Zululand

November 4th to 11th

Sally and I had not been away for nearly 2 months. Zululand beckoned. Our plan was to go to away for a week spending 4 nights in Mkuze and 3 nights in Bonamanzi. From Bonamanzi we planned to visit Hluhluwe Reserve.

At the time the area had had loads of rain so everywhere was lush and there was plenty standing (sitting?) water.

Mkuze

4th to 8th November 2023

To our surprise as we approached the gate, we noticed that there was flowing water either side of the road – something we had not seen in the 20 years of visiting the Reserve.

Camp was quickly set up and we relaxed for a while before going out for an afternoon drive.

No sooner had we left camp than we realised how much rain the Reserve must have had.

The animals and birds were scarce – compared to other times we had been there. most likely because there was water everywhere and they did not need to come to the main watering holes.

At the kuMasinga Hide there were hundreds of Barn Swallows – if not thousands. And not much else except for a couple of frogs lounging in the hide.

As usual there were many Impala and Nyala about, several small herds of Zebra and Gnus – and basically little else. The naughty elephant (we call him Mr. Grumpy) was not to be seen. However, there was a large group of Giraffe on the road to the main camp.

Coming around one corner we observed a stampede of White Rhinos. All orphans apparently. We were later told they had just been released into the reserve. Interesting to see them all together. we did see one other large male.

The Wahlberg’s Eagle nest was occupied with a youngster with parents visiting with food.

Close to the Wahlberg’s Eagle nest we noticed a Southern Masked Weaver starting to build a nest. Re-visiting the area a little later (couple of hours) it had virtually completed the nest.

Then there was the Red-billed Oxpecker family. The youngsters appeared to be coming out of their nest for the first time and the parents were fussing over them.

We took a detour outside the Ophansi Gate to look at the fig forest and the Mkuze River. The ground was not as wet as we expected but the river was well full – muddy full.

In the distance down the fence line of the Reserve, we spotted the best sighting of our stay. A special raptor.

Here are other birds that we managed to photograph.

In all we identified 125 different bird species in Mkuze.

After 4 nights in Mkuze we headed for Bonamanzi.

Bonamanzi

8th to 11th November 2023

Bonamanzi was like everywhere else, soaked. The roads were fine in the main areas but we were unable to get down into the wetland area.

There were very few campers. I think we were one of two! We chose campsite 10 with its own bathroom.

Having set up camp, we enjoyed a drive around the game areas – where we could get access that is.

We spent a day driving around Bonamanzi and another in Hluhluwe Reserve. Both days were overcast and wet. In camp we had several Crowned Hornbills, Brown Scrub-Robins, a Cardinal Woodpecker, Diderick Cuckoos and a Dung Beetle rolling its ball.

We visited the Hide at the main reception area but it was very quiet except for a White-throated Swallow and an African Pied Wagtail.

Here are some of the other waterbirds we took pictures of at various ponds, wetland areas etc:

We did see an animal:

Getting around – greeny style:

Hluhluwe

Having exited the security entrance gate, there was water on the grass either side of us and there on one side were a dozen Glossy Ibis.

Our day in Hluhluwe continued to be gloomy and wet. After a few hours there we decided to return to Bonamanzi. The rivers were full and some roads impassable.

We were excited to see Elephants at the Hilltop entrance and a lone Buffalo wallowing.

Birding was very quiet.

It was lovely to get away and experience nature.

In all we atlassed 96 different bird species in Bonamanzi and 73 in Hluhluwe.

So, as we exited the gate on our way home, we had not even got to the end of the drive when we were in for another treat. On the road in front of us were Canaries. A mixture of Yellow-fronted and Lemon-breasted. Special as they did not fly off.