Wakkerstroom

It rained all night on the 23^rd and we awoke to a grey, overcast day. However, we were not going to be put off by the weather. After all we only had one day for exploring the area before moving on again. Roger was scheduled to fly for the Bateleurs in Northern KwaZulu Natal from the 27^th but was now required to be there as soon as possible. There was an incident which damaged the current pilot’s aircraft and he was no longer able to fly.

Wakkerstroom is in the southern edge of Mpumalanga, close to the KwaZulu Natal border and falls within the Grassland IBA. It is home to a number of endemic bird species, some of which are endangered.

We liked the feel of the town. It is open and friendly and the people seem to take pride in what they have to offer to visitors. We went to the information centre and purchased a book by Warwick & Michѐle Tarboton called Wakkerstroom bird & nature guide. It was packed with information about the area and really useful. From it we selected a route and off we went, with pies and biscuits from the local bakery for lunch. It was a worthwhile drive.

The fields were covered in wild flowers, providing the most beautiful scenery.

The area is well known for the large number of Amur Falcons that come here for the summer. They apparently roost en masse in Volksrust. We also saw them on the telephone lines while driving to Wakkerstroom the previous evening.

With only one day to drive around we were really fortunate to see four of the area’s flagship species. Please note that we are not good at the LBJ thing so please let us know if you think we made an incorrect identification!

We spotted large flocks of Grey Crowned Cranes – truly spectacular!

In Chrissiesmeer and here we also saw large numbers of White Storks.

Back in camp we planned to make hamburgers for our evening meal. However, it was raining again and Roger was in no mood to make a fire. No problem, he just walked over to the owners who were busy braai-ing at the restaurant and asked if we could use their fire after them. They had no problem so off we went with our patties and glass of wine. The left-over hamburgers became our Xmas lunch!

We left Wakkerstroom reasonably early on the 25^th, now heading for Phinda Game Reserve. Now before you get envious, let me explain: Roger will be flying for the Bateleurs doing anti-poaching patrols in the area and we will be staying in the security staff camp. Sadly no 5-star accommodation for us this time! Maybe in a next life, or after winning the Lotto?

Christmas lunch consisted of left-over hamburgers and Stoney Ginger beer enjoyed on the side of the N2, somewhere between Piet Retief and Pongola.

Once in camp at Phinda we had the next problem to solve: how to get Buzz down here. The original plan was that Roger would be dropped off in Chrissiesmeer by the departing pilot, but since his aeroplane was damaged that was no longer an option. Dirk kindly offered to take us the next morning, using Suzi, and Roger and I would fly Buzz back, weather permitting.

We left Phinda at 05h00, collected Buzz and were back at 13h15. It was rather windy initially, luckily a helpful tailwind, and it turned out to be a good flight.

We should be at Phinda until the 5^th of January.