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South Africa Birdlife Safari
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South Africa Birdlife Safari

Birding with Martin in South Africa Læs mere
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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Gate into Thornybush ReserveWe stayed at Marula CampSign with pyramidal blocks for protection from Olifants (elephant).Looking from our room to the verandah. NB: the dirt path is outside the compound!View from the verandahKurrichane ThrushJameson's FirefinchVervet Monkey - front viewVervet Monkey back viewLilac-breasted RollerSouthern Red-billed HornbillGolden-breasted BuntingFork-tailed DrongoYellow-fronted CanaryWidebeest a wandering

    To Thornybush and afternoon in the hide

    3. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    After our morning safari with Elvis we packed our bags and had breakfast at Ndzhaka Camp and then Martin drove us out of the reserve and in to Hoedspruit for supplies.

    Then it was off to Thornybush Reserve. Here we were staying in the Marula Camp. We were met by the owner Alma, the manager Sandi, our safari driver Johnno and Daley, the tracker, and were shown to our rooms which were lovely.

    We had some free time before the afternoon safari and most of us spent time in the wonderful hide they had built partly underground so to be at eye level with the waterhole next to it. We saw some lovely birds and some cheeky monkeys come down to drink. And a Kudu wandered through the garden too.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Setting off for our first morning safari with Johnno (driver) & Daley (spotter).
    Rhinoceros.Dehorned for its own protection from poachers.White-Crested HelmetshrikeSwainson's SpurfowlGreen WoodhoopoeCardinal WoodpeckerShikraHyenaSunset taken with iPhone 13 Pro on extended zoomLand Rover safari vehicle with Johnno & Daley.Drinks at sunsetSpotlightingDouble-banded SandgrouseBonfire (braai) before dinner with the hosts: Sandi, talking to Rob, and Johnno.Coals (from the bonfire) for cooking meats for dinnerDinner table with BYO wine with dinner.A picture of one of the well-known cheetah familyMeat for dinner

    Thornybush evening safari, Sunday

    3. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After excitement at the hide we had a snack before heading off with Johnno and Daley for a safari drive. To get out of the camp we all had to duck as we went through the open gate which had an electric wire across the top. These vehicles had so sides except bars to hang on to and no roof so we were more exposed. Daley the tracker sat on a seat attached to the front of the vehicle.

    Our first big excitement was seeing a rhinoceros which let us get up quite close. We saw a few birds, most of which we had seen before and so could identify easily and a hyena up close.

    We stopped for sundowners with a lovely view then drove back to camp with Daley spotlighting. We saw some Sandgrouses sitting on the road.

    Once back at camp we sat around the blazing fire until the coals were hot enough to start the braai ie bbq and Johno cooked the meat and we had lots of other delicious salad and vegies to go with the meat for dinner.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Pearl-spotted owletWhite-backed VultureEastern Yellow-billed HornbillCommon ScimitarbillRhinoceros, needing another dehorning.Red-billed Oxpecker investigating a Rhino ear.White-crowned ShrikeAfrican Fish-EagleBlack-Headed Heron in breeding plumageMarsh TerrapinWater BuffaloWater Buffalo calfold male water BuffaloWater Buffalo drinkingThe herd is getting bigger!

    Thornybush morning safari Monday Part 1

    4. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Up early again and a quick coffee and rusk we headed off with Johno and Daley again. John did not go. We saw so much - a rhino, hippos, buffalo coming down to drink at a waterhole, zebra, a Nile Monitor, a Pearl-spotted Owlet, a vulture, an ostrich and much, much more.

    John slept in and then went to the hide with binoculars and the Kruger book to identify the many creatures drinking at the waterhole, including the Southern Ground Hornbill (no photo), Golden-breasted bunting, Birchell's Starling, Swainson's Spurfowl, Laughing Dove, Emerald Spotted Dove, Ringneck Dove (not red eye) and Kurrichane Thrush.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Another great sunset
    Vervet MonkeysAfrican Hawk-EagleDaley (spotter), Johnno (Driver) and our tour group on safari.Common ScimitarbillWild dogWild DogDark Chanting-GoshawkBaby hyenas. Hyena nest in a dug out old termite nestTypical sceneryElephant up closeWhite-backed VultureElephant family? No not the males.Daley (spotter), Johnno (Driver) and our tour group on safari.

