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More great pics Pumbaa
How lovely to be able to just sit and watch them
Also love the red of the hartebeest and at the ref

Thanks Elsa - so glad you are enjoying it

Okay here is the next bite

On our way back to camp a steenbok, a kori bustard and a huge herd of gemsboks came across and with those beautiful clouds in the background just one picture for the big “G” lovers



Another amazing sighting was a family of secretary birds a couple plus their 3 youngsters which were already nearly as huge as their parents but were still begging for food – the whole sighting was unfortunately a bit far away so sorry no pictures.

Our stop at Union’s end picnic spot was now a bit shorter than expected but at least half an hour we enjoyed the silence – unbelievable but true we met the whole day no other car also the lions we had all by ourselves

Finally later as expected we were back in camp and settled down on our veranda and this was the only disadvantage of Grootkolk as there was no shade on the veranda we just had to wait another hour until the sun was finally hiding a bit behind the tree on the right hand side of the chalet. Today we wanted to fool all the moths & co. a nd decided to cook some pasta with Sauce Bolognaise and eat today before we will start our afternoon drive. Whilst we ate we spotted masses of social weavers and even some shaft-tailed whydahs which were always flying from the waterhole to the tree close to our chalet and back.




After our delicious meal we spent our time with reading, relaxing and napping and not to forget the obligatory picture of No. 1.



For our very last afternoon drive we decided to go South with maybe the chance of finding cheetah mum and cubs again but unfortunately we had no luck but right after turning from the road which is leading to Grootkolk into the main road we spotted some very shy kudus unfortunately very well hidden in the high grass. Besides the general game such as gemsboks, ostriches and springboks not must around but we met our “G” neighbours at Kanaguass waterhole. As it was still plenty of time left we decided to drive a bit into the Northern direction just to enjoy our very last moments of the far North.

We could not resist to take a picture of the mud which already dried up



And far in the distance a familiar shade of a running grey creature with a tail up in the air caught my eye – the one and only warthog we could spot but unfortunately also a bit too far away but at least a warthog and at Geinab we spotted a leopard tortoise feeding on the fresh green grass. Now it was finally time to return to camp and we enjoyed the company of some red hartebeests, secretary birds and a huge herd of springboks





And much to our luck very close to camp – maybe they drank at the waterhole – more Kudus came across still a bit hidden between the bushes.



What action filled day again we were able to experience today – indeed Grootkolk at its best although we had no other sightings than the birds at the waterhole but as already said earlier you cannot have everything. We settled down again, waited until the sun went down with a glass of wine until it was totally dark and before the bug invasion could take place we were already in bed dreaming from the next camp Urikaruus and the long drive we had to do tomorrow Our sleep was only disturbed by some hyenas laughing at night but what would I give to have the night sounds of the bush right here right now......sigh

Monday, 16. February 2009 – Grootkolk – Urikaruus

As we had a long drive ahead of us we were up early, had a very last coffee on our veranda and said with heavy hearts good-bye to Grootkolk and all its birds. It was indeed a brilliant stay there and whenever back to KTP one or two nights more at this camp would indeed be spent worthwhile. Furthermore as we did not know whether Nossob had any heavy rains the last two days and consequently we have to canoe once more through some puddles we left as early as possible.

The sun was about to rise and it was still a bit dark and the first kilometres it was really quiet until I spotted far in the distance two creatures which we never saw before – 2 honey badgers – but unfortunately very far away and they were running in the other direction so no great pictures just to prove that we saw them – It was nearly at the same spot where we yesterday evening saw the warthog



A little further down the road we have to stop again for this breathtaking sunrise – how we had luck with the weather at Grootkolk after the first days in the rain – We had no single rain drop there and also the nights were quiet without any thunderstorms



Nothing came across further - obviously all the animals overslept a bit - until Timon saw between Kannaguass and Lichtersdraai a leopard hiding in the high grass – Mr. Eagle Eye did it again! – He was indeed very well hidden but luckily we were able to tick another KTP animal on our list.



