African Wildlife & Environment Issue 81

DESTINATIONS

eater, that is regularly in attendance here. In early summer when the Flame creepers are in flower on the bank opposite the hide, it draws large numbers of sunbirds. If one follows the gravel road back to camp along the S41 a short way past the turnoff on the left S100 back to camp one finds Gudzani dam which has always something to offer. Another popular route is a slow drive to the Timbavati picnic spot on the Timbavati River Northwest of Satara. It has 3 roads to approach it, one of which is along the Timbavati river. A popular circular route is to N'wanetsi along the tarred H6, then left along the S41 and back via the H100 that follows the N'wanetsi river. In

the map for waterholes and side roads to explore off the main road. Nsemani and Gudzani dams are the most popular. For day visitors the camp has a day visitor picnic area just inside to the right of the main camp gate.

Satara camp in the early years

Accommodation The camp offers a wide range of accommodation possibilities. There are one hundred sites with power points available for camping and caravans. There is a range of bungalows, with two- or three-bed units with kitchens or communal kitchen options. Wheelchair-friendly accommodation is available. Guests can also stay in the guest cottages which include five-bed or six-bed units with well-equipped kitchens. Alternatively, stay in the Stanley, Wells or Frankel guest houses. The prime bungalows along the eastern perimeter allow visitors to glimpse the hyenas that scavenge outside the fence at night. There is a well-stocked shop for the self- caterers. For those wanting to catch up on

summer many migrants are found here, especially January and February, such as Carmine and Blue- cheeked Bee-eaters, Lesser Grey Shrikes, Amur Falcons and European Rollers to name but a few. This area is good for lions, cheetah and leopards and many plains game.With the presence of Lions a variety of vulture species are always close by. Three dams and six waterholes are found in fairly close proximity to the camp. Always check Amur Falcon found in large numbers in summer and are attracted to termites as they swarm out of mounds after the rains

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