Makalali Game Reserve - Week 1

A great week volunteering on this game reserve situated about 50 km west of Kruger. Plenty of game drives and also walking in the bush which have led to a couple of memorable experiences. One example was a few days ago we went walking in the bush with armed guides in search of Lions. Without knowing, we got within 5-10 metres of an adult female with two cubs. We however soon found this out when a deep growl sounded only metres away from us indicating that they didn't want us there. A quick retreat was in order and we found a sensible spot to watch these lovely animals. If they were hungry, we could have easily been their dinner.

Four new birds for me this week (been to Kruger before) as well as a wealth of other great species seen which are listed below. Other commoner species aren't listed, but you get an idea of how good it is here. 

Red-chested Cuckoo 

Lilac-breasted Roller

Broad-billed Roller

Green Wood Hoopoe

African Grey Hornbill

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Red-billed Hornbill

DUSKY INDIGOBIRD

Black-collared Barbet

Black-headed Oriole

Southern Ground Hornbill

White-crested Helmet Shrike

JAMESON'S FIREFINCH

Levaillant's Cuckoo

Natal Francolin

Swainson's Spurfowl

GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER 

Magpie Shrike

SENEGAL LAPWING

Water Thick Knee

Violet-backed Starling

Chinspot Batis

Black-backed Puffback

Bateleur 

Wahlberg's Eagle

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver

Red-headed Weaver

Southern Black Tit

 Giraffe

 Black-backed Jackal

 Levaillant's Cuckoo

 Senegal Lapwing

 Waterbuck

 Red-crested Korhaan

Impala