Unfortunately he walked further away but threw a very last look back to us. I am quite sure that it is the same leopard which had been seen earlier quite often around the picnic spot.



These both two very extraordinary sightings at the early morning made our stay in Grootkolk to a first class one you obviously can expect nearly everything there – we will definitely be back.

I do love this picture of a lone wildebeest in the high grass very much - unfortunately I am no longer sure where we took it but I guess it was close to Polentswa.



Another yellow billed kite had occupied the water tank at Kousant and finally Timon had once more the right lens on to take a close picture of a lovely Pygmy falcon – please do not overlook the blue sky in the background definitely one of the rarest sightings during this trip



The rest of the drive was indeed very quiet and obviously no more rain came down as the puddles which we had to cross only a couple of days earlier had nearly dried out completely. We could not believe our eyes when we stopped again at Bedinkt as the grass around this waterhole must have grown in record time. You could no longer see the waterhole from the road. We stopped there just to check whether there will be some remains of the gemsbok carcass but indeed not much left after 2 days.



After a short break there – it was today already extremely hot. It must be one of the hottest days we experienced during this trip – we drove further South until a couple of kilometres before Nossob our first KTP snake came across – accordingly to my knowledge which I took from a snake book which I bought at Johannesburg International airport on our way back – it must be a juvenile mole snake. It had some problems to climb the steep riverbed but finally it was successful



And the same picture we took already a couple of days earlier whilst the Nossob road was flooded here you can see it as it normally is



The closer we came to Nossob camp the more yellow billed kites, kori bustards and even a yellow billed hornbill as well as an amazing lilac breasted roller came across.



Earlier than expected I opened the gate to Nossob camp and as the shop was still closed - we were running out of bread and wine – we again spent some time whilst strolling around in the camp. Again those plenty of Abdim’s storks were still flying around and quite a few landed on the tree in the middle of the camp. Furthermore our beloved ground squirrels and yellow mongoose were busy in running around in the camp. Finally after all our shopping and refuelling the car had been done and after I proudly put the magnets of our honey badger and leopard sighting on the sighting board we again hit the road as we still had a long drive to do.

Again too much pictures too share so I have to split this day in 3 parts - this was the first one

to be continued....

Anne Marie - Your wish has been fulfilled meanwhile

We took again the loop around Marie se draai and now more and more animals could be spotted – the usual suspects such as ostrich, gemsboks and red hartebeest were again plentiful and another gemsbok carcass in the middle of the road came across at nearly the same spot where we saw the huge pride of lions 3 days earlier – obviously their hunting was successful that evening

Then another animal which I also wanted to see under all circumstances came across – a puff adder but same behaved a bit strange as the whole time it had its mouth wide open and sometimes sand in the mouth



I was quite sure that it wasn’t hit by any car - I guess it was just “puffed up”



Plenty of ostriches could be spotted – some of them very busy in displaying



This red hartebeest calf was just too curious. Isn’t same cute?



Some other member of their herd enjoyed the remaining water and drank from a puddle in the middle of the road



And finally Timon was able to capture a striped mouse which normally always crossing in high speed the road. The first days when it was still wet we had to be careful not to overrun those hundreds of giant millipedes crossing the road and with the first hot days you had to be careful not to hit those hundred of geckos and striped mice doing the same.



Then we came across a campervan which was stuck in the sand we offered our help to tow them out until we realized that the couple was also from Germany. After the mission had been completed successfully and after a short chat we had to leave as still a lot of driving to be done.

Another strange sighting came across a secretary bird in a tree. Also another car stopped and took a couple of pictures of this rare sighting.



As it was getting hotter and hotter a short break under those amazing camel thorn trees at Dikbaardskolk was very welcome. This picnic spot turned out to be our favourite in KTP. After a while another car joined us but same looked familiar to us - it was our neighbours from Grootkolk.

We turned into the upper dune road which we had to cross once more. Obviously also this road had some good rains the last days as there were still some puddles left.



