Satara Camp, our home for two nights

This was nice, we actually could unpack our bags, rather than just put them in the corner for the night.

We enjoyed the birds at Satara, especially this Scops Owl, who was in a tree not very far from our bungalow. I didn't realize they were so small.

We joined a night game drive our first night, and saw 5 more African Wildcat, including one just outside the gate. The rest of the drive was Giraffe, Ellies, Impala, Zebra, Wildebeest and Kudu. We Caught sight of Genet and Civet from a distance, but couldn't get any photos again.

Back to Bungalow #A9, and a short night sleep. We had an early breakfast with this guy looking on before heading out for a drive to the Timbavati picnic area, looping back to Satara for our Afternoon Bush walk.

Firepower is a comfort when on foot in the bush.

Our walk was very interesting, though I don't know if the other three guests agreed. We saw a number of birds, learned about Hyena and Rhino Poo, and saw the usual Impala, Kudu, Wildebeest and Zebra as we walked. We made our way to a small waterhole, and on the other side, out of the brush walked two large male lion, who turned and ran as soon as they saw us. We tried to find them again after the quick glimpse, but they were gone, only leaving their paw prints in the dirt.

As the daylight faded, this was our view on the way back to camp.

After returning to camp we grabbed dinner, then headed back out for our night game drive.

This is the life. The sights, the sounds, the smells...so much it almost makes your head spin. I love it here!

More heaven and a little laundry

After being dazzled and mesmerized by eight Cheetah, and a visit to the laundry, it was time to head for Satara. Our time washing and drying clothes was actually enjoyable, as we spent it talking with a Veterinary student who is on an externship with Sanparks. Since Tricia is a Veterinarian they had a great conversation. They talked and I folded.

Birds were a big part of our trip to Kruger and the area surrounding Lower Sabie added to our African Life list. Our trip this year added 60 birds to the 102 that we saw last year in Africa.

This was one of two Secretarybirds that we saw near Lower Sabie.

A drive up the H4-1 would have not been complete without a stopping at the Nkuhlu Picnic site and meeting the proprietor Wacktazz. After all we had heard, we couldn't resist a lunch of his famous Buffalo Pies.

A little north of Nkuhlu we found that one can back down the road for long distances quite easily when being herded by a very large Bull Ellie.

One of our fun bird sightings was a group of Ground Hornbill that walked all of the way across the Sabie River bridge. We were lucky to see over 26 Ground Hornbill while in Kruger, and these really gave us a laugh as they paraded all of the way across the bridge stopping traffic for their stroll.

This little one decided to show us that he was the boss. While his mother and the others in the herd were ignoring him.As with each day before, our drive to Satara was wonderful and exciting. New things to see, and the feeling of being at home while at Kruger.

I hope that we can return many more times.