Kruger Day 4 - Letaba / Olifants / Satara

After checking out of Sunbird Lodge, we set off towards Phalaborwa and began the long, stop-start drive in the direction of Hazyview. 

These drives are really about the moments along the way, every animal sighting a small joy, regardless of the species. Although the park is rich in wildlife, there are stretches when sightings are few and far between, which somehow makes each encounter feel all the more special.

Heading along the Phalaborwa road toward Letaba, it was generally quiet, until this happened.

A beautiful lioness emerged from the leftside of the road. I slammed on the brakes and for the next few minutes with no one else around, we were absolutely beguiled by this beautiful animal.

Into the road it continued unperturbed by a couple of other vehicles that eventually arrived on the scene.

We continued to move further into the park stopping first at the Letaba rest camp.

More roadworthy animals. This young male elephant evidently had a good time at a waterhole.

More crossings over rivers and waterbodies.

Kudu were also a frequent sighting within the park.

Another of the amazing rest camps is Olifants overlooking the expanse of the river.

Vervet monkey were cheekily bouncing around the public areas.

En route to Satara, we encountered a large group of African buffalo with approximately 250 animals grazing on the pasture.

This particular area was quite productive for wildlife. Not entirely sure why certain areas were more abundant than others.

A yellow-billed hornbill was ground feeding at the Satara rest camp.

A frequent sighting were Diederik cuckoo. This individual was seen at the Satara rest camp.

But for the lioness, this stop at a waterhole would have been the days' highlight. The waterbody was enjoyed by numerous hippopotamus including a few young. A herd of elephant then wandered across from the left of our viewpoint, an extended family group with a few calf in tow.

We paused at this site for around 20 minutes before moving on. This area was fantastic for mammals. 

This lovely dominant male waterbuck looked quite settled within its home range.

Zebra crossing.

By the time we exited through the Orpen gate, it was getting dark. The drive to our accommodation just outside of Hazyview wasn't particularly enjoyable, driving through the rain and heavy traffic backed up by large container lorries that required some bold overtaking maneuvers. It was a relief to have arrived at our lodge for the next three nights.