The dawn chorus woke us with cheerful twittering at 04:30 this morning.  We packed up and after our morning coffee, we were on our way an hour later. It was a cool 25 degrees C and slightly overcast.  But within half an hour the skies were clear and blue.

Once again while towing we would only stop for the most exciting creatures.   By 06:30 we’d waved hello to the impala, zebra and wildebeest and then we spotted a stationary car on to the opposite side of the road.   Two young women excitedly pointed to wild dog scampering through the bush.  They were too far and too fast for a photograph.  The driver turned her car around to follow them but sadly with Gecko in tow we could not do the same!

We did, however, manage to stop for the next few creatures that turned up to greet us.

These three Gound Hornbills  lined up for their photoshoot

Next up two ‘woofies’ as the Earl so quaintly calls them.  I am posting just the one photograph

Earl’s photograph of a Black-backed Jackal smiling at us

A Red-crested Korhaan sitting on top of a bush – he usually stays on the ground, under a shady bush or tree!

A cute little steenbok with a broken horn

A treeful of Wattled Starlings

We arrived at Satara at 09:00, checked in and then had breakfast at the restaurant.  Then we found a shady campsite and had a rest before going for our afternoon drive.

We took the Orpen Road and then the Sweni Road.

Buffalo heading to the river for a cooling drink

Thanks, Mom

I love my mommy

Oxpecker having a break from salon duties.     She seems to be saying, “How do I look?”

If you don’t stop staring I’ll stick my tongue out at you! 

I’m on the top of the world looking down on creation  (White-backed Vulture)

One of the many elephants seen today

Before turning back to camp we decided to do a quick drive up S100 which is usually very productive.  We saw the usual suspects and got interesting shots of a waterbuck with a giraffe in the background.

And that folks, was our day!   It was really hot with the mercury rising to 41 degrees C.  Our neighbours at the camp were a young family from Howick.  Their little boys were 4 and 9 years old and it was the older boy’s choice to celebrate his birthday in The Park.  They were the lucky ones to have found two cheetahs today!

For supper, my chef braaied pork chops, sweet potato, whole garlic and gem squash.  I made a salad.   We ate inside the air-conditioned caravan!

Watch this space – more excitement to follow tomorrow!