Not very clear, but this Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) was on a sand bank in the Sand River, flowing in front of our accommodation at Umkumbe. We were there for 4 nights, and we were lucky enough to see the Big 5. This fellow caused some excitement as they had not seen crocs here for several years.
Nyala, (Tragelaphus angasii), female in the front and male behind.
IImpala, (Aepyceros melampus), the youngsters were all having fun running and jumping around and around.
African bush or savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana). A 'teenager' being a bit cheeky!!
and a mother with what we were told was probably a two-year-old youngster. Elephants have one temporal gland on each side of the head between the eye and the ear. The temporal gland is a large gland, much like a sweat gland, that sometimes produces a secretion that trickles down the side of the face. In female elephants, these glands may become active when the animal gets very excited or stressed. In male elephants, the temporal glands are active when the male is in “musth”, which is a condition very much like “rut” in a deer.
Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) and 2 Blue wildebeest [brindled gnu] (Connochaetes taurinus.)
Wahlberg's eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi).
An African sunset.
African lion (Panthera leo), there were two here who were known to be brothers. This one was in hiding, while the other one decided to take a stroll.
Leopard (Panthera pardus pardus). I make no excuse for so many leopard photos. It is my favourite animal with the Wild Dog, and this sighting was incredible. She was very relaxed and ignored us watching her for at least 15 minutes. She was spotted in the evening, after our sight of the lions in the morning. A good day out.
and finally, she decided to scratch an itch :-))
Red-billed oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorynchus) on a kudu female. The red-bill devotes its day to plucking insects and ticks from its hosts.
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis).
Still more to follow when I have time.
Wonderful images, Diane. We can only hope that a way can be found to preserve the habitat for these amazing creatures. So much land is now being expropriated for human use and the conservation bar seems to sink lower with each passing year. I am sure that for you, reconnecting with these animals is almost akin to a spiritual experience. I am glad that you share it with us. Gros bisous et bonne semaine - David
ReplyDeleteDavid there are so many problems with the Wildlife here. There are far too many elephants in Kruger and they are destroying the land and killing trees. If they move them it has to be a whole herd, splitting them will not work. Where do you send them too? The cost of moving them is horrendous, but answers have to be found. Botswana also has huge numbers of them as well. Too many elephants affects the other wild life as well. Rhinos sadly are undergoing dehorning every 18 months to try and save them. The poachers are not letting up despite constant patrols. An estimated two rangers are killed each week while attempting to stop poaching, according to Sean Willmore, president of the International Ranger Federation. Saving wildlife is becoming a huge issue. We have a friend who has trained dogs looking for snares, the pile of snares removed is beyond belief. So many difficult decisions to make. For us though it has been amazing and we were so lucky to see all we did with the long grass after the heavy rains and floods. Bisous mon ami, Diane
DeleteMagnificent! Each photo a treasure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie, we were so lucky to see what we did. The heavy rains and floods made it difficult as the grass was so high. Take care, cheers Diane
DeleteGosh, those animals are magnificent! I look forward to more animal pictures from your African trip, Diane.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie, the leopard sighting made the whole trip worthwhile, she was beautiful, but so are all the other animals, Thanks for the kind comment, Diane
DeleteI absolutely love the African wildlife, from a distance of course. I'm glad you are enjoying being back home. I hope Nigel's back isn't acting up too much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny, I also love the African wildlife, that is my one regret in France that we cannot pop out to a game reserve for a weekend. N's back has its moments but he has managed OK. The bronchitis just before we left hit him hard though. We still have a few weeks before we leave here, but no more game reserves, just catching up with friends. Take care Diane
DeleteHi Diane - always takes me back ... I've only ever been in a safari lodge in Botswana ... always camped in SA and we were taken up the Skeleton Coast when camps were set up for us. Love the photos you've given us ... the male Nyala, the elephant appearing out of the bush ... and so many more! Leopards - they look so cuddly?! And painted dogs I've only ever seen them in Botswana. Now I happily live vicariously ... enjoy your last half of the journey. There's so much going on ... I hope the good guys come good for one and all ... take care and very happy times with your friends ... glad to read Nigel is being careful - cheers to you both - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary, I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. I hope your imagination works well and you can visualise some action from my photos. As you say, there is so much going on, one wonders where it will all lead to! We are having a great time with friends. I suspect this will be our last trip, so we have to make the best of it. Travel at our age is not as easy as it used to be, and the costs keep going up!! Take care and keep well, Cheers Diane
DeleteYou lucky lady!!! So many beautiful animals. Great shots!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, we were lucky. After all the rain and floods the grass was so high viewing was not easy. Cheers Charente.
DeleteBeautiful captures, dear Diane! So many gorgeous animals!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, so good to be back here again, I so love African wildlife. Keep well Diane
DeleteAmazing photos of these incredible animals Diane. What a glorious adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise, it is no surprise to me when I return to Africa that it is like coming home. Cheers Diane
DeleteThese shots and sightings are amazing. Only saw Nyala once. I'd take all the shots you can get, leopard, lions, impalas, all. So miss this place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is like returning home for me, I also miss it when in France though I have to admit I feel far more relaxed in general living in France. In Namibia 2 years ago we saw masses of Nyala ! Th leopard was just amazing she was so relaxed. Keep well and take care, Diane
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