Despite rain, wind and fog, there were plenty of ticks at the annual Wader Bash held at West Coast National Park – and not only waders. There was a dramatic birding moment near Kraalbaai, and Duinepos too delivered on the action. By Dawid and Carin Malan

West Coast National Park is a magnet for birds and birders alike. Over Easter Dawid and Carin Malan found plenty of ticks at the annual Wader Bash.

This compact ID guide to animal tracks in Southern and East Africa will fit neatly into your pocket.
 

Where better than the darkest part of the Cederberg to watch Scorpio chase Orion? At Bushmans Kloof in the far north of the Wilderness Area, the stellar show is jaw-dropping – and it’s tailor-made for beginners. By Romi Boom

If you visit Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve in the southern part of the Cederberg in April and May, you’re in for a treat. Autumn is not when you’d expect a floral display in the Cederberg – but we were entertained by a bloomy show this past weekend. By Romi Boom

In Namaqualand farmers used to set traps for leopard, caracal and jackal to protect their flocks. But a clever project by the national park is using Anatolian shepherd dogs to ward off predators instead.

Have you ever seen an elephant with deformities before? Dee Roelofsz had a sighting of this elephant on a visit to the Mapungubwe National Park. 

The leopard or mountain tortoise is easy to spot in Addo Elephant National Park. South Africa’s largest chelonian is also a good swimmer, as I witnessed first hand during my recent trip to Addo. By Romi Boom

Johann Hubinger recently had the opportunity to photograph Addo's biggest tusker...