    Thornybush morning safari Tuesday Part 1

    5. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    On today's safari drive we saw so much - monkeys, an eagle eating his catch, elephants, wild dogs, a vulture flying around, a water monitor, baby hyenas and goshawks which were all amazing. But then we finished off with lions, leopards and hippos! See next entry.Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Waiting and watching a leopard and its cub.
    Lions will drive other large predators from their range, even killing them if necessary.Leopard cub also waitingCub watching in great fear of being eaten by the Lion pride.Mother leopard watchingNow watching usSuch an intense gaze! Waiting of a moment to escape.Hippo with oxpeckers

    Thornybush morning safari Tuesday Part 2

    5. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We got word that a leopard had killed an impala and hauled it up a tree. But not far enough up to get it away from a pride of lions. They stole it and are waiting to drive the leopard and its cub from their range - even killing them if necessary - to preserve their food supply. The mother leopard made a dash to another tree to try to get the lions to chase it. The complication was that the leopard had a cub that was left stranded up a tree. Now the lions are watching both carefully.

    There were 6 lionesses all sitting together watching the tree with the cub.

    We could see the cub up the top of the tree and a little later the mother leopard was seen up the top of a tree a fair distance away watching intently.

    Safari vehicles can only hang around for 10 minutes or so, so after that time we went closer to the mother leopard in the tree to get a better look.

    We had to leave but heard later that day that the lions gave up waiting for the cub to come down and wandered off. Mother and baby were reunited (albeit still hungry).

    After that excitement we headed back to camp, stopping to watch some hippopotamus along the way. We then had breakfast.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    de-horned Rhinos
    Red-headed Weaver femaleTree SquirrelAfrican Rock PythonAfrican Rock PythonStriped SkinkSabota LarkSenegal LapwingBrown Snake-EagleGreater KuduWeaver nestsWeaver nestZebraGround HornbillHyena which took over the kill from the leopard

    Thornybush afternoon safari Tuesday

    5. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Another extraordinary safari. We saw new birds, a squirrel out in broad daylight, a python sleeping up a tree, a skink, rhinos, a Kudu, zebras, an eagle, an owl and Ground Hornbills. And last but not least we were part of a drama where two wild dogs, from a pack of four, killed an impala. A leopard took over the kill, then a hyena took over from the leopard, and finally the four wild dogs retook back the kill!Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Cardinal Woodpecker
    African Fish EagleVervet MonkeysVervet Monkeys on high alertWhite-breasted SunbirdZebraGreen-winged PytiliaHaving morning tea at the spot where the lion pride was watching the leopard and its cub.Impalaelephant destroying foliageHoopoeThis is an old leopard that all the drivers know by name.We can get close up shots as this old leopard knows to trust the safari trucks.

    Thornybush morning safari Wednesday

    6. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Our last Thornybush safari. What could we possibly see today that we haven't seen yet?

    Well, we saw a tree full of Vervet Monkeys on alert because there was a leopard on the prowl nearby. Then we found the leopard in question chilling under a bush. Some new birds and to finish off some hippos, impalas and zebras. We had morning tea in the same spot those 6 lionesses were watching the leopard cub. This time we watched some impala come to drink.Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Steenbok antelope drinking at the Thornybush waterhole.
    From the high plains to the mountains.Our room. We shared a two bedroom apartment with Robyn and Tony Martin.Common loungeroom and kitchen.

    Thornybush to Magoeblaskloof

    6. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After a quick stint in the hide where we saw some steenbok come to drink, we packed up and said our goodbyes and gave our tips and were on our way.

    At the gate to the reserve, we got word that someone had left a camera behind, so we turned back and met Johno coming the other way with the camera.

    Then once through the gate we headed to Hoedspruit where we stopped for supplies and used the toilets.

    Then onward to the Kuheston Organic Farm in Magoeblaskloof.

    Here, Martin gave each of us some breakfast supplies as it was a do-it-yourself brekky for the next two mornings. Eggs, bread, cereal, milk, bananas etc.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    The cabin we shared with Robyn and Tony
    View from one mountain range to another.Glen has a look at the vegetable gardenWell-kept lawns and lovely gardens.Cape CanarySamango MonkeyLinden looking for birds, and overlooking the valley.Magoeblaskloof Hotel.

    Kuhestan Farm Cottage grounds

    6. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We had some time to look around the garden at the farm which was extensive and had great views over the nearby valley. They made jams and chutneys and had a range of produce for sale.

    Scattered throughout the garden were quotes from different religions.

