Madikwe October 11

So at the end of October I spent a few days at Mosethla Bush Camp in Madikwe with a group of amateur photographers.  The temperature was in the mid 40s while we were there, and those who know Mosethla will appreciate the challenges of no running water and no electricity, no pool to jump into and cool off!  The first two nights the camp was full (about 20) with people from all over the world, Norway, England, USA, and of course South Africa. We had some lovely chats around the fire after dinner under the stars.  I am hoping to stay in touch with some of them.

The game viewing was second to none.  The rains have not come yet and the land is still parched.  The area around Vlei Pan was as busy as usual with the elephants and rhinos (white and black) trying to get the best mud patch for wallowing.  Zebra, impala, wildebeest, rhino, elephant, buffalo all come to this pan to drink.



Not too far from the Vlei Pan is a jackal den where a mum and two pups hide during the day and just before sunset when the temperature has dropped (slightly) they are allowed to come out to play.  Very curious they wanted to sniff and look at everything, including our vehicle, although when they got too close mum called them back.

The lions were also quite active, even though the males usually were doing what they do best, sleeping off a big meal.  One pride of two males, three females and five cubs were particularly entertaining one afternoon.

The bird life around Mosethla is fantastic too.  Just a small bird bath under a tree is enough to attract a steady stream of traffic.  I was lucky enough to be able to sit quietly on the steps to my room and take some photographs of the birds coming and going.  Of particular interest is the Klaas's cuckoo, not because it is a good shot but because the green and white colouring really stands out. Sometimes they can look quite dull when in full sun.

Hope you enjoy looking at the pictures.

This giraffe looked quite surprised to find himself amongst a herd of buffalo

How cute is this cub?

Another beautiful African sunset

Plenty of fighting going on for the attention of the females

Klaas's Cuckoo

Black collared barbet - all the birds sat with their beaks open trying to stay cool

He had just had a lovely wallow in the mud

This kudu took ages to approach the water as it was very nervous - then caught sight of its own reflection!

Having a refreshing drink

These two were feeding their young inside the tree

The resident lizard at Mosethla in the tree next to the breakfast table

These cubs were very playful

But still best of friends

Jackal pups - about three months old

Xeena