The Honorary Offices (HO) arranged a visit to the Ndumo Game Reserve where future work events may be scheduled.
It was a 2 hour (63km) drive from the Ponweni camp site to the Ndumo reception.
This is a beautiful game reserve with great camping grounds and chalets.
After the check-in formalities, the group split into two: 1) Bird Watching Walk and 2) Site visits in the park. I opted for the Bird Watching walk as I had never experienced this type of activity.
The Bird Watchers: Marty, Brenda, Bongani (Guide), Chas, Scot and Philip
The Bird Watchers were introduced to Bongani, our guide. He drove us to the Sand Forest and took us on a 3 hour walk. He was very knowledgable and could make bird sounds to attract the birds. Marty and Chas are avid bird watchers and helped the novices (myself). I saw 8 birds that Marty and Chas help identify. Marty identifued more birds.
Wearing glasses does not make for a good bird watcher. By the time you spot the bird, removed your glasses and get the binoculars focused on the target, the bird had flown off.
Birds seen by myself:
Giant Eagle Owl
Crowned Hornbill
Red-capped Robin Chat
Green-backed Camaroptera
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher
Woodwards' Batis
Purple-banded Sunbird
Pink-throated Twinspot
After the bird watching we headed for the hide at the Nyamithi Pan for lunch. It is a 3.5 km drive to the hide parking area. The hide is located about 500m from the parking area. The game park no longer has elephants, rhino and lions and therefore the walk is safe. Apparently there are still aggressive buffalo, that we needed to watch out for. What a stunning view with a variety of bird life and a crocodile.
The hide on Nyamithi Pan
The view from the hide
Ndomu Reception and Dave
Ndumo Camping Ground
One of the Ndumo Chalets
Ndumo Camping Ablusions
Route from Ponweni to Ndumo