At the waterhole at Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe Game

Are game drives REALLY necessary
when THIS is available at a Lodge?
The answer is a resounding “YES”!
However, the times in between drives can best be spent
sitting and waiting for game to come to drink
These Zebra stallions seemed to be intent on proving dominance.
The “weaker” of the two will often drop to the ground
in order to minimize bite damage to its legs.

While the stallions were fighting.
this mother took the opportunity to bring her foal
to the waterhole for a drink.

This Impala ram had only one thing on his mind…
and it was not to have a drink!
He spent most of his energy chasing the ewes…
and without any visible success.
In the rutting season, males become so focused on procreation
that they often forget to eat.
As a result, they lose condition and become easy prey for predators.

These elephant youngsters were “left behind”
when the herd came to drink.
By the noise that they were emitting,
guests would have thought(incorrectly)
that they had been abandoned.
Mother and child reunion.

This youngster was investigating the humans
that were watching from the “safe” confines of the Lodge grounds.
There is a fence that keeps both species apart…and safe.

Look carefully…
Can you spot the crocodile?

A male Waterbuck enjoying an afternoon drink…

Although they are called Waterbuck, they are not (usually) aquatic.
That being said, this female was enjoying some
of the floating vegetation in the waterhole

Time for a “facial”?
Or should that be a “hornial”
This Kudu bull was getting his horns down and dirty in the mud.
The mud, once dry, falls off, taking parasites with it.

A couple of Warthogs,
doing what hogs do best…
enjoying a mud bath.

Lunch is served…
A Grey Heron with the bush version of sushi.
Live catfish.

This African Spoonbill was still searching for a meal

Red-billed Quelea are never normally still.
They seem to be in a hyper-active state constantly.
This is the exception.

One of the largest of  the geese species…
A Spur-winged Goose.

Reflections…
A Black-winged Stilt

A pair of Pied Avocet going about their business

I was so busy watching what was going on in and
around the waterhole that I did not notice THIS…
A Nile Crocodile that was less than 1m away from me.
Luckily, there was a fence between us.
The crocodiles in the waterhole are still too small to catch the large game.
However the water bird population has been falling prey to their attacks.

THIS is why I love Africa…

This is Refilwe, at the Sandton office.

What a pleasure to deal with!

With her big smile she is the epitome of what this company portrays.

 Friendly and efficient staff who have a passion for their customers.

Based on my experiences over the past few months

and in five different cities, I highly recommend them.