Morning drive from Ngwenya to Lower Sabie

27 August 2023 - Kruger National Park; Day 3

We were up early and were 8th in the queue at Croc Bridge Gate by 5:45 waiting to cross the river. We had already completed our entrance forms, so could go straight to the entry booth. We were greeted by 'Sanbonani' when I pulled up and when asking what it meant, got a husky and saucy reply saying "Halloooo" and we all smiled - it was a good start to the morning.

We headed west on the S26, stopping for some Buffalo in dense habitat - no Yellow-billed Oxpecker's on this small herd

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)

My father-in-law picked up a perched Eagle which turned out to be a migratory Wahlberg's Eagle that was quite relaxed

Wahlberg's Eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi)

We headed toward Mpondo Dam for a coffee stop where we enjoyed a large herd of Waterbuck strolling along the dam wall, providing some good photo opportunities

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

Whilst having coffee, a family of African Jacana were feeding along the water's edge

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)

Continuing on our journey toward Lower Sabie, we paused for some Zebra drinking from a small waterhole

Burchell's Zebra (Equus q. burchelli)

Before Lower Sabie, is Sunset Dam, a very popular stop for anyone visiting this camp and a pretty high density of Hippo's and Crocodiles for such a small water body. We parked right next to this young Nile Crocodile

Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

There weren't too many waders present, other than a single Common Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

But we were entertained by the large flock of sometimes comical Yellow-billed Storks that were foraging on the waters edge amongst the Crocs

Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)

With some flying into the big dead tree in the dam

Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)

It was then on to Lower Sabie for a pit stop and bite. There were big numbers of probable Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit Bat under the eaves near the shop

Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit Bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi)

Whilst having a M&B coffee, an immature Bateleur cruised by over the river

Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)

I did see two African Skimmers roosting on the sand bank, but way to far for any images. Of course the resident Greater Blue-eared Starling's are ever present in and around the restaurant area

Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)

We then headed back to Crocodile Bridge on the S28 and at the turnoff encountered a Kruger Park roadblock

Kruger Road Block - Herd of African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) 

Further down the road, some distant Cheetah in the shade of a small tree - try and spot them!

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Crossing the Crocodile River when exiting the Park, we were able to stop on the low level bridge to watch a few young Hippo frolicking 

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious)

And a Fish Eagle having to defend it's Barbel prey from a few dive-bombing Blacksmith Lapwing's

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

All in all, a good first morning in the Park and later I added a few more species at Ngwenya whilst relaxing on the balcony to bring the total to 83.