Day 03:
Punda Maria to Shingwedzi

Trip Summary:

The drive today was not far which allowed me to take detours to visit waterholes.  Most, if not all were dry.

I was lucky to once again see Wild Dogs and Hyena along with the standard animals that you are likely to see every time you take a drive in the Kruger park.  I was also fortunate to see Rooibok, Duiker and Bushbuck as these antelope are shy and skitish.

I took the H1-7 south to the S56.  I stopped at the Babalala Picnic sight to stretch my legs.  As I travelled along the S56, 4 wild dogs appeared out of the bush into the road.  They were as surprised as I was.  They were on a mission and veared off into the bush to continue. [Pic] I took the loop on the S56 to look at the Wamatsani Waterhole - It was dry.  As I turned back onto the S56, I came head-to-head with a buffalo.  He was kind enough to move off the road into the bush to let me pass. [Pic]

When crossing one of the larger dry river beds, I was fortunate to see elephant digging holes in the riverbed and drinking water that seeps into the hole. [Pic] Each time you cross a dry riverbed, there is evidence of the holes dug by elephant and possibly other animals as well.

Some elephant, ignore you as you drive by, while others turn around and look at you as if to say, "Stay away".  It is important to be able to read an elephant to avoid possible conflict of interests.

Shingwedzi River with lots of Hippo and Crocodile

Punda Maria Rest Camp to Shingwedzi  Rest Camp (88km)