Arriving back at one of my favourite camps after a 10-year absence, I was keen to deposit my luggage and to head out on a game drive as soon as possible
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Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge, Madikwe. Where my guiding journey began 29 years ago!
Although food and accommodation play an important part of any stay at a lodge or camp, the game drives get the adrenaline pumping.
I believe that most people come to the bush to escape the hamster wheel that modern-day life forces upon us, and the daily grind that eventually makes us want to return to the tranquility that nature provides us here on the Southern tip of the African continent, we call home.
So settle back and enjoy a virtual game drive with me as I share some images from my 2024 visit to Mosethla Bush Camp and Eco Lodge.
There is a small birdbath/mini waterhole on the edge of the camp that is often frequented by some of the Big 5, squirrels, and a plethora of bird species that will make twitchers twitch!
Despite the size of the birdbath, guests often take time out here between drives and food to enjoy whatever stops by.
They hoard food for the lean winter months, however, they will open seeds first and by licking and rubbing them will leave scent marking which will keep other squirrels away from their stash.
Growing up, it was usually desserts that would vanish from the fridge, usually late at night. I tried leaving notes to prevent the others from selling my food. When this didn’t work, I took to licking my leftovers in front of the family. And THAT put a stop to the pilfering.
Like this African Red-eyed BulBul who was taking a moment to wash the dust off it feathers.
There is almost nothing more joyous than watching a bird taking a bath.
It is unbridled joy for both the bird and this photographer.
“I’ve looked at clouds from both sides nowFrom up and down and still somehowIt’s cloud illusions I recallI really don’t know clouds at all”.
Joni Mitchell (1966)
I know that the Karoo holds the title for being known as Big Sky country, but the skies above Madikwe Game Reserve can be equally spectacular.
This juvenile African Fish Eagle takes to the sky, perhaps to do what this species does best…
For me, four sounds make Africa special.
In no particular order they are…
1] The sound of lions vocalizing.
2] Jackals yipping as the day turns from dusk to night.
3] The sound of a leopard in the darkness.
4] The cry of an African Fish Eagle.
The impala is one of the most underestimated species in the bush. As a result of being seen regularly on game drives, they are often ignored.
But take a moment, watch the males and marvel at the perfect symmetry of their horns.
If there was a Big 5 list of the top prey species, then unfortunately for the Impala, it would be on the top of that list.
Why? Because almost every predator species will eat them. Even baboons will kill the young lambs if they are left unattended.
This was the first time I had seen a croc in any of the dams in Madikwe.
Did you know?
Nile crocodiles have a bite force of 22,000 Newtons. And humans? We can reach 150 Newtons…on a good day.
Buffalo are not cows with attitude, they are attitude packed into a muscular body with hooves and horns.
FYI:
Their fearsome reputation has earned them the names “the Black Death” or “widowmaker”.
This Black-backed Jackal was taking a moment to look for a drink having just had a meal in a nearby elephant carcass.
Even this Pied Crow was looking for a drink.
FYI: Pied crows are known for mobbing larger birds of prey, including vultures, to keep them away from their nests.
“The lion sleeps tonight”?
Not a chance. This apex predator kept an eye on our vehicle as we stopped close by.
My, what big teeth I have…
The ladies who have lunched.
On the way to water.
As the afternoon fades into evening, we stop to watch the sunset and enjoy drinks and snacks while discussing all that we have been privileged to witness during our time in the bush.
When the Sun Bows Low
The sky is a canvas, wild and free,
Brushed with fire and reverie.
Amber bleeds to crimson deep,
As day prepares its final sweep.
The trees stretch long in silent praise,
Bathed in copper’s fleeting blaze.
A lion’s sigh, a jackal’s wail,
The whisper of a cooling trail.
A hush before the night takes hold,
Where light once danced in red and gold.
A promise hums upon the air—
The sun will rise, but not yet there.
For now, the earth and sky embrace,
Wrapped in twilight’s softest lace.
A final kiss, a fleeting glow,
And then the sun bows low.
When I took this picture of the guest book, I was unaware that it was my wife who had made these comments.
To quote the official website…
“Come get the dust of Africa on your feet”
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Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.
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“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”
Edgar Bergen
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