Olifants area, bush braai and night drive, nine

We arrived a specially designed area next to the river.  A small wooden toilet block was the only structure.

A serving table was set out with dessert on the left and dishes kept warm on the right.  A braai fire was used to cook the food.

Three different dishes in potjies

This is a long exposure taken balancing the camera on the fence.  The lights to the right are the glow from Phalaborwa town. 

The dinner table

The 'boundary fence' a set of poled to demarcate the area with light poles.

A hippo out at night

Much darker on our return jouney.  Did have to turn off all the lights to allow a confused elephant to get off the road.

 

Back to camp, tired and full.



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.