Sugarloaf Campsite, St. Lucia 25th to 28th March 2023 On impulse, Sally and I decided to go to Cape Vidal to see the visiting Lesser Noddy. It had been present there for quite some time… More
Royal Natal National Park
Mahai Campsite
15th to 19th January 2023
Royal Natal National Park
We had four days of good weather while we were there. The campsite was virtually empty as the Christmas holidays had just ended for most children. During our stay, there were at most three other campsites being used. Finding a shady spot was difficult however. All the trees along the entrance fence line parallel to the road have been cut down. Having chosen a spot to camp, I hesitated to set up camp. I had noticed a small clump of trees near the fence and we agreed it would serve as good sun shade in the afternoons. And as we set up facing the clump of trees, we had shade for the mornings too.
The campsite was green and well maintained. The ablutions spotless with hot water aplenty. No power shutdowns.
Here are a few photos of the campsite and its surrounds.
Our campsite birds:
Here are some photos of the reception area and the mountains around it.
On the first afternoon there, we took a short walk from the campsite upriver to the Cascades. Sally wanted a swim. There were a number of people already there. Kids running around and having fun as they do. Still Sally managed to find a quiet corner to get wet.
The walk there along the river;
Cascades pools;
Looking down at the Cascade Pools
Swimming – too cold for me!!
Sally
On our walk to the Cascades pools we came across a small bird party of Cape Batis and a juvenile species we could not positively identify.
We had three full days there. The first day we decided to walk up to Lookout Rock (see map) then to Tiger Falls; back to Lookout Rock, over the Mahai river and head towards Tranquility Pool before heading back to camp on the opposite side of the Mahai River.
We had little idea how far this was until we got back. 15 km walk taking much of the day despite setting off at 06h30. Fortunately, we had mist hanging over the mountain for most of the way up to the highest point, then a forest to stroll through on the way back. The last long section was in the hot sun. We were glad to be back.
Some photos of the scenery on our walk.
Finding another rock pool, Sally needed to cool off.
Misty morning and the birds were calling on the way up, less so on the way down in the hot hot sun. There were numerous Cisticolas and Malachite Sunbirds. Then when we were higher up, we found a group of Woodpeckers – Ground Woodpeckers. In the Mahai forest at the top of our walk, Sally noticed what she thought might be a Chorister Robin-Chat. However, it turned out to be a lovely White-starred Robin.
Our second day was meant to be more of a recovery day after the 15 kms walked the first day. However, we still managed an additional 10 kms. To keep it flat we decided to bird round the dam near the reception area. But this led us to take Ottos’s Walk through the forest as well. There were some nice birds round the dam including Giant Kingfishers, Malachite Kingfishers, Black-headed Herons and some other waterbirds.
Then we were into the forest walking alongside the river. The birds were noticeably quiet. Eventually we reached the road from the gate back to the reception. It was a long hot walk uphill most of the way back. Along the way we saw and heard a few small bird parties. Mostly nothing exciting until I saw what I thought at the time was a Sombre Greenbul – the angle of the sun deceiving me – fortunately. None other than a rather mobile Bush Blackcap as Sally pointed out. One of the specials we were hoping to see.
Later that afternoon we took a drive outside the Park and hoping to have dinner at the Tower of Pizza. It was closed – Mondays!!
Then we had another gander around the dam near reception. We encountered an active bird party. Spotted a pair of Bush Blackcaps and an Olive Woodpecker among others.
On our final full day, we took a stroll up to the Gorge. Supposedly 7 kms each way. Well, we never made it all the way. We got as far as the start of the boulders in the river bed. And that had taken us a good 4 or more hours!! We had stopped and birded in the forests as we walked – seeing some lovely birds. The best of which was an obliging Chorister Robin-Chat.
It was a very scenic walk following the Thukela River up towards the Gorge. As we traipsed along the river was well below us and it never seemed to get closer.
Eventually we got to a point where we decided we had had enough. The boulders were ahead of us, and we were close to the riverbed at last – still shaded in one of the forests. And there was a cool pool bubbling passed us. Not to be missed Sally took a dip and I took the opportunity to get my boots off and feet wet!
After a good hour’s rest, we tried to retrace our steps. Very quickly we were offline and stumbling through the forest. Eventually we found the path and slogged our way back. And this time we had numerous birds to stop for and photograph.
