We arrived really early and met up with several other local birders in the Car Park, Locomotive Square and all excitedly greeted each other, friends we made on our last trip and some we follow on facebook. When we were ready to enter one of the hosts opened the side gate and we walked along the paths down to the hides. We went into the Kingfisher Waterway Hide and immediately we saw all three species of Kingfisher. Our cameras at the ready the Giant Kingfisher as on cue for his audience, dived in and brought out a Talapia. It flew up and delighted us with a show of its dexterity. A pied Kingfisher not to be outdone, hovered for a few moments and dived in and flew up and joined two others perched on an overhanging branch. In the meantime the small malachite Kingfisher was holding on to a branch posed long enough for us to photograph before flying to the back of the central waterway. Three Kingfisher Species in One Hour: Intaka Island's Kingfisher Waterway Hide Early morning at Intaka Island's Kingfisher Waterway Hide delivers all three South African kingfisher species in a single session - Giant, Pied, and Malachite. This is rare enough to note as a reliable location for comparative observation. What you'll see and why it matters: The Giant Kingfisher works the main waterway, diving for Tilapia-sized prey. Watch the post-dive behavior - it hauls the fish to a perch and demonstrates the bill manipulation you need to separate Ceryle species in the field. Pied Kingfishers hunt differently. Look for the hover-and-dive pattern over open water. They often work in small groups (we observed three), perching together on overhanging branches between hunts. This social behavior distinguishes them from the solitary Giant. Malachite Kingfisher occupies the vegetated margins at the back of the central waterway. Smallest of the three, it perches longer on exposed branches before quick, low flights to new positions. Size comparison is immediate when all three are present. Access intelligence:

We have many talented people in The Wildlife Lens and we would love to see their art, whether its photography, sketches, watercolours or even AI generated and its yours. Do not be intimidated, a Robin, a cardinal, a cockatoo or anything local to you is also exciting for us, really! (We want yours, not someone else's as we are connected to many of the best wildlife artists and photographers in the world). Its easy to feel intimidated, but honestly, what we see is the passion for the outdoors and nature and that's good for us.

Bovids are a large and diverse family of hoofed mammals that includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, buffalo, and many of Africa’s most iconic grazing species. They are characterised by permanent, unbranched horns (present in both sexes in many species), cloven hooves, and a ruminant digestive system that allows them to efficiently process tough vegetation. They occupy an enormous range of habitats—from open savannas and deserts to mountains and forests—and show remarkable variation in size, behaviour, and social structure. Despite this diversity, all bovids share a common evolutionary theme: they are highly adapted herbivores built for endurance, efficiency, and survival in environments where predators and seasonal food shortages shape their lives.

We arrived at Monks Cowl just as the Drakensberg sky decided to reenact the opening scene of The Lion King, but with more lightning and significantly less singing. The “dry” riverbed beside the campsite had transformed into a fast‑moving, ankle‑deep ribbon of water that looked suspiciously pleased with itself. By the time the storm eased, it was pitch‑black — the kind of darkness that feels like it has mass. I insisted we set up the tent anyway, because nothing says “competent outdoorsman” like hammering pegs into soggy ground while muttering motivational phrases to yourself. The tent went up at a jaunty angle, but it was upright, and at that point I considered that a triumph. Hours later, nature called. Loudly. Persistently. Rudely. Armed with a torch that flickered like it was powered by regret, I set off toward the ablution block — guided only by a faint glow in the distance that I hoped was a bathroom and not someone’s car headlights. The ground squelched. The air smelled of wet grass and poor decisions. Then came the moment. My foot found… nothing. Absolutely nothing. Followed immediately by cold, rushing, very wet something. I plunged into the newly resurrected riverbed with all the grace of a startled wildebeest. My torch flew out of my hand, performed a brief aerial ballet, and landed beam‑down in the water, illuminating my flailing like a spotlight on a very confused amphibian. There was a splash loud enough to wake the ancestors. I emerged, soaked from the waist down, hair plastered to my forehead, dignity leaking away like runoff after the storm. And then — because the universe has a sense of humour — a voice drifted from the darkness: “Shame, are you okay there?” Not a helpful voice. Not a sympathetic voice. A voice belonging to someone who had clearly witnessed the entire aquatic performance from the comfort of their dry, elevated campsite. I croaked out something like, “Yes, just… inspecting the water quality,” and sloshed my way to the ablutions, leaving a trail that could have been followed by rescue dogs.

🐾 Hello from Fiona — lover of wildlife, whimsy, and well‑timed snacks! Hi everyone! I’m Fiona — newly arrived, slightly over‑excited, and already wondering how many lenses one woman can reasonably justify packing for a six‑week South African adventure. A little about me: - I’m a long‑time wildlife enthusiast and a returning photography addict who’s finally dusting off her gear and diving back in. - I have a soft spot for otters, dramatic landscapes, and any animal that looks like it’s judging me (which is most of them). - I’m travelling soon with my partner Gareth — who many of you already know — and who is currently teasing me about trying Mopane worms. I have politely declined. - I’m a planner by nature, but I also have a talent for turning chaos into comedy, which seems to be my unofficial creative style. - I love capturing atmosphere, story, and the little moments that make wildlife photography feel magical — even when the subject is running, flying, or refusing to cooperate entirely. I’m here to learn, share, be inspired, and hopefully contribute something useful (or at least entertaining). Looking forward to connecting with you all, admiring your work, and celebrating the wild world through our lenses. If you see me posting photos of turtles, waterfalls, or anything with whiskers, including the love of my life (the furry one, Benji our sheltie dog! shhh don't tell Gareth!!), just know I’m living my best life. Excited to be here! — Fiona 🐾📸✨