For those who are unfamiliar with the Causeway, it is one of our three crossing points over the Sand River, providing access to the northern sector of the reserve even while the other two may seem uncrossable after recent rains.
The Causeway teems with life, a fact well-known to guides and guests who have visited Londolozi. Two major channels of the Sand River flow either under or over the causeway, depending on the water level. Each of these channels is of suitable depth and offers enough space to accommodate a pod of hippos, the third-largest land mammal in the world. These animals are often the primary attraction at the Causeway. Throughout the day, it is nearly guaranteed to spot them resting in the water, as family units establish and defend territories within the pools.
The structure of the causeway provides a base for magnificent photographic opportunities. Often when photographing hippos one would be capturing photos from above them, down by the causeway we are able to get level with these powerful beasts.
A mother hippo and its calf cross the larger of the two channels down at the causeway.
However, it’s not just hippos that inhabit this section of the river. Crocodiles and monitor lizards can be spotted hunting in and around the pools, or basking on the rocks and embankments. Elephants frequently traverse the crossing as they move through the river system, feeding on the reeds and palms that thrive in the water-rich soils, and refreshing themselves with splashes of water to cool down. Antelope species such as bushbuck, nyala, and kudu prefer the dense thickets of the river system, and occasionally, one may encounter a group of buffalo bulls lingering in the reeds nearby.
One of the most captivating attractions of the causeway is its birdlife. The area is home to a plethora of bird species: weavers darting overhead in all directions as they gather nesting materials or search for food, hamerkops and various heron species fishing along the rocks beside the causeway, storks, plovers, sandpipers, crakes, and jacanas, along with kingfishers and fish eagles. The causeway is a vibrant hub of avian activity!
A Three-Banded Plover.
After thrashing the tilapia on the concrete several times to ensure it was dead, we watched as she manoeuvred the fish in her beak before swallowing it whole.
A trio of Saddle-billed Storks
If you’re extremely lucky, you may be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime sighting down at the causeway of a leopard or a pride of lions attempting to cross the Sand River. Just like us, these animals often find it easier to cross the flowing river at this section, trying their best to avoid the lurking crocodiles.
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A pride of lions scans the water for any danger before crossing.
Two lionesses lead their cubs across the causeway.
And since we are talking about incredibly rare sightings, there are a few very rare Cape Clawless Otters that show themselves every now and then as they move about hunting the various species of fish that occupy the waters.
Two Cape Clawless Otters swimming at the causeway.
The Causeway is an amazing spot to spend as much time as you need to view the various species and the business of nature on a morning or afternoon game drive. If you do get the opportunity to cross the river at this particular spot, I recommend taking a few extra minutes to sit and enjoy what this beautiful spot has to offer.
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Otters are cute little critters to watch them.
Where there’s water there’s life… and so, from algae and plants to their predators, hippos, antelopes and fish. Fish in turns are predated by crocodiles and other animals… water and plants attract insects, and so many colourful birds arrive… antelopes are followed by lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs… but otter, they are the ultimate fish hunters, so incredibly funny with their play and clever solution to smash mussels or else. Life burst in and near water. I am over the hills for those entertaining pictures of otters, they are among my favourite animals in the world. They seem to live for fun…Thank you
Thanks Dan, I abssolutely love spending time at the causeway – it’s my no1 favourite place in Londolozi! I’ve never been lucky enough to see any of the cats there, but I was treated to an amazing full-on fight between 2 huge bull hippos witha spectacular sunset behind them. But there’s always something to see there, whether big or little.
Dan, thank you for the lovely trip over the causeway today.
The Causeway is one of my favorite places on the Londolozi property. I can happily sit and just watch and watch! Fun blog, Robbie!
Hi Dan, there seems to be a lot of different animals using the causeway crossing, not only for living in the water, but for getting a cross to the other side. The birds are catching fish to eat and the otters as well. Cross are waiting for the best opportunity to catch an appropriate kill. But the hippos, that is there home and guard that with their life.
Great photos, Dan! The causeway is indeed a place where one can spend a lot of time because there are so many different animals to be seen there. The otters must be an especially great attraction.
Thanks for highlighting the Causeway Dan, my favorite place to stop and watch whatever happens to be visible. I experienced many first sightings here but I’ll never forget Kirst treating me to one last round trip across the Causeway at the end of our night drive, to top off my week’s amazing stay. The fireflies were everywhere spreading their magic for another perfect day.
I could spend a whole day there and never be bored.
So many wonderful pictures with water and animals, thanks