Gecko #81 Goes to Kruger – Letaba to Tsendze

25 November

There is a surprisingly good internet connection at Tsendze so I can catch up with my blog posts.

We left Letaba this morning and got to Mopani Camp at around 8:30.  We had to check in there as Tsendze is a rustic camp with no reception, no shop, no restaurant and no electricity.  However, it is beautifully kept by its caretakers, Elena and Rodgerh. The latter is currently on leave so Elena is holding the fort on her own.

Our last photograph from the Letaba bridge – Marabou Stork, Yellow-billed Stork and  Egret

You have to open and close the gate ourselves at Tsendze – Check for wild animals first!

Do I get a tip?

We were allocated campsite #5

After setting up and having a rest we went out again in the afternoon and had a very pleasant and productive drive.

Baobab Tree

Elephant trying to hide in the Mopane trees

This one was too big to hide

A zebra crossed our path

The thing we enjoy most in Kruger is the birdlife.   After travelling a stretch that had little to offer, I called – Stop!”   “What?” asked the Earl.  I’d seen some little birds but they kept disappearing into the trees or the long grass.   Eventually, he too could see the movement and then I spotted some well-camouflaged but sitting still.

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-larks Male left female right

Yellow-billed hornbills are common in the park but sometimes they just beg to be photographed

Two in a tree

What a handsome fellow

An antelope that is not so commonly seen is the Tsesbe.   One is more likely to see them in the northern part of the park and today we had a good sighting.

Tsebe

 

An African Scene

We got back to camp at about 17:30.  We started the braai a bit too late this evening. It gets dark at 18:30 and if you put on any lights the bugs will bug you!   So we kept them off and when the food was ready we went inside the caravan to eat!  Otherwise, we would have been eaten.  Tomorrow we will be sure to eat before dark!