Birding the easy way at Lake Panic
Lake Panic bird hide near Skukuza provides secret views of a hippo- and croc-filled dam which is a magnet for birds of all stripes. Big raptors, herons, jacanas, thick-knees, kingfishers, ducks and many more inhabit the convenient dead leadwood trees and thick surrounding bush. They also dart around on the lily pads. Best sightings are early morning or sunset. One story is that Lake Panic got its name from; the river feeding it flooded and threatened to break the wall. If it had, that would have been the end of the golf course and staff village. There are other versions — it depends on who’s telling the story.