Marakele Welcoming Committee

I recently went on a camping trip to the beautiful Marakele National Park. Set a mere 9 kilometres from the small town of Thabazimbi in the sunny Limpopo Province. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the park, we were greeted by two camera-shy warthogs grazing close by the gate, but after they spotted me and my camera, they took off.

Checking in at the reception was a breeze with two very helpful and friendly staff members. Eager to set up camp, we wasted no time heading towards the unfenced Bontle camp site, which would serve as our home for a few days.

After doing a few laps through the camping ground to find the perfect spot, we finally settled on a spot close to some thorny bushes. Only because I saw a pair of Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbills playing in one of the Umbrella Thorns.

Observing our whereabouts.

Looking for something to eat.

While setting up, I kept getting distracted by the wonderful birdlife around me. Being the big bird nerd that I am, involves constantly pointing out birdcalls to my fiancé or random takeoffs after a bird, camera in hand.

After another failed attempt of photographing a Crimson-Breasted Shrike, I resumed what I was doing before. Leaving my camera on the front seat of the Everest and my cell phone in the side compartment of the passenger door.

I was mid moving some of my things from the car into the tent, when out of nowhere a Yellow-Billed Hornbill came to rest on the open window of the car door which I left open, where I previously took my bag from. I froze, not wanting to scare off the little fella, as he was so close to me.

That’s when I realised my camera on the seat next to him and my phone right underneath him. How am I going to take a photo now? I cautiously made my towards him, closing the 1 meter gap between us while reaching for my cell, hoping he wouldn’t take off. When I got to about 50 centimetres, he jumped from the open window on top of the bonnet.

Grabbing my phone, I immediately took some photos with it, afraid it might take off again and that I’ll miss this opportunity, but it didn’t mind my presence much. That’s when I got hold of my camera to get a few clearer shots.

Searching for some insects...

I managed to get a few close up shots as

Normally when traveling far, a few unfortunate insects will fly into the windshield and that’s exactly what the Hornbill was after, the little delicacies left behind.

After finishing the small feast of leftover bits and pieces, it took off into a near branch as the sun was starting to set. I on the other hand, had to finish helping with our camp set-up.