Part 5 of our holiday in South Africa.

 Back home in the Charente, the weather is still very dismal. The maximum temperature in the Charente today is 15⁰C, minimum 8⁰C. 25 to 54 km/h North/West winds. 90% chance of rain.  As I type this, I have a jersey and a fleece on in the house!

These two elephants were right next to the fence that was in front of our accommodation at Crocodile Bridge, which was our last stopover in Kruger National Park.

Ostrich (Struthio camelus), both males.

Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus).

Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca).

Bushbuck (Tragelaphus-scriptus). This little fellow had somehow sneaked in past the entrance into the camp, and I took this photo right at the back of the hut we were staying in. I presume it did this quite often, as though it was nervous; it was not that frightened of me.

Lions (Panthera leo melanochaita) spotted in the road on a late return to camp, these photos were taken in the car's headlamps.

As above.

White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). They are dehorned every 18 months to try to prevent poaching. Very sad that this is necessary.

Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus).

Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus).

Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) and an Impala (Aepyceros melampus).

Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus).  Warthogs often kneel on their front legs when feeding. Their calloused, bony “knees” help them to comfortably rest on the ground while feeding on roots, fruits, and grasses.  This fellow looks like it has just had a mud bath.

Burchell's Zebra see above.

European Roller (Coracias garrulus).  Look carefully, the second leg is tucked in under its tummy,

African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus).  One of my favourite animals, next to the leopard, but sadly endangered, although they are improving in numbers.

As you can see, this female has a collar to monitor pack movements.  This allows conservation managers to take quick action in protecting these animals.

Wild dogs as above.

Another Water Monitor.  This one had somehow made its way into the camp as well.