Hamerkop at sunset

Black-backed Jackal

Hunting Cheetah

Lazy Leopard

Leaping Kudu

Lions at Orpen Rocks

It is at Satara Rest Camp that the ranger-guides meet their guests at the start of the Sweni Wilderness Trail, every Wednesday and Sunday. Having been introduced to our fellow trailists as well as rangers Orbet and Rhulani who’d be guiding the trail, and with all our luggage stowed in the trailer, it was finally time to get onto the open safari vehicle and head into the wilderness. With some wonderful sightings along the way it took us quite some time to cover the distance between Satara and the Sweni Trails camp, and so it is already almost dark when we arrive. Finally Joubert’s wish was coming true, and on his birthday no less.

Heading into the wilderness

Kori Bustard in flight (photo by Joubert)

Spotted Hyena family (photo by Joubert)

Spotted Hyena female showing off her tools (photo by Joubert)

Cute Spotted Hyena youngster (photo by Joubert)

Young Kudu bull (photo by Joubert)

The smile of a boy who’s wish came true

Guests spend three nights in a rustic, remote base camp on the southern bank of the Sweni stream, from where they are taken out into the wilderness on four guided walking excursions before being brought back to Satara at the end of the trail. Joubert and I were allocated the sleeping hut in the furthest corner of the camp. After settling in we all could sit down to the delicious cooking of James, the camp caretaker and chef, rounding off our meal with a slice of birthday cake before Orbet and Rhulani made us aware of the rules of walking in the wilderness in the days to come. Lions roaring nearby lulled us to sleep that night. What would tomorrow hold?

At sunrise, and after enjoying hot coffee and rusks, we were ready to set out exploring. A beautiful clear morning forewarned that it was going to be a hot day, so we made sure we had plenty to drink in our backpacks, in addition to the fare we’d be enjoying whilst having a picnic somewhere in the bush later.

Joubert, very excited in the early morning, before we set out from the Sweni Trail base camp

Brown-hooded Kingfisher in silhouette at dawn (photo by Joubert)

Impala’s crossing the two-spoor road leading from Sweni Wilderness Trails Camp (photo by Joubert)

A short drive westwards out of camp, and in the direction from where the lions were roaring the previous evening, brought us to the area where our ranger-guides determined we’d be walking this first morning. Our walk followed the course of the Sweni stream where the tracks of numerous animals around the remaining pools of water was a sure sign that we’d be encountering lots of wildlife on our morning amble.

Serene pool in the Sweni stream

Lion paw print on top of an elephant spoor

Walking single-file through the veld

Marula tree

Sweni stream

Sweni wilderness scenery

When we came across the lion pride feeding on their wildebeest kill, I was surprised at how close we were to them. Surprised and excited, and entirely unafraid. A good chance at having close encounters with lions while on foot is after all the reason why Sweni is the most sought-after wilderness trail offered in Kruger, and the rangers are experts at keeping their guests safe under such circumstances. One of the lioness were keeping a calm eye on the approaching humans, while the others – three more females, one male and seven cubs – were feeding entirely oblivious to our presence. That was until the male looked up. When he saw the humans just a stone’s throw from where he and his pride were feasting the great beast gave a mighty growl – and fled for his life! This sent the cubs fleeing in every direction while the females were immediately ready to go to war to protect their cubs and their prey. While one female slinked away to go round up the cubs, and the male turned around after a hundred meter dash to stare at us from a distance, the three remaining females left us with no confusion that we were not welcome at their breakfast table. The intensity of their growls was like thunder rumbling from inside the earth; you could feel it resonating in your chest. With lightning in their eyes, their snarls exposing their deadly weaponry, ears pulled back and tails flicking from side to side there was only one way for us to go. Backwards. Slowly. Don’t turn your back on them, or they will charge. And when they do charge, stand still and face them. When she stops, you move backwards again. Slowly, without any sudden movements. And without turning your back! An amazing experience I will never forget. And I don’t believe Joubert will forget it either. No fear, just an amazing sense of respect and gratefulness for being there in the moment.

