It’s 08:15 and still a chilly 16 degrees C this morning. The skies are cloudy but it won’t be for long. Bring a fleece and throw it off later when the sun starts warming up. All aboard for a virtual game drive. We’re following our friends to see what we can find out there in the African bush!
Where are the animals hiding? Why aren’t the birds singing? It’s half past nine and we’ve seen nothing but trees, rocks and bush!



Oh no – what’s that trumpeting sound? Alec is calling on the Walkie Talkie, “Did you hear that? My heart nearly stopped. Look up ahead.”

The Earl takes the mike, “He’s very relaxed. Just drive on past.
Listen to Alec’s reply, “Cathy says to wait till he goes further into the bush!”
Don’t worry, we won’t put your lives in danger. It’s okay to go now, he’s moved deeper into the bush! Always remember give elephants a wide berth – don’t upset them, they’re bigger than you!
There is no point continuing on this road. We took it to Phalaborwa gate on Friday and it was dead. Let’s get back onto the tar road and then turn right after the bridge and do some river loops.
Listen do you hear that? It’s a fish eagle and there she is. You’ll need to look through your binoculars


Wow, the tar road is finding us more animals. Alec has stopped up ahead. He’s seen a buffalo.

Look at the starling keeping close to the buffalo’s feet Why do you think she’s doing that?

It’s always worth stopping on a bridge. Cathy’s found something already,

Watch those swallows flying – oh look one has landed on the railing.


These swallows are resident in the Limpopo province all year round. They are always near water.
Oh look right down there on the bank of the river? Do you see those beautiful buck? They’re usually seen in rocky areas and they are very agile rock climbers. Their Afrikaans name, Klipspringer, means rock jumper. They’re away from their rocks because they’re thirsty and heading down for a drink.


The hamerkop will stand at the water’s edge and snatch prey from the water or the land. He will also probe in the mud for aquatic creatures but then he will wash his prey before eating it.
Okay, it’s time to move on. Alec goes first. Uh oh, what’s he seen now. “Road block ahead!”

We’re letting all the elephants cross over but they’re heading down the road we want to take. And they’ve got babies. It’s wise to give them a wide berth as they’re very protective of their young. Let’s just go very carefully down that road and hope they’re not blocking it.


We’ll just sneak slowly past and cross through the water. Hold tight as we negotiate the rough road across the river. Yes, Earl, I know you think it’s fun, but it won’t be funny having an elephant push you from behind!


Look over there. Terrapins sunning themselves on the flat rocks.

Here you can see why it’s called Letaba – the river of sand

Look over there on the river bank – some kudu. But the male is hiding and won’t pose for a photograph.

I hope you have enjoyed the morning drive.
It’s now after three-o’clock. Bring a packed snack for this afternoon’s birding drive. We’re taking the main road and then half the Mingerhout drive and back. We will stop for birds and creatures so have you binoculars ready. Alec and Cathy are driving to the bird hide. We won’t be in tandem this afternoon.
Wow there is a whole bird party here.




Wasn’t that fun seeing so many birds. It’s a pity we couldn’t get good photos of them all. Now let’s look down on the river to see what we can find. I think I see a grey heron.

Earl, are we going back now? Wait – those stones are moving. They’re not stones – they’re birds! They camouflage very well.


Let’s head back and see what Cathy and Alec have seen at the bird hide. Take a look at Cathy’s photos of the hippo’s entertainment.


Thanks for riding along with us once again. See you all tomorrow.
I like your photograph of the tchagra.
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Thanks Anne – there were so many birds in one spot all flitting about and hiding behind long grass and foliage that photography was quite tricky.
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Wonderful as usual. Love the last hippo photo 😂
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Thanks Bushboy. That hippo is very amusing😆
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Beautiful photos!!!
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