Weather and Landscape
The start of autumn is upon us, although temperatures are still nice and warm, with an average of 32°C (89°F). The greenery has sprung to life after good rains in February and the odd downpour in March. Both the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers are flowing, making Crook's Corner even more of a treat to visit.

Wildlife
The African buffalo definitely made themselves known this month, with regular sightings both from the vehicle and on foot. The Pafuri Pride (lion) was seen on several occasions, strutting its stuff, and on one occasion being chased by an elephant bull. The cubs and sub-adults are definitely growing up quickly and there is a good chance that we have a buffalo-killing pride in the making, as we see them often in close proximity to the buffalo herds.

An elephant bull was seen harassing the two hippo seen at the First Lookout, which looks out on the Luvuvhu River. On the subject of hippo, we saw one carrying a large log in its mouth and juggling it around - it looked as if the hippo was sharpening its teeth on the log. March was definitely mammal month - as many specials came out to play. We had two different sightings of aardvark - a species not often seen due to its secretive nocturnal lifestyle. Five African civet were also seen foraging together (an adult and her cubs), and they are not often seen together.

Birding
A Martial Eagle was observed feeding on a white-throated monitor, which is one of its favourite meals. This reptile doesn't stand a chance against the strength and power of the eagle's talons, even though it has an exceptionally strong skin. A Scaly-feathered Finch was seen feeding a fledgling, which suggests that they were nesting near Pafuri, which is a big find as they are usually vagrants in the area. Some of the special bird species seen in March: Thrush Nightingale; Pel's Fishing-Owl; Crowned Eagle; Verreaux's Eagle; Blue-cheeked Bee-eater; Three-banded Courser; Bronze-winged Courser; Retz's Helmet-Shrike; Black-throated Wattle-eye; Olive-tree Warbler; Red-billed Teal and Temminck's Courser.