BIRDS of KRUGER photo safari - October 2016
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 4th Nov 2016
Kruger this year has been feeling the effects of quite a severe drought and the park was looking very dry. There was very little grass cover evident throughout the park and of course there was a shortage of water. The Hippo population has been particuarly badly hit and we saw many Hippo carcasses on our journey from the North of the park to the South. However despite the drough the bird encounters remained very good with a total of 185 species seen and photographed.
Northern Kruger again provided some special sightings and we got to see and photograph the Meve's Starling, Trumpeter Hornbill at a nest site and the unusual looking Crested Guineafowl, only found in Northern Kruger.
A few of our other bird highlights were watching a fight between an African Hoopoe and a Greater Blue - eared Starling, two Crowned Hornbills each eating a large locust, a tiny Pygmy Kingfisher, an African Finfoot, the Grey Backed Cameroptera and a Red Headed Weaver at its nest.
Of course we also bumped into a number of great mammal sightings which included a pack of Endangered African Wilddogs, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, a few of Kruger's Big Tusker elephants, White Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck and a number of sightings of the rarely seen Sharpe's Grysbok.
Many thanks to Brian and Marian for joining us on this "Birds of Kruger" photo safari, it was great to travel with you and officially set a new "Birds of Kruger" photo record !
Here are some of the images from the safari.
Best wishes
Stu
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This was the second trip I have booked through Wild4 and one of the most memorable and pleasurable trips I have ever been on in my life. We were blessed with incredible sightings from a frenzy of feeding wild dog to mating black mambas. The list is endless and the memories will linger for ever in the form of some great images shot from the customised vehicles driven by expert drivers. The camps chosen were great and there was a real and genuine feeling of being a part of your surroundings. A truly African experience. Botswana certainly came up trumps when delivering us such great sightings. From the bush to the Chobe river and the specially adapted photographic boats, you could not have asked for more. I must extend an enormous thank you to you Stu, for your endless patience and professionalism in everything you did for us. Thank you. Also a big thank you to Justyna who’s meticulous planning ensured a seamless trip to and in between each of our camps and destinations. Good job!
Stephen Tattersall, UK
If anyone is contemplating a photo trip to Africa, then we would have absolutely no hesitation in recomending Stu Porter and Wild4 Photographic Safaris. It doesn't really matter what your level of skill is you will get as much or as little help and advice as you wish to receive. Nothing is thrust down your throat and Stu doesn't spend all his time taking his own photographs as some do.
Stu has taken a huge amount of time and trouble in customising and setting up his safari vehicle and the effort he's put in makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Tethered bean bags are provided and secure plate mounts on the side of the vehicle will also take your tripod head ensuring a rock steady platform and Stu most certainly knows where the animals are. Particularly enjoyable was the time we spent at the Big Cat Reserve (part of the 4 night extension) which is an unbelieveable photographic experience.
Many thanks WILD4 !
Rob & Sue Brookes, UK
Just been taken right back there, fabulous photographs Stu.
Sharron franks - November 04th, 2016 at 9:10am
Wow!! These are great. Looks like in spite of the arid conditions, you had much success. Peggy and I are so excited about seeing the shots from the upcoming Kenya Safari, not to mention our trip next year. Did you take most of the bird photos with your 400 2.8, and full frame Canon? Thanks, and good luck in Kenya. Jim
Jim Betz - November 04th, 2016 at 10:48am
Excellent wish I was there I am still dreaming of my trip
You are the best wild life photographer
Ulhas Mayekar - November 04th, 2016 at 11:59am
Amazing bird s…photos are wonderful and the diversification amazing…thanks for sharing. Hope we can join you again someday…
John Huenink - November 04th, 2016 at 12:16pm
What an exciting trip! You’ve shown us some of the birds…but this array is spectacular. Of course, I love other animals as well. Great job…as usual!
Toni Anderson - November 04th, 2016 at 1:13pm
Thanks for sharing. Wish we were there. Say hello to Mamai for us in Kenya. We look forward to our 4th safari with Wild 4!.
Michael Anderson - November 04th, 2016 at 1:15pm
Fabulous images Stu as always. I love looking at all your trip reports and wish I could experience them all. The Namibia trip this year was an outstanding experience and I have many beautiful images to bring back many happy memories. Thankyou Wild4 and hope to travel with you again soon. Best wishes, Lesley and Steve Middleton, UK
Lesley Middleton - November 07th, 2016 at 10:51am