The same early start after a late finish. This time we struck out North-East in search of Hippo. On route we glimpsed an elusive Steenbok on the way to a waterhole where Turtle Dove drank the cold, diminishing rainwater.
Leaving the Reserve by the Deerdepoort Gate we made a short drive to a bridge over the Groot Marico River. A Pied Kingfisher swept low over the still black water to provide a perfect backdrop to the five Hippo that lazed in the light of the newly-risen sun, their noses, ears and eyes typically aligned as they became the observers.
HIPPO IN THE GROOT MARICO
Marc heard on the radio that a Brown Hyena had been injured, probably in a fight with another Hyena. He lay in the road looking very sorry for himself and licking his wounds.
BROWN HYENA
Driving across the open veldt we saw the familiar mix of Burchell’s Zebra, Wildebeeste and Impala but also a fine stand of Springbok, including one unfortunate that had lost an eye.
A Kori Bustard alarmed as we passed and made our way back to the Lodge. A quick detour by Marc and we were all delighted and surprised to find a “Field Kitchen” where we feasted on Banana, Butterscotch Sauce and Maple Syrup Pancakes with Cinnamon to supplement and compliment our customary “Wobbly Coffees”.
Our final drive ended with a view of a group of Kudu and the worst joke from Marc’s limited repertoire.
READY TO ROLL
We bade farewell to our fellow intrepid explorers, Beastmaster Marc, Phemelo and Girl and left Madikwe once more, re-tracing our route to the Safari Club in Joburg for R & R before the next step in our journey to Phinda in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
FAREWELL
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