Kruger Day 6 - Skukuza / Lake Panic

Back in the park entering through the Phabeni Gate for more wildlife encounters passing by vervet monkeys with a penchant for floristry.

This waterhole was infested with hippo and crocs - viewing from the car was the sensible way for observing the wildlife. Birds present there included yellow-billed stork, Blacksmith's plover, water thick-knee, white-faced whistling duck, African spoonbill and grey heron.

A reed cormorant sat close to the bridge while we made our way slowly across the river.

Chance encounters with mammals such as this glorious male nyala which were only seen a couple of times on the trip.

Another joyous moment - Pumbaa with a group of young hogs.

A relaxing stop at the amazing Skukuza rest camp overlooking the Lower Sabie river in the company of this beautiful Southern tree agama.

Up until now, these sightings were all seen en route toward Skukuza. Ordinarily, it is prohibited to leave the vehicle other than the rest stops for obvious reasons. Lake Panic, just outside of Skukuza, offers an opportunity to jump out of the car and walk down to a bird hide and view across a flood that held a range of waterbirds.

Apparently it had been dry here but heavy rains over the previous couple of weeks had flooded the area that provided the most entertaining moment of the trip.

There were plenty of really great waterbirds present as viewed from the hide including this hamerkop, striated heron, woodland kingfisher, a large colony of village weaver, diederik cuckoo, hadeda ibis, and a couple of stunning malachite kingfisher.

Then this happened. A couple of crocs were loitering within the turbid shallow waters. The one closest to the hide looked like the spawn of satan. Lucifer would lie motionless for short periods then subtly drift through the vegetated bog while we all looked on at this prehistoric beast.

In a split second, an explosion of water erupted right before us. Turning swiftly, the croc had been patiently waiting for an opportunity to grab an early dinner in the form of a barbel (Sharptooth catfish) that met an abrupt end.

The unfortunate catfish was dragged over to firmer ground where signs of life were still evident an hour later while the croc tortured the poor creature to its ultimate demise. Nature in its purest form despite the brutality.

Far more sedate was this African helmeted terrapin that probably had a checkered history of violence and crime based purely on what goes on in this crazy park.

We reluctantly left Lake Panic after an afternoon of unrivaled entertainment.

The drive back to the lodge was relatively quiet but for a surprise languorous hyena lying by the roadside. Stopping immediately at a sensible distance, we observed this beautiful animal for a short while. It seemed unusual to see this adult so close to the road which raised questions of the state of its health. These suspicions were raised further by a very young cub that took the prize for pure cuteness that was playfully bouncing around its parent. The adult looked healthy and in prime condition.

It was a sensational day with so many memorable wildlife moments. The light was starting to fade a little but a quick stop at a waterhole for a look at more hippos provided another typical view of this incredible place.