One more amazing sighting on this day was the huge family of ostriches – two males and two females and their half-grown youngsters drinking from a puddle. In total I counted 11 “chicks”



Some of them were in the mood for a short bath



And some were not willing to leave the “refreshment” and to follow their parents.



Besides plenty of gemsboks which could be spotted not much more came across as it was definitely too hot.



Finally we turned into the Auob riverbed and after a final short drive we reached Urikaruus. Marius welcomed us and we were awarded with chalet No. 3 and we felt like home right from the beginning. Unpacking had to be stopped abruptly as a huge herd of wildebeests came to drink at the waterhole with a great amount of relatively small calves in between and we enjoyed this sighting from our balconies. After all of them left we finally were able to finish the unpacking of the car and could settle down a bit. Much to our surprise also here under all the chalets plenty of ground squirrels and yellow mongoose in and out their burrows could be spotted.



Finally it was time for our afternoon drive and we decided to give the road North to Mata Mata a try.

Much to Timon’s joy the first sighting were a couple of giraffes – our first KTP once



Furthermore a huge herd of springboks and a lone Pale chanting goshawk feeding on something on the ground made us to stop quite a few times. Actually we wanted to drive still a bit further North but another huge Kalahari lion stopped us again. He first was lying flat on the ground in the middle of the road and Timon thought already he was dead until slowly very slowly his majesty made himself comfortable right behind the road and allowed us another audience.

Sorry but you have to overcome again some lion portraits – needless to say that I just love the following one.



to be continued with more lion pictures......

As promised here is the next instalment - Good news the next one is also nearly finished

As he also had quite a full tummy and was more than relaxed he did what lions do best and offered us once more some brilliant poses. Furthermore there were some huge trees at this sighting which made it much more comfortable for the three of us as it was still unbearably hot.




Finally after a while another car joined us and we all still had plenty of time ahead of us.



What a sleepy majesty. Also this lion did not feel disturbed by the cars in any way









Finally a brilliant yawning sequence came across – you just to have to wait finally they will yawn






He also allowed us some more “doze off” portraits




And he was getting tired and more tired.



His mane also covered his breast quite intensively – a real hairy beast



The other car had already left and finally it was also time for us to leave him so with the very last picture we left him where he nearly did not move at least for one hour.

It was already extremely dark as the sun was behind the dunes but a pair of black backed jackals with their young ones had to stop us again. They all were drinking from a remaining puddle which must have been huge earlier



And one also made itself comfortable whilst lying down in the middle of the road. Gorgeous!!!



With the final sunlight we were able to take a picture of a beautiful brown snake eagle in a camel thorn tree



With the last couple of seconds until gate closing time we were back at Urikaruus and Marius awaited us already to tell us that the battery is extremely low today and we only should use one lamp at a time and no vans tonight which was no problem for us.

Timon lit the braai and I made myself comfortable with the sighting book – thanks once more to caracal for providing them – and to read all the entries. Obviously some people must have had their sightings of the life in the past months in this area. Also Ingrid’s and Katy’s entries had been noticed it is always amazing to meet those wildlife maniacs again which you only know via the virtual world. It is always like a reunion of a family which is living far away from each other.

The bugs and moths were again in their element and thereforefor us it was time to go to bed after such an exciting day with some extraordinary sightings.

to be continued....

Tuesday, 17. February 2009 - Urikaruus

After a good’s night rest we were up early as usual and after the first coffee on our kitchen balcony we enjoyed more and more the coming daylight. After picking up our permit from Marius (why are those employees who must stand up so early for us visitors always in such a good mood always smiling and friendly. I sometimes wonder whether they will never be in the mood for sleeping a bit longer... ) we drove again into the Northern direction up to Mata Mata.

Obviously another day without any signs of rain or thunderstorms was coming up although for the first hour or so it was still a bit dark in the Auob riverbed. Needless to say that we saw springboks, more springboks and much more springboks either huge herds or lonesome ones but it was amazing and finally also the sun was up enough to enlighten the whole scenery with some nice shots.