Lioness keeping an eye on us

Angry lioness

Cubs running for cover (photo by Joubert)

The cubs running for cover

The male left all the security arrangements to the females

Angry lioness (photo by Joubert)

A very angry lioness

Peaking over Joubert’s shoulder while he photographs the angry lionesses

Three very angry lionesses

Angry lionesses (photo by Joubert)

Getting ready to charge (photo by Joubert)

Lioness charging

Lying down after charging

After the exciting encounter with the lions we continue along the Sweni, criss-crossing it and its tributaries at several points, enjoying a well deserved picnic at a beautiful turn in the stream and just soaking in the wildness around us.

Funnel-web Spider nest

Wide-angle view on the Sweni plains

Blue wildebeest

Steenbok

A dry stretch of the Sweni stream bed

One of the precious pools of water along the Sweni

Crossing the Sweni

Baboon

Impala (photo by Joubert)

Impalas

Beautiful pool of water on the Sweni

Marsh Terrapin

A look upstream along the Sweni

Just before we arrive back at the vehicle, and with the sun sitting very high and very hot already, we sneak up on a herd of elephants sleeping in the shade of a tree.

Sneaking up on sleeping elephants

Joubert posing with the elephants

The hot midday hours we spent in camp (after enjoying the delicious lunch James welcomed us back with). The waterhole in front of camp is a magnet for thirsty animals, there’s a lot of habituated birds attracted to the birdbath and there was even a brief appearance by a good-sized African Rock Python in one of the large trees next to the river, meaning there was more than enough entertainment to keep us occupied until the afternoon outing.

View from the Sweni Trails camp

This Nile Crocodile lays claim to the pool in front of the Sweni Wilderness Trail Camp

Bateleur in flight

Crested Francolin

Our little A-frame hut in the Sweni Wilderness Trails Camp

African Rock Python

African Rock Python (photo by Joubert)

Orange-breasted Bush-shrike

On the way to the area where we’d be walking in the afternoon, our guides took a detour to the feasting lions we encountered in the morning. They were still in the same spot, and still gnawing on the remains of their wildebeest prize. We didn’t venture off the vehicle this time, enjoying this meeting from even closer and much safer quarters.

Lioness (photo by Joubert)

Lioness and cubs (photo by Joubert)

Lioness and cub

Lioness surrounded by cubs

Lion cub

The big, but not so brave, male lion

The afternoon walks cover a shorter distance, and take in a pleasing spot from which the African sunset can be enjoyed with something cold in hand. While we didn’t cover as much ground in the afternoon we were again treated to an encounter with lions – this time a mating pair some distance away – as well as lots of other animals and inspiring scenery. From atop the rocky outcrop where we sat enjoying the sunset we also realised that the mating pair of lions were in fact a threesome – two males attending to one female in oestrus.

Secretary bird flying off

Giraffes peering from a clump of bushes

Sweni streambed

Walking into the setting sun

Elephant and lions in one shot (while on foot)

Crossing a wide stretch of the Sweni bed

“Climbing” to the top of the lookout

The third member of the threesome (photo by Joubert)

Lion pair

Sunset over the Sweni plains

We arrive back at camp around 7pm that evening, but not before we enjoy some thrilling night time sightings along the way – and of course we paid “our” lions another visit!

African Civet (photo by Joubert)

African Civet

Lioness (photo by Joubert)

Lion with his cubs (photo by Joubert)

Tender moment between mommy and daddy (photo by Joubert)

Uroplectes vittatus; a species of venomous scorpion that often stings people carrying wood in Africa

The next morning is a lot chiller than the previous, and it soon clouds over. Our route takes along the Nungwini stream and past a natural fountain. Despite the inclement weather we again have wonderful encounters with a wide range of animals, including a lone male lion, elephant bulls, giraffes and honey badgers, and by the time the vehicle comes into sight again I’m sure all of us still had a good few kilometers in the tank.

