Olifants rest camp

 Friday 07/01/22

The mighty Olifants river, usually much more sedate, showing the effect of heavy rains

We've been out of reliable internet range for a few days which we spent at Talamati bushveld campsite and are now at the larger, main camp of Olifants.

European Roller

Lilac-breasted Roller

Sand Grouse

Knob-billed Duck - who would want to carry that around on your nose?

Red-backed Shrike

Immature Bateleur Eagle

Long-tailed Paradise Whydah

We were thrilled to spot this Carmine Bee-eater with its youngster

And it seemed quite excited to see us as well!

We've had quite a few amazing sightings including a wild dog kill right outside the camp fence at Talamati.  We heard the commotion and arrived as the dogs were tucking into the newly-killed impala ram.  It was a frenetic affair and it was awe-inspiring to be so close to these animals in action.  We must have been 20m away from them with only the fence protecting us - utterly amazing.

It was quite intimidating to be so close to these predators in a feeding frenzy!

We've also had quite a few huge thunderstorms and very heavy rains which luckily have also kept temperatures down.

All the birds were drenched after the storm and trying to dry off

Even the Ground Hornbill climbed a perch to get off of the wet grass

With the holidays almost over it was back to school for some

Unfortunately our time in Kruger and South Africa is winding down now; it's hard to believe three months have already passed. Although travel restrictions to France seem to be lifting, we're unsure of our status and will have to see where we travel to next.

Bonus elephant photos:-

If you have a headache...

And a blocked nose.... it is probably just a cold, not COVID

This dung had barely landed on the ground before being covered by bluebottles.
Fast-food for flies?