After an exceptionally cold night with some rain, we went for an early morning drive on our last day at Shingwedzi. This is very unusual for us because despite a daily resolution to get out early we just never seem to make it. Anyway, it was most rewarding!
This group of Waterbuck were posing very nicely….
Initially they were, that is…
One of the most unusual sightings was a white-headed vulture taking a bath in the river.
These colourful dung beetles were out in full force after the rain, cleaning up as they are supposed to be doing.
We had to get to our next stop in time for check-in but we first had to do Roger’s weekly beard and hair shave, pack up and shower. While packing up Roger whacked the mud off the bottom of the waste water bucket and this spider fell out of the inside of the outer rim which he hooks his fingers into when he pulls the bucket out from under Ufudu. Suffice to say he got somewhat of a fright! Needless to say he will be a bit more careful in future…
En-route to Mopani where we had to check in for our night at the hide we came across a herd of buffalo with Yellow-billed Ox-peckers along for the ride.
Shipandani is an over-night hide with no facilities besides a long-drop toilet. I.e. you pay for the privilege to sleep in the ‘open’ without electric fencing around the facility. You have to provide your own water as well as food and drinks. It is however really stunning. There is a cosy braai area and you look out over the Tsendze River for as long as you like.
Besides a visit by buffalo during the night and a hyena calling in the distance, there was nothing exceptionally threatening. Not that we were aware of anyway…
We had to vacate the space by 5h00 which meant waking up at 4h30 and watching the sunrise with coffee in hand. Magic…
There was lively display of water birds, all intent on catching breakfast before the day got too hot.
Next stop: breakfast at Mopani Camp followed by an interesting walk along a small self-guided trail, mostly along the perimeter fence next to the Pioneer dam. As always Roger was most intrigued by the fish life. The water was crystal clear so it was almost as the Mozambique Tilapia were teasing him by showing themselves and jumping, knowing that he is not allowed to catch them!