Skukuza camp gets a lot of flack from the locals; it’s too big, it’s too busy, it’s too commercial, et cetera. But I love it. There is always lots going on and lots to photograph and even things to watch with interest when a photograph isn’t possible.
Although Satara is regarded as the epicentre for the big cats, Skukuza does well in this count too as well as many eagles and always plenty of game. The area post two of my favourite low level bridges which are side-by-side and cross the Sabie and Sand rivers. The second one in particular always delivers exceptional sightings and this time we had several species of bird fishing in the rapids, including, hammerkops, kingfishers, egrets & cormorants. That the bridges are not double lane is a bit of a hinderance as often you have to drive off and then back onto it to continue the photography, but we do have to let traffic flow I guess.
Lake Panic
This body of water close to Skukuza golf club and the indigenous plant nursery is, in my mind, the prime site of the area when full, or of no use whatsoever when empty. Fortunately this time it was full to the brim and hosted all the usual species, including a pod of hippos that got up to all sorts of shenanigans throughout the day, Pied and Malachite kingfishers who were regularly diving and catching some remarkable fish. There were also so many visits by the mammals of the area including, Nyala, Bushbucks, Impala, Zebra and several other species too. Resident in the area are a number of African fish eagles who can be heard calling to one another from the high tops of the surrounding trees, to me this is the iconic sound of Africa. Occasionally you will see them dive and catch a fish or fly from one favourite perch to another and it’s a challenge to try and photograph this but it is highly rewarding when it comes off.