A yellow billed kite in a tree and at the same spot where we saw yesterday evening the black backed jackal family we spotted them today again obviously they spent the whole night there. This one had the typical doggy look and one of them was still lying on the ground in nearly the same position as yesterday evening.



Another beautiful lanner falcon came across searching for something on the ground.



We checked again also at Dertiende Boorgat whether the lion from yesterday evening was still there but the waterhole was abandoned but plenty of wildebeests obviously a couple of herds were meeting for their morning chat came across and some were in the mood for some morning runs.



Between Dertiende and Veertiende Boorgat we finally met the famous bateleur in that area. He was so relaxed and did nothing else than just sit on a branch and do some day dreaming. He felt not disturbed by us so we could stop right under him and take a picture from a strange perspective. Moreover he was also more than curious to know what we are doing directly under him.

Eye in eye with the bateleur



The one thing which came to our mind was: Please, please, please no droppings now!!!



Gladly everything went well and after we had our shots he remained seated in his branch. More and more giraffes came also into sight as well as more and more gemsboks. Finally between Veertiende Boorgat and Dalkeith nearly 20 giraffes spread all over the dunes from the left side to the right sight of the riverbed and some were feeding directly in the riverbed. It was an amazing sighting as we never thought before that we will see such an amount of these animals nearly altogether in this park.



We drove also the loop at Dalkeith were an ugly smell had to made us to close the windows immediately. A giraffe carcass was lying there and obviously did that already for a longer period

Although still early is was again a very hot day and the springboks already started to rest again in the heat of the day



Only the gemsboks and wildebeest were busy in running around and searching for something to eat.

Between Craig Lockhart and Sitsas a car was parking and we stopped right behind them and scanned the area and finally could spot the famous pride of lions in that area which is consisting of 2 lionesses, 2 smaller plus 1 older cubs and big daddy (due to the hanging lip it maybe could be our yesterday’s evening male) unfortunately very far away in the dunes. At this stage I was already green that Jo and Katy were able to take some close pictures of them but as already mentioned you cannot have everything. So I am sorry, Jo, only a far away picture of little attacker but according to the tummy he had already a nice yummy breakfast



And was just attacking his daddy for some attention unfortunately this action could not be taken on picture but as big daddy was in a real bad mood he was running to Mummy and attacked her and she was very tolerant and allowed him much. Finally big daddy settled down under a tree flat on the ground and was nearly invisible now and so did the rest of the pride under another tree.




We stayed with them for quite a while and although the sighting was very far away we enjoyed same very much but finally we left and decided that we maybe will have more luck during our drive back to Urikaruus therefore time for us to carry on our drive. More and more obviously nearly the whole springbok population of the Kalahari came across with some stunning posing young ones.




At Sitsas the guarding secretary bird of that waterhole came across and some more which were drinking from a remaining puddle in the street.



Close to Mata Mata some ostriches and plenty of ground squirrels close to the road came across and finally time to stretch the legs a bit at Mata Mata and to pay a short visit at the shop. Unfortunately the famous owl in the tree was not in. After some break we drove back to Urikaruus stopped again at the lion spot and yes, they were still lying there. Moreover as a huge herd of springboks was coming closer and closer observing the lions very carefully but after the final inspection had been done they decided that they will be for the rest of the day harmless and grazed on but always with one eye to the lions. Big daddy was still lying there as we left him and he obviously has settled himself for the rest of the day but the rest of the pride one after the other disappeared unfortunately somewhere behind the dunes.

Around noon in the heat of the day we were back at Urikaruus and during the drive back we already thought that we might change our 2 nights Mata Mata against one night more Urikaruus and 1 night Nossob. Please do not get me wrong but this has nothing to do with the camp Mata Mata itself it was just a female’s intuition and a strange feeling that I had in my little toe that the Nossob side will still have something extraordinary in hand for us and furthermore the fact that as we are about to stay 2 nights at KK plus 1 night at TR we will still have enough time to explore the Auob riverbed more and more. So why not give Nossob another try or do we already feel homesick??? So upon our return we asked Marius whether he can do this for us and he was more than willing to radio to Mata Mata but unfortunately the next night Urikaruus was fully booked and so we decided that we will change our 2 nights Matta Mata against 2 nights Nossob. I did not know earlier that such a change of booking can be done so easily without any problems and bureaucracy. Thanks Sanparks!!! Finally Marius confirmed our booking in Nossob and payment of the difference if any can also be done whilst checking in at Nossob. Believe me we never regretted to take this decision but that is another story!!!

The rest of the afternoon we relaxed on the balconies observing the ground squirrels and yellow mongoose as well as some wildebeests which came to drink. In the sleeping room or kitchen is was unbearable hot meanwhile and furthermore some kind of pet was obviously hiding behind the armchair in the sleeping room as we heart always some rustle sometimes more and sometimes less but could not find out what’s hiding behind. Sometimes it is indeed better not to know what it is. So everyone out there be careful when staying in chalet No. 3 at Urikaruus there is something hiding in the bedroom!

Our afternoon drive led us first North again and brought some wildebeests again with plenty of calves,



secretary birds, again those famous Kalahari giraffes and again plenty of springboks and finally a tawny eagle in a tree.




We also paid a visit at the viewing point near Urikaruus and had to stop as already 2 cars were parking there. We asked at what they were looking and they replied lions – We checked the area carefully but only could see one ear and the rest of the lions was hiding in the bushes there so we left again relatively early and decided to drive again a bit in the Southern direction and drove until Batulama but indeed not much animals around.

Back in camp we chatted again a bit with Marius and whilst Timon lit the braai time for some photo session in the camp.




The braai again was delicious as always and sometimes we scanned with our flashlight the waterhole but not much around and as the bugs and moths were again start to become a pest we hit the sack. As it was still unbearable hot in the bedroom we slept with all tent flaps down until......

to be continued.....

Pumbaa,maybe this little fellow was hiding in Nr.3!!
He was watching us,the whole evening!!

Wednesday, 18. February 2009 – Urikaruus - Nossob

Yes, until Timon and I awoke simultaneously in the middle of the night as it was as if one had turned the van on high speed but the wind came not from the ceiling but from the side through all the wide open windows. The wind was howling and it was also ice cold inside the chalet. I was frightened that the whole bedroom will take off with the next gust of wind also our pet behind the armchair was silent obviously the whole scenery was a bit sinister.

Whilst we were about to close all the tent flaps the first heavy rain drops were already about to set our chalet under water and another terrible thunderstorm was directly above us. It was again typical as we were about to drive to Nossob again it started to rain obviously we once more had to abuse our car as canoe. Did we indeed take the right decision???

But suddenly after only half an hour the whole spook was over as it was as if nothing had happened and we just turned around in bed and slept on this time until the alarm clock awoke us. We wanted to be out as early as possible as we at this stage did not know whether we again had to cross some monster puddles. But a very last coffee on our kitchen balcony was a must before we left with heavy hearts this amazing place we will definitely be back. We were the first who left the camp and after a final good bye to Marius who was already up and smiling we were on the road again as it was a long way back to Nossob.

It was still extremely dark this morning and until we turned once more into the upper dune road we indeed did not see anything. High above on the dunes the first glimpse of daylight with some fantastic sunrise shots taken close after the other.




The first animal which came across on the upper dune road was a spotted hyena running in speed



and then nearly until the end of this road nothing else could be spotted besides some gemsboks and a lone steenbok. Furthermore also the white quilled korhaan kept silent during the whole drive. Much to our delight obviously the thunderstorm came down somewhere else last night as the dune road was totally dry as well as later the Nossob road. Earlier as expected we were already at Dikbaardskolk were we again enjoyed the silence and another coffee under those amazing camel thorn trees. Gladly the closer we came the Nossob side the more brighter and bluer the sky got and meanwhile the sun was again shinning from high above.

After quite a while we carried one only to be stopped again after a couple of kilometres between Dikbaardskolk and Cheleka as I spotted two lions flat on the ground under some bushes and trees. It was a couple – a very handsome male and female – very well hidden but again with huge tummies – which have revealed them in the high grass.



Another forum member named Astazou must have been at the same sighting on this day as I remembered the pictures in his/her travel tale very well.



Once more the lions - how could it be - did what lions do best but from time to time one of them (it was almost her) was raising its head and had a slow look around and in between the nose was itching



What a beauty she was especially her muscles in her front legs were indeed quite impressive obviously her body work out was successful = 100 kg pure power




Another car parked behind us and also the game ranger truck full of game rangers on a mission from Nossob stopped shortly at this spot and allowed us to take this shot whilst both were checking the noise of the ranger truck.



After quite a couple of position changes both went closer under the trees at is meanwhile was getting unbearable hot in the sun. Finally we were able to capture him also.



But finally both of them find the sleeping position they were looking for the whole morning and dozed away snuggled up close together.



After 1 ½ hour we also decided to leave them and drove on as it meanwhile with each and every single minute was getting hotter and hotter in the car. Plenty of gemsboks came across and finally between Kaspersdraai and Marie se draai Timon spotted another mole snake in the sand



Same was trying very hard to climb the steep sand hill and was finally successful



And only a couple of kilometres further another puff adder but this time a huge one had to stop us again. From the way it can raise its head easily from the ground another animal which is consisting to 100 % out of muscles



Another car from Nossob stopped and we together watched how easily this snake was up on this sand hill where the mole snake has quite some problems with to climb.



The people in the other car told us also about another snake sighting which they had earlier and we told them about our mole snake sighting only recently. The man in the other car came to the conclusion that obviously some heavy rain is coming as all the snakes made their ways out of the riverbed.

Our first white backed vultures in a trees and a beautiful tawny eagle were the only animal we could spot until we were back indeed earlier as expected in Nossob.



Although it was only 11.15 the always very friendly lady at the reception handed over to me the key to No. 5a. The cleaning lady had just finished with this room and after everything was again packed in and after chasing away a very obstinate blister beetle which has obviously declared the kitchen area of this chalet to his territory we took a short nap as the last night was a bit short.

After such a refreshing break we again enjoyed the little camp critters in running between our feet and also Mr. blister beetle was again busy in entering our kitchen. And finally our afternoon drive brought us back into the Northern direction up to Bedinkt. Although it was a relatively quiet drive we just enjoyed to be back at Nossob unbelievable again how high the grass has now grown after two further days. This picture has been posted just to show you the height of the grass in some parts of the riverbed.



Also our little black backed jackal family could again be spotted at its favourite spot and allowed us some close ups.




And another strange sighting which we did not see before made Timon to drive a bit back – a ground agama in a tree



I read somewhere that they were praying for rain. In the morning the fleeing snakes and now the rain prayer so hopefully the rain will only come a couple of days later.

Besides the normal suspects such as wildebeests, ostriches and gemsboks in quite a huge amount plenty of butterflies on a remaining mud puddle



as well as a Crowned lapwing plover made us stop to take some pictures. This one looks as if it was taken somewhere on a beach instead of in the Kalahari




Finally another delicous braai together with the just delivered delicious roesterkook in Nossob and a visit of the black backed jackal in the camp completed this brilliant day in paradise.

to be continued with the day of the sightings

Thursday, 19. February 2009 - Nossob

Obviously it must have rained last night as some small, very small puddles could be spotted in the camp after it got bright enough to see something so the snakes which we saw yesterday were not wrong. After the first quick coffee we left the camp again in the Northern direction and luckily another sunny day with no sign of any rain was about to begin.



Next stop was at a very idyllic looking tree in the morning sun with a secretary bird on top



It was indeed a relatively quiet morning with very few animal sightings or at least they were too far away for decent pictures, however, the grazing wildebeests in the early morning light were just breathtaking



as well as another amazing picture of the fast, very fast growing grass. I cannot tell