African Wildlife & Environment Issue 81

DESTINATIONS

Bushveld on rhyolite soils.Tree Euphorbia and Red Bushwillow are prevalent. Known as the best camp for viewing Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, Satara is hence often referred to as the 'Cat Camp'.” Large cats are frequently spotted in the Muzadzeni area, where a large and successful Lion pride operates, or along the S100 route that runs east from Satara Camp, hugging the bank of the N'wanetsi stream. This stretch is especially productive in winter when the veld is dry, and lion and leopard lie waiting to ambush the thirsty antelope that come in large herds to drink at the few remaining pools of water. General game includes Blue Wildebeest, zebra, Waterbuck, giraffe and the ubiquitous Impala. Rhino, buffalo, and elephant are also easily seen. Of the smaller animals, the Honey Badger is something to look out for. In recent years there have been AfricanWild Cats resident in the camp. The camp has abundant birdlife, from the large untidy nests of the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver in the Fever Trees, to the ever-calling Woodland Kingfisher in summer. Arrow-marked Babblers, Red-billed and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills, Crested Barbets, various weavers, starlings, sparrows and waxbills, are forever visiting the campsites and bungalows in search of scraps, especially during the winter months. All around one hears the call of the Mourning Dove. At night, the "clink" of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls especially the Pearl-spotted and Scops Owls and nightjars, the most common being the Fiery-necked Nightjar with its distinctive “good lord deliver us" call, add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of hyena, the screech of jackal and the roars of Lion. The Scops Owl is often found roosting in the trees around reception.The open plains to the north of the camp is the best place in the park to record Montagu's and Pallid Harrier. The N'wanetsi Picnic Site (24 km from Satara) is worth visiting. Violet-eared Waxbill, Yellow- bellied Greenbul and Mocking Cliff-Chat are regulars here, while Shaft-tailed Whydah has been seen nearby. Golden Pipit has been seen on the S100. There is also a well-built covered lookout point a short walk from the picnic area up the

A Lilac-breasted Roller en-route to Sweni hide

hill, which provides an elevated view down on the N'wanetsi River. About 2 km from N'wanetsi on the S37 Road the Sweni Bird Hide and drift are well worth stopping at. In winter, when water levels are low, and rocks, mud banks and reeds are exposed, the site is exceptionally active bird-wise, with many passerines coming to drink and joining the ubiquitous Hamerkop, Green-backed Heron and Great and Little Egrets. Look along the banks for Water Dikkop. Black Stork have been recorded here, especially when the water is low. The Orange-breasted and Grey- headed Bush Shrikes are often heard calling from the dense thickets. In summer, after heavy rain, the high water levels reduce the birdlife. However, it is an excellent venue to see Blue-cheeked Bee-

The African Wild Cat often visits the campers

47 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 81 (2022)