Grey-headed Bush-shrike

Sunrise over the Sweni plains

Walking along

Greater Honeyguide male

Honey Badger peeping at us

Honey Badger trying to slink away (photo by Joubert)

Suspicious giraffe

Big male lion keeping an eye on us

Beautiful elephant bull along the Nungwini (photo by Joubert)

Joubert eyeing an elephant while on foot

This fountain is a source of the Nungwini stream and very rarely dries up.

Stepping carefully over a pool in the Nungwini (where there are crocodiles!)

Crossing a stretch of the Nungwini stream

Elephant walking side-by-side with us

Walking towards the giraffes

Giraffes

Back at camp for lunch and (if you were so inclined) a siesta, a wildebeest bull harassing cows around the waterhole had Joubert happily clicking away, and later the little birds at the birdbath received his full attention.

Joubert at his post

Wildebeest pest (photo by Joubert)

Long-billed Crombec

Blue Waxbill

Green-winged Pytilia (photo by Joubert)

Jameson’s Firefinch (photo by Joubert)

Grey Heron swooping down (photo by Joubert)

On the way to our sundowner spot, Orbet and Rhulani took us to a beautiful stretch of water along the Nungwini stream, just a short walk away. We weren’t there very long, when we had to vacate our prime spot at the water’s edge to allow an approaching herd of elephants to have right of way.

Brown Snake Eagle

The hippo has the pool all to himself

Beautiful stretch of water on the Nungwini stream

Elephants waiting their turn at the water (photo by Joubert)

Joubert aiming his lens at the elephants

Elephants waiting their turn at the water

Another pool along the Nungwini

The vehicle is in sight

Ted’s Place, a cliff in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains looking out over the plains of the central Kruger Park with the course of the Sweni River snaking through the scene, was a fitting location to reflect on a memorable trail before heading back to base camp, where a pair of honey badgers were waiting for us to return.

Joubert at Ted’s Place

View from Ted’s Place

Father and son reminiscing about the special memories they collected in the wilderness

Large-spotted Genet

Uroplectes vittatus; a species of venomous scorpion that often stings people carrying wood in Africa

Honey Badger

It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to the Sweni Trail’s base camp that final morning, and the drizzly weather certainly reflected our mood. Aside from a wet family of spotted hyenas, there wasn’t a lot of animals to be seen along the road back to Satara.

One last shot of Joubert at the Sweni Wilderness Trail camp

Baby Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

After saying goodbye to Orbet, Rhulani, James and the other guests that shared our experiences in the wilderness in those three short days, it was time for Joubert and me to head for home… Leaving through Orpen Gate really was our only option if we wanted to beat the government COVID-curfew, though we delayed our departure just a smidgeon by detouring past Muzandzeni Picnic Site and Talamati Bushveld Camp.

Waterbuck at Nsemani Dam

Elephant on the plains west of Satara

Immature Saddle-billed Stork

Plains Zebras

Waterhole at Talamati

Green, or Red-billed, Wood-hoopoe

Bushbuck ewe (photo by Joubert)

Tawny Eagles feasting on a monitor lizard (photo by Joubert)

Kudu cow (photo by Joubert)

We were already quite some distance out the gate at Orpen, and passing one of the many game farms along the road, when we saw a leopard next to the fence of one of these farms. While we were still despondent about no longer being in Kruger this unexpected find made us realise all over again that we were still in Africa, which means we’re more blessed than 6.5-billion other people on earth…

Joubert photographing a leopard inside a game farm along the road, Hoedspruit district, South Africa

Leopard inside a game farm along the road, Hoedspruit district, South Africa

On our way to the wilderness – day 4

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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.

Honey Badger

Helmeted Guineafowls crossing the Sand River

Sunrise on the Marula Loop

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!

Lions at Orpen Rocks (photo by Joubert)

Lions at Orpen Rocks

Lions at Orpen Rocks (photo by Joubert)

Lions at Orpen Rocks

Lions at Orpen Rocks (photo by Joubert)

Lions at Orpen Rocks

Lions at Orpen Rocks (photo by Joubert)

Lions at Orpen Rocks

Lions at Orpen Rocks (can you spot her?)