    We briefly saw a Samango Monkey up a tree before it scampered away.

    We dined at the Magoeblaskloof Hotel. It had recently been taken over and refurbished, and the owner offered us complimentary Shandies which were huge (for those who took up the offer) sweet sherries, not lemonade diluted beer (which we Australians know as shandy). The food was good, but the evening was spoilt by the dining area being filled with smoke from the open fire before Martin and Rob sorted it out.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Spectacled Weaver
    Scaly WeaverSabota LarkBrimstone CanaryBurnt-neck EremomelaCrimson-breasted GonolekBlack-headed HeronMartin Maderthaner (our guide) preparing morning tea.HamerkopViolet-eared WaxbillNamaqua Dove

    Birding near Magoeblaskloof with David

    7. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Today was our first bad weather day. It was rainy and mist settled in on the mountain so we travelled down the mountain first to go birding with David from Birdlife. The weather was OK down there.

    John decided to sleep in so he missed this session but joined us for lunch later on.

    The birds were all small and most didn't sit still long enough for photos but I managed a few blurry shots...

    The large prickly plants had big orange fruits. David picked one so we could get a closer look.

    We had morning tea on the roadside. Here was a small waterhole and we spotted Quelea, Weavers and a Violet-eared Waxbill. Also a hamerkop flew over us. Then we headed back up the mountain.    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    YummoCape Parrot a long way offSquare-tailed DrongoKnysna Turaco, picture from RobBat Hawk from a long way behindBlueberry Cafe

    Lunch then Birding with David Part 2

    7. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We drove back past our accommodation to pick up John and then went down the road to a cafe for lunch.

    The cafe had lots of local produce and other bits and pieces. I bought some macadamias, socks, nougat and chocolate. Yum

    After lunch we headed off to another area where David thought we might see some woodland birds. By this time the rain had cleared up. Along the way we stopped at an area where he hoped to find the Cape Parrot. And he did!

    In the woodland it was pretty quiet birdwise but a lovely walk anyway. We did see a Knysna Turaco way up in the tops of the trees. When it flies it has red wings underneath. I didn't get a good picture but will include one from Rob.

    Then lastly David took us to a place where the Bat Hawk hangs out and we were in luck although again it was very high up and facing away from us.

    We said goodbye to David and went back to the farm where we had a little time to enjoy the gardens before we went for dinner at the Blueberry Farm Cafe which had opened in the evening especially for us. The food was lovely and the blueberry pie delicious!    Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Bar-throated Apalis
    African Dusky FlycatcherSwee WaxbillCape Robin-ChatCape BatisZion Christian Church is Christian but includes elements of African folk traditions.Plaasmoorde = Farm Murders. Many more blacks than whites have been killed in these attacks.The road to Pretoria.The road to Pretoria.The road to Pretoria.Village Weaver at the carpark of the highway lunch stopShopping Mall over the roadThe road into Pretoria.Room at MacGregors GuesthouseRoom at MacGregors Guesthouse

    To Pretoria

    8. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    Today we travelled to Pretoria after a bit of birding in the farm garden and along the road. We had lunch along the way at a highway stop. After checking in to our accommodation (MacGregors Guesthouse) we visited the Rietvlei Nature Reserve (see next entry).Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Brown-hooded KingfisherRed-eyed DoveAfrican Harrier-HawkGrosbeak Weaver femaleCompleted weaver nestGroup shot and etherial photo at Struben dam

    Struben Dam

    9. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Struben Dam was just up the road a few metres so we walked up there in the morning before breakfast. It was foggy. There were a few birds out and about...

    Then is was back for breakfast which was cooked for us by the staff at the guesthouse. Took some pics around the guesthouse and then it was time to pack our bags for the last time.Læs mere

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  • LinYSouth Africa Birdlife SafariRejsende
    Bullfrog Dam
    Maccoa DuckSpeckled PigeonThree-banded PloverLittle GrebeWhite-throated SwallowWattled LapwingCape Wagtail

    Bullfrog Dam

    9. august 2025, Sydafrika ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Martin took us to a lovely spot for lunch on the way to the airport. It was a cafe next to a dam which had an amazing array of birds coming and going. The food was delicious too.

    Then it was off to the airport in plenty of time to get the 6:30pm flight to Sydney with Qantas.

    While we waited, I bought some 2026 calendars, postcards and a cushion cover and John bought a tea towel.    Læs mere

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  • Slut på rejsen
    9. august 2025
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