10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 5, 2015

A pair of screeching Blacksmith Lapwings was flying around as six Burchell’s Zebras were quenching their thirst, suspiciously observing surroundings every now and then. The Sun was half-set behind the horizon, painting the grass golden-yellow and shining through the dust disturbed by the hoofs of now visibly nervous zebras.

Rhinos 173

Rhinos South Africa Rhinoceros White Rhinos 173

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 11, 2012

The Black Rhino was also a widespread African denizen occurring throughout the continent, even into desert areas. Seekers of the game-viewing Big Five have more recently relaxed their criteria and generally either Black or White Rhino is counted as a member of the Big Five.

Buffalo 201

Buffalo Rhinoceros Elephants Leopards 201

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 19, 2023

The dirt road winds in between rocky outcrops – kopjes, by Burchell’s Zebras and Greater Kudus. We are nearing the waterhole, and see the large oval shadow in the darkness: that White Rhino cow with a calf. A little further, there’s a family group of Savannah Elephants with two two-year olds.

South Africa 216

South Africa Africa Game Elephants 216

10,000 Birds

JULY 11, 2013

The dirt road winds in between rocky outcrops – kopjes, by Burchell’s Zebras and Greater Kudus. We are nearing the waterhole, and see the large oval shadow in the darkness: that White Rhino cow with a calf. A little further, there’s a family group of Savannah Elephants with two two-year olds.

Africa 190

Africa South Africa Elephants Rhinos 190

10,000 Birds

MARCH 16, 2016

It’s the only park I have ever been to that not only have I seen all five of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, White Rhino and African Elephant) in, but seen them all on the same day. Madikwe may have been farmland once upon a time but these days it has been fully restored as an astonishing game reserve.

South Africa 147

South Africa Leopards Giraffes Africa 147