Adios Ngwenya

01 September 2022 - Ngwenya to Lower Sabi; Day 7

Sadly like all good things our week was at an end, so we planned two short trips today an early morning drive and a late afternoon drive. We had an early start for the morning and were through Croc Bridge gate by 6:15. Not long after the gate and still on the tar road, we hid a large traffic jam caused by the female Cheetah and her cub who were interacting on the side of the road and a lot closer than our previous sighting. I managed to get a good position and switched off the car, so we could watch and enjoy this sighting.

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

We then turned off the tar and headed north on the eastern sand road toward Lower Sabi, encountering a few Ele's

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

We popped in at Sunset Dam where for the first time I can remember, a large bull Ele was walking with purpose along the edge of the dam

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

We had a coffee stop at Lower Sabi and after coming out of the gate, papped this Marico Sunbird

Marico Sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis)

we continued south to Croc Bridge, stopping to admire another stunning Knobthorn 

Knobthorn (Senegalia nigrescens)

and this distant mass of Vultures (4 species) and a single Hyena just before the gate - this kill wasn't there this morning when we passed the Cheetah, but whatever it was, there was not much left that I could see through my bins. 

Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and assorted Vultures

During the day, I had a last short walk and enjoyed the antics of a flock of White-crested Helmetshrike

White-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus)

And photographing a Dragonfly that had eluded my on a few of the previous walks - turns out to be a Hooktail and a fairly decent record

Common Hooktail (Paragomphus genei)

Late afternoon, we did a sundowner drive, without the sundowners. Driving up to the H5 and returning via Hippo Pools. Just after turning off the tar onto the sand road, we came across a small herd of old Buffalo bulls, commonly called the Dagga Boys - these guys certainly had character and swagger. Buffalo lend themselves to B+W

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

We didnt see too much else, but just enjoyed soaking in this part of the Park for the final time. Just before getting to the tar road, I spotted a pair of Tawny Eagles that were settling down on a dead tree for the night

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)

It was then time to say adios to KNP and Ngwenya and see you again soon. A really enjoyable and chilled break in the bush where I also recorded 171 species and we had some memorable game viewing and good times at our chalet.