Sandstone formations, mopane woodlands and unique riverine forest
and baobab trees form the scenic backdrop for a rich variety of
animal life. Elephant, giraffe, leopard, white rhino, eland,
gemsbok and numerous other species occur naturally in the area,
while occasional sightings of hyena and lion also occur. Birding
ios good – there are hides and over 400 occur, including kori
bustard, tropical boubou and pel’s fishing owl.
Mapungubwe Archaeological site is an attraction (book tours in
advance) as well the various scenic spots.
4 wheel drive recommended if you really want to explore!
Usual SAN Park entry fees apply.
This cache is near the parking for the Confluence Viewing
Decks.
No problems for a car!
When you arrive there is a large Parking Area with picnic
points. Park here and take a stroll up to the Confluence Decks –
there are 4 with stunning views of the Shashi, and the Limpopo. By
the Sunrise Deck late in the day you will see hyrax, as well as
bats flying around.
When doing the walk BE CAREFUL – this is a wildlife area where
big game occurs. Keep children with you AT ALL TIMES.
The cache is named after a bird sighted at the location. In this
case if you stand at the parking area and look towards the river,
you will see a large boulder on the skyline (near the Confluence
Decks - the Sunrise Deck). Two black eagles use the boulder as a
look-out in the morning from around 10’ish.
After doing the Confluence Decks come back down and go to the
building with the skulls outside. This is an Education Centre, and
alongside it there is a second path to another viewing deck. This
deck provides views Southwards, including of the Mapungubwe and K2
sites. When approaching the viewing deck, if it is unoccupied, go
quietly and slowly and you may have a chance to see shrews on the
boulders under the deck.
The cache is best done on the way back. Go back to Education
Centre and check that things are quiet and that people are not
there or around, or on the viewing deck you have just visited – the
cache location would be visible in the distance from this deck.
The cache is located near some memoirs of the Bush Wars – PLEASE
BE DISCRETE. While the memoirs are obvious once you see them, it is
important that you do NOT draw attention to them in any way, as
this may result in their eventually being removed, thus causing an
historical loss. Discretion, discretion, discretion! If you have
seen the memoirs and would like some more information on them and
their background e-mail Pipit Patrol! Please do not paste photos of
them on this site!
A quick stroll will find you the cache – see the hint.
The cache is a litre container (big enough for Travel Bugs and
Geo Coins) and contains the usual goodies, plus a logbook and 2
pencils. CAUTION – watch for scorpions!
When you have finished, and replace the cache, please do so with
care and replace as you found it - there are a lot of (curious)
baboons around who will drag it out if it is spotted and not
secure.
Small note on cache maintenance: I visit the area
every 4 to 6 months and will do maintenance then.