Olifants area, bush braai and night drive, eight

We decided to try something new and do a 'bush braai'

Climbed into a truck after the gates had closed and the sun was setting.  About 20 people.

The gatekeepers signed us out and opened the gates for us.  We drove along a sealed road then a gravel road for about an hour. 

 Stopped on a ridge to photograph the last of the sun's light

A stork in the sunset

 

As soon as it got dark enough the hand held spots lights were turned on, this is a Springhaas.

Springhaas and a steenbok

 



Olifants area, seven

 

A bit of resting on the stoep after the morning's exploring, laundry and photography.

And catching up with the computer side of the photography.

 

 Tea and coffee at the cafe at the lookout.  Lovely view, not upheld by the coffee and service

Below the deck a tap was dripping slightly and providing a drink for these red winged starlings.  Photographed from above.



 

 

 

 

 

Olifants area, six

Birds competed for the braai grid.  This is the Bulbul ???

 

A bird of prey landed in a nearby tree to eat its catch.

 

Yellow Hornbill

 Glossy Starling with the orange eye.

Red Winged Starling and Yellow Hornbill

 

 

 

Practised thieves

 

 

 

Olifants area, five

This time of year, October, is the end of the dry season.  All the trees are rather bare, but as soon as the rain starts they will burst with leaves.

Rows of rondavels - you do not feel enclosed as they are all built along the hillside.

 

Outside the fences are the big animals, but inside there are plenty of creatures.

 

 

 

This animal appears to be on our side of the fence !

 

 

Olifants area, four

The laundry, only two washing machines and a few driers, but that is all you need on a sunny day. There is always someone who is willing to look after your laundry while you go exploring.

More mops

 And brooms

The shop sells everything you may need and a fine range of biltongs.

More mops spotted.

The path to the viewing platform.

The in the middle of the day.

Olifants area, three

Some of the rondavels have a kitchen on the stoep, but the cheaper ones only have a fridge and share the kitchens

Rondavels with a stunning view.

The Gate and Gatehouse.

Even the gate has an interesting construction and works well.  This is chained at night.

Outside !!

 There is a petrol station up near the gate.

Because Olifants camp is on a ridge, it slopes in 3 direstions.  To walk anywhere you need to use these steps and pathways.

 

Olifants area, two

At Olifants Camp and many others there is continuous maintenance and upgrading of the huts.  The guys who do the thatching say it takes 2 days to redo a rondavel.

Unlike in Europe the old thatch is removed first

 Pile of new thatch.

 

A newly thatched rondavel with a river view.