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.

Elephant wiping dust from its eye (photo by Joubert)

Elephants, impalas, wildebeest and zebra congregating at Leeupan

Elephants congregating at Leeupan

Elephant antics at Leeupan (photo by Joubert)

Mom and baby elephant at Leeupan (photo by Joubert)

A quick detour to Orpen Dam has us amazed at the number and size of the crocodiles lazing on the bank.

Upper reaches of the Orpen Dam

Crocodiles next to Orpen Dam

Waterbuck on their way to Orpen Dam

Crocodiles lining the bank of the Orpen Dam

Swainson’s Spurfowl (photo by Joubert)

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.

Heavily pregnant Spotted Hyena

Olive Grass Snake

Olive Grass Snake (photo by Joubert)

Young Nyala bull

Fish Eagle keeping watch over a pool in the Nwaswitsontso.

The southernmost naturally occurring Baobab tree in South Africa

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…

The birthday boy! Twelfth birthday lunch at Satara.

Satara’s birds were invited to the birthday party. This is a Red-billed Hornbill (photo by Joubert)

On our way to the wilderness – day 3

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Just before sunrise on the 17th of August – Joubert’s final day as an eleven-year old – we headed out of Skukuza towards Pretoriuskop, driving along the Napi Road and intent on visiting every one of the waterholes along the way.

Elephant conductor (photo by Joubert)

Black-backed Jackal

Coqui Francolin (male)

Immature African Hawk-Eagle

Just past Transport Dam we have the first big-ticket highlight of our morning: a cheetah on the hunt! Unfortunately the cheetah caught its steenbok prey at an awkward angle behind our vehicle and immediately carried it into the long grass away from the road, so these are basically the only photos we have of a most thrilling sighting!

Hunting Cheetah (photo by Joubert)

Hunting Cheetah

Just a few kilometers past the scene of the cheetah kill we encountered a pack of very excited spotted hyenas in and next to the road. It appeared that an interloper was coming a bit too close to their den, causing quite a stir among the resident cubs.

Young Spotted Hyena

Fluffy Spotted Hyena youngster (photo by Joubert)

Alert hyenas

At Shitlhave Dam this grey old Buffalo bull posed for some pictures.

Grey old Buffalo Bull (photo by Joubert)

Grey old Buffalo bull

While it was quiet along the Voortrekker Road towards Afsaal, with the day heating up nicely it was easy to decide where to head next: all along the Biyamiti River in the general direction of Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie. As expected, lots of animals and birds where congregating along the dwindling stream of water to quench their thirst.

Biyamiti River

White-crested Helmetshrikes

Brown Snake Eagle (photo by Joubert)

Nile Crocodile at Biyamiti Weir (photo by Joubert)

African Pied Wagtail

Bedrock exposed by the Biyamiti River

Adult Male Mozambique Tilapia in a pool at Biyamiti Weir (photo by Joubert)

Biyamiti Weir

Kurrichane Thrush

Giraffe checking on the condition of the road

Guinea-fowl Butterfly

Knobthorn flowers

Reed Cormorant

Waterbuck

Biyamiti River

Plains Zebra

Nearing Lower Sabie we felt compelled to cross the causeway over the Sabie River, and then back again (as most everyone visiting this part of the Park is wont to do) before heading into camp.

Buffaloes drinking from the Sabie while a crowd of terrapins watch

Enormous Nile Crocodile (photo by Joubert)

Pied Kingfisher on the move (photo by Joubert)

Sharptooth Catfish in the Sabie River (photo by Joubert)

African Jacana ( (photo by Joubert)

Cape Glossy Starling

House Sparrow in Lower Sabie

The last stretch of our route today again followed the course of the Sabie River back to Skukuza, through a part of the Kruger National Park famous for its teaming wildlife.

Giraffe close-up

Lion pride at Lubyelubye

Elephant stretching to reach ripe Sycomore figs (photo by Joubert)

Lazy Leopard

Lion roadblock

Lion roadblock (photo by Joubert)

Leaping Kudu

Beautiful Kudu bull

And so the sun set on another extremely rewarding day in the Kruger National Park. The next day would be Joubert’s twelve birthday – more on that in the next installment!

Sunset over the Sabie

Baboons settling in for the night

Not for sensitive viewers: a vicious Baboon assault

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It was the afternoon of the 16th of August 2021 and Joubert and I were parked on the shores of Sunset Dam, just outside Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park, enjoying the serene scenes playing out all around us as a myriad of birds and animals, including a troop of Chacma Baboons, mingled at the water’s edge.

Baboons peacefully foraging on the shore of Sunset Dam

Suddenly there was a frightful commotion as the baboons started screaming in alarm. Almost immediately we noticed a young baboon, shrieking to high heaven, being chased by two slightly older “teenage” baboons. This in itself was not abnormal, as there is often disagreements in a baboon troop, and peace usually returns quickly after the necessary discipline has been dispatched. The young baboon rushed into the muddy water at the dam’s edge, eliciting even more worried squeals from its mother as Sunset Dam is home to some monster crocodiles.

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

However, as soon as one of the “teenage” baboons got hold of the youngster, it was clear that this attack was much more sinister. We have no idea about their motive, but judging by the viciousness of their bites to the skull, neck and throat and the very rough way they tried to pull the younger baboon apart limb from limb, there was no doubting that the two teenagers were intent on killing their unfortunate target. At one stage early into the encounter an adult, perhaps the mother of the younger one, tried to intervene but this proved only a temporary reprieve – instead of running away the badly injured youngster tried to hide in the mud again where he was soon cornered once more.

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon murder

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

By now the attack had gone on for about four minutes. Probably as was to be expected, the fracas attracted the attentions of a large crocodile that was hitherto lying dead still on the bank. With the tables likely to be turned on them within a second, the attacking baboons let go of their quarry and ran for safety.

A crocodile breaks up the fight (photo by Joubert)

A crocodile breaks up the fight

The youngster that was so viciously mauled also scampered away, heading over the road towards the Sabie River, and out of our sight. His attackers apparently also lost track of him, as they searched every bush in the general vicinity looking for the young baboon without success.

One of the murderous baboon “teenagers” passing by us as he looks for their victim. (photo by Joubert)

Whether the little one could’ve survived its injuries we’ll never know, nor whether the murderers managed to track him down and finish the job… This definitely was one of the most harrowing experiences we’ve ever had in the bush.

Fish Eagle caught in the act

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The call of the African Fish Eagle is so evocative of Africa’s wild places, and seeing one is always a special treat, high on the wish-list of many safari-goers. Especially when you get the chance to see it in action; gracefully descending with claws outstretched to snatch a fish from just below the water’s surface and then majestically soaring away with its prize grasped in its talons. The stuff nature documentaries are made of.

During our mid-August trip to the Kruger National Park, Joubert and I were lucky to see a Fish Eagle catch a sharp-tooth catfish from the waters of the Sabie River just downstream from Lower Sabie Rest Camp. While this particular individual won’t score a perfect ten for the execution – that splash-down would have had the Olympic audience snickering, and thank goodness for that sandbank! – it nevertheless was an amazing sighting. Most of these photographs were taken by Joubert.

African Fish Eagle fly-past (photo by Joubert)

The prey has been spotted (photo by Joubert)

Homing in on the target… (photo by Joubert)

Getting into position… (photo by Joubert)

Strike imminent… (photo by Joubert)

(Wet) success! (photo by Joubert)

Is it the Eagle or the catfish splashing..? (photo by Joubert)

Heading for the sandbank

Heading for the sandbank (photo by Joubert)

Fish Eagle with catfish prey

Fish Eagle with catfish prey (photo by Joubert)

Now with its composure regained, the Fish Eagle sets off for a favourite perch

Now with its composure regained, the Fish Eagle sets off for a favourite perch (photo by Joubert)

A memorable encounter with Sable Antelope

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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.