At last we near the bottom where we started from. But we are still above Thendele. And we started below.
Eventually after another 4 hour stroll, we reach our car – 22 kms trekking. So much for 7 kms each way!!! Started at 06h30 and got back at 16h00. A rather long day.
So, three days and 47 kms mountain trekking. Not to be repeated!! But pleased we made it as much as we did.
In total we recorded 70 different bird species in the 3 full days there. Our bird list can be downloaded here. The standout birds for us included: Bush Blackcap, White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-Chat, Barratt’s Warbler (heard only), Olive Bushshrike, Groundscraper Thrush, Olive Woodpecker, Ground Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Yellow Bishop, Malachite Sunbird, Common House-Martin, Drakensberg Prinia, Cape Rock-Thrush,
Paul and Sally Bartho
Zululand – Part 4 – Bonamanzi.
Bonamanzi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe
4th to 6th November 2022
Leaving Nyalazi we entered Umfolozi and then drove through the Hluhluwe part of the Park to the N2. Turning right onto the freeway we headed south towards the petrol station with all the lights lining the freeway at its entrance. Just before reaching the lights there is a bridge over the freeway and we took the exit to the bridge. Turn left at the top and drive 4 kilometres along the dirt road to a T junction, turn left and immediately right to the entrance of Bonamanzi Game Park.
The Bonamanzi Game Park was empty. We were one of a very few not only campers but also chalet guests. We set up camp on our own in campsite 21 on the opposite side to the swimming pool. Between reception and the campsite we recorded 3 specials and another at the campsite – all heard. They were the Gorgeous Bushshrike, the Bananabird – Green Malkoha – the Eastern Nicator and then the Narina Trogon in camp. Quite a start for our bird list. We went on to see all of them except the Eastern Nicator but only fortunate enough to photograph one of them.
Bonamanzi has opened up all its roads to its guests for which there is a compulsory conservation levy of R150 per vehicle per day once off charge, definitely worth it as you are able to explore both the Game Area and Wetland Areas on your own and the numerous tracks as well.
A Bearded Scrub-Robin enjoyed the campsite with us.
Making use of our first afternoon there we headed to the Wetland Area. Fortunately, despite all the rain the tracks were doable. The floodplain area is very extensive and runs probably 2 kilometres alongside the canal.
That afternoon we had many waterbird sightings and some pretty unexpected birds too – one in particular in numbers.
Here are some of the birds we sort of expected to see.
Unexpectedly we saw several Brown-throated Weavers.
And then among all the Southern Red Bishops all along the wetland area by the canal were Red-headed Queleas.
At the Reception area and bungalows there is a dam with a comfortable overlooking hide. It was a good spot to sit and watch the birds especially when the rain appeared.
However, the surprise was not a waterbird but a Tambourine Dove seen walking on the lawn by the bungalows.
Here are photos of some of the other birds seen while driving around.
The highlight of our time there was to capture photos and videos of a very special bird – one that we had heard on arrival. On our first morning we took a walk along the road back towards the pool and nearby campsite. Sites 7-10. Chasing around following a number of birds we heard a strange call but suspected that it could be very special. Then we saw a female fly across the campsite – Narina Trogon. Then the male appeared at the place where the female had flown from. Shots taken for record, then can we get closer, closer still, will it let us? It did and sat chortling away not 10 metres from us. Totally unconcerned. I moved around and took videos and it stayed put. It only flew off after we left. Lovely sighting.
And so ended our couple of wet weeks in Zululand.
Please click on the following link to see our bird lists for each of the 4 areas we visited in Zululand.
In total we identified 215 different bird species.
Cheers
Sally and Paul Bartho
Zululand – Part 3 – Nyalazi Camp
Nyalazi Camp
1st to 4th November 2022
Nyalazi is a small and very popular campsite. It has 7 sites. During holiday seasons and the winter months it is very busy. All the campsites have been levelled and sand added to form a flat base – as you can see in the photo above. Most of the sites have a view over the Umfolozi fence and animals are often seen.
In the past we have seen Giraffe, Buffalo and Rhino wander through as well.
The overcast weather persisted during the 3 days we stayed there. During our time based at Nyalazi Camp, we went into both Hluhluwe and Umfolozi. Weather restricted our viewings although it has been at times like this that you come across the unexpected.
It is a short 300 metre drive to get inside the park. However, the entrance gate is a further 3 kilometres away. So, as you exit to the right from the campsite turnoff, you are on a main road running through the Park – the road from Mtubatuba to Nongoma.
This time we encountered herds of both Buffalo and Elephants blocking and crossing the road. Must be hellish dangerous at night especially for those not maintaining the speed limit.
In Hluhluwe we had a good drive around, checking the only Hide – Thiyeni Hide – as well as the picnic sites.
At the picnic site closest to Hluhluwe’s Memorial Gate, we noticed this strange looking root system of a tree hanging over the Hluhluwe river.
In Umfolozi, we noticed a White-backed Vulture on its nest and at the Mpafa Hide the resident pair of Mocking Cliff-Chats paid us a visit in the Hide.
Here are some of the birds which posed for us as we travelled around.
Therre was one camp bird that posed for us particularly well as he sang – a Diederik Cuckoo.
Sally and I debated about going home instead of our plan to visit Bonamanzi. In the end we stuck to our plan and were very pleased that we did.
We drove back through Hluhluwe to get to Bonamanzi.
Cheers
Sally and Paul Bartho
Zululand – Part 2 – Mkuze
Mkuze
27th October to 1st November 2022
Mkuze is a short 130 kms drive from Sugarloaf in St. Lucia. We stopped for diesel on the way and went through Mkuzi town to do some shopping. We arrived early. As the campsite is next to the entrance, we immediately set up camp before checking in at reception some 6 kms further into the park.
Like Sugarloaf the campsite was virtually empty, so we chose a site sheltered from the wind but out in the open so that if there was any sun it would warm up our Cheetah and our solar panels could charge our batteries. We were told that there was no power available anymore when we booked and the staff at the entrance confirmed this. But that was not the case. We had power every evening from 17h00 to 22h00.
Again, the weather was overcast and rainy on most days.
Kumasinga Hide is usually bustling with birds, however it was very quiet whenever we visited. That does not mean we saw nothing interesting. We watched Red-billed Oxpeckers bathing, a green snake crawling along nearby branches as well as a large leguaan stalking along the bank.
Red-billed Oxpeckers having a bath:
The Leguaan crawling up the bank:
And the Green Snake slithering along the dried branches by the hide:
Malibala Hide was also quiet but we did enjoy the Terrapin castles and the ever resident Three-banded Plover.
The swimming pool looked good for a swim – alas a tad wet and cold.
Camp birds were not too shy despite the need for shelter.
At the picnic site by Nsumo Pan we did observe a distant Squacco Heron.
A few other creatures caught our attention:
And finally, a few bird shots as we circled the Park numerous times.
And that sums up the time we spent at Mkuzi. Our bird list will be available to see in our final Zululand Report on Bonamanzi.
Hoping for better weather we headed for Nyalazi Campsite close to the entrance of Umfolozi. Part 3 follows.
Paul and Sally Bartho
Zululand – Part 1
Needing a break from the Ambers, Sally and I took our campervan to Zululand for 2 weeks. We spent 4 nights in St. Lucia at Sugarloaf campsite; 5 nights in Mkuze; 3 nights in Nyalazi camp (2 kms from the Umfolozi entrance); and then 2 nights in Bonamanzi.
Bonamanzi is not shown on this map, but it is just SE of Hluhluwe town.
Most of the time it was wet and overcast which was a shame, but you take what you get and make the most of it. It certainly did not help with photography.
St. Lucia. Sugarloaf Campsite
October 23rd to 27th 2022
From a birding perspective, Sugarloaf is centrally located to visit a number of interesting birding sites in the immediate area. Both Eastern and Western Shores of Isimangaliso Wetlands are a short drive away; then there is the estuary and beach a short walk from the campsite – as well as the Gwala Gwala trail. An hour’s drive will get you into Umfolozi.
The campground has about 100 sites and 4 ablution blocks. The grounds are a birders paradise. On many an occasion we have recorded over 90 different species in the camp alone. And it harbours specials such as Green Twinspots, Tinkerbirds, Wood Owls, Livingstone’s Turacos, Wattle-eyes, Green Malkoha, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Narina Trogan, Brown Scrub-Robins, Shikra, Little Sparrowhawk, Hornbills, Woodwards Batis among many others.
This time we had an opportunity to take pics of the Green Twinspots and a very friendly Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird as well as a Golden-tailed Woodpecker within metres from our Afrispoor Cheetah.
Apart from monkeys there are buck, Red and Grey Duiker, Mongooses in particular Banded which form part of the attraction in the site. Monkeys were seen actually playing with a young Bushbuck – each playfully chasing each other.
Monkeys come for food so don’t leave any temptations and they will soon stop bothering you.
On the first morning the sun was shining. We took this opportunity to walk down the beach to see the Tern roost next to the new estuary mouth.
On the way, we unexpectedly came across a couple of Eurasian Whimbrels in the dunes. Others were on the beach along with White-fronted Plovers.
Our timing was good as the tide was out. However, the numbers and variety of species was limited and of course IDing the birds was made difficult as they were on the other bank and we had no scope with us. It was still a treat as we were able to sit and watch the antics of the birds and get somewhat excited as new birds flew in.
So that was when the tide was out. One lucky afternoon the sun came out and I was able to go back down to the estuary and watch the tide coming in. Here is a video.
The rains came and came again most of the time there. However, we still took drives into both Eastern and Western Shores. Western Shores was very quiet and if I remember correctly it took us an hour to see our fist aminal. We came across the Martial Eagle’s nest with a chick on board. Otherwise, the rain kept all the animals and birds in shelter.
At one of the river crossings this Hamerkop remained fishing on the bridge as we crossed, and it let us stop and take a picture.
On one of our trips into the Eastern Shores we came across these three Zebra having a pow-wow. The picture of the three standing in the burnt-out bush looked unreal – as if they were placed there. More like a picture you might see on the cover of a jigsaw puzzle box.
On several occasions we visited the Amazibu Hide to search for the resident family of Rufous-bellied Herons. It was third time lucky but only one appeared. And it moved to a new location, the sun and shadows moved over it and gave it a remarkably blue appearance.
Here are photos taken in mainly the Eastern Shores side of Isimangaliso Wetland Park
At the end of this series, we shall include a bird list showing what we saw and where. From Sugarloaf we headed to Mukuze.
Sally and Paul Bartho
The St. Lucia Ski Boat Club is directly opposite to the entrance to Sugarloaf. We found it a great place to have fish and chips (and a beer) at lunchtime. In the evening the mossies can be bit off-putting.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Part 4 – Twee Rivieren
21st to 24th May 2022
Eventually the time came for all of us to head homewards. We left Polentswa heading south via Nossob to the Two Rivers camp (Botswana side) at the entrance to the Kgalagadi.
We arrived at the Two Rivers campsite on a cold and windy afternoon. There was no water anywhere including in the ablutions and the campsite allocated to us No. 2 was probably the worst of an uncomfortable bunch.
Sally and I decided to go to Twee Rivieren instead where we had decent ablutions and hot water for showers. The others opted to stay in Two Rivers. The two camps are a short 2 or 3 kms apart.
On an early morning drive heading towards Mata Mata we had more success seeing animals than birds. We attributed this to the weather conditions.
On one occasion we encountered a rather twisted Ostrich.
We spent a lot of time birding inside the campgrounds with pleasant surprises- Black-faced Waxbills, Groundscraper Thrush, friendly Brown-throated Martins, Black-winged Kites, White-backed Mousebird and a Marico Flycatcher to name a few.
Also, in the camp we had a singing display by a Chat Flycatcher which then boasted its fly catching prowess.
Chat Flycatcher singing and feeding.
And so ended our visit to the Kgalagadi. We spent the next few days heading back to Howick, KZN via a stopover in Mokala.
Our bird lists for each of the places we stayed and in total can be seen in the following download. It does include our time in Augrabies – on our way to Kgalagadi as well as Mokala on our way home.
Augrabies and Mokala reports have previously been posted on the website.
Hope you have enjoyed our feedback and photos.
Cheers
Paul and Sally Bartho
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Part 3 Polentswa
Polentswa
15th to 21st May 2022
Polentswa campsite is only an hour’s drive north of Nossob. There are only 3 campsites – each taking a maximum of 3 couples. It is located in the Botswana side of the Park and each site has a separate shower, long drop but no water nor power. Take rubbish bags.
Campsite fire and braai.
One of the major benefits of Polentswa is that there are only 3 campsites and it is a good hour’s drive from Nossob. Hence little traffic till later in the morning.
On our previous visit we had playful lions passing through our camp. This time they were nearby too. And another large male staked his claim on the main road to Nossob.
On one occasion we took a drive to Unions End at the far north of the Park on the South African side. Much to our surprise at the Unions End waterhole we observed a Barn Swallow flying around us.
On the journey north we also came across a large herd of Red Hartebeest. Beasts we had not seen elsewhere in the Park.
Just north of Polentswa – about 12 kms – is a picnic site – Lijersdraai. It has a waterhole nearby..
The Burchell’s Sandgrouse were the predominant Sandgrouse that we observed at waterholes. They could be heard and seen swirling around above then take a dive for the waterhole only for one to decide to head back into the sky and they all followed. Once at the waterhole they did not stay long and any nervousness sent them all back into the air. Their antics were fun to watch – especially when the raptors were about.
Once landed it is a case of absorbing as much water under their breasts and wings to take back for their young. A sip or two for themselves and then they were off. Ever watchful for marauding Lanners and Goshawks.
We saw a good selection of raptors while staying in Polentswa – Eagles, Goshawks, Snake-Eagles and Falcons and a lone White-backed Vulture.
Then there other species of birds and animals that we saw during our time driving around the area.
Much of our time was spent at the Polenswa Porontsoab waterhole – some 2 kms from camp. There always seemed to be some sort of activity present every time we visited. Jackals catching Sandgrouses, Lanners trying to catch Sandgrouse, Jackals befriending raptors, raptors befriending other raptors, raptors bombing other raptors and the usual influx of thirsty animals.
Porontsoab Waterhole
Here are some photos of Black-backed Jackals and their interaction with each other. And they are very successful at catching Sandgrouse especially compared to the antics of the Lanner falcons. Having caught a bird one Jackal would come very close to the car and scoff down its meal.
The Lanner Falcons – sometimes six in a tree – would watch the jackals and wait to make their move. however, it seemed that by the time they reached the waterhole they had been spotted and their prey had already taken flight. For some strange reason the Sandgrouses were not so intimidated by the close presence of the Jackals – much to their demise.
And there was obvious friendship at times between animals and birds; and raptors and raptors.
And animosity between raptors for no apparent reason. As this Lanner Falcon attacks a Pale Chanting Goshawk.
Others that appeared for a drink.
After six nights at Polentswa it was time to leave and head for our last three nights in Twee Rivieren. Meanwhile we had recorded 51 bird species during our time in Polentswa. Full list shown in Part 4 Twee Rivieren.
We hope you have enjoyed the read so far.
Paul and Sally Bartho
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Part 2 Nossob
Nossob
10th to 15th May 2022
We all left Mata Mata early and headed for Nossob. Sally and I went on ahead to see if we could find a spot in the campsite where we could all congregate. As it happened, we found two adjacent semi-shaded sites right at the end on the top level.
And at night we felt as though we were the only people there. However the temperature dropped – significantly to about 2 degree C. Then rose to 32 degree C during the day. Thankfully the electric blanket kept us warm at night.
Nossob is a well situated camp. It is the place to overnight before heading across the dunes to Mabuasehube almost 200 kms to the east. Although you can only travel north or south from Nossob, there are waterholes to visit in each direction. Heading south the road goes to Twee Riveren bypassing Rooiputs and there are two cross roads to Mata Mata along the way.
The camp has a shop and petrol & diesel pumps. There is a wifi spot just outside the office which is available for a fee. It has a swimmong pool and the ablutions are clean and have good hot water. There is also a hide at the camp overlooking a waterhole which is open all day and night..
The two closest waterholes are Rooikop to the south and Cubitje Quap to the north.
Over the five days we were at Nossob we spent time wandering around the waterholes north and south as well as time birding in the camp.
Some of the animal species seen included Bat-eared Foxes, a Leopard with family, Hyenas, Giraffe, Steenbok, Springbok and Yellow-tailed Mongooses.
We came across a (very long) Cape Cobra raiding a sociable Weaver’s nest – with no luck it seemed.
Here are some of the birds photographed as we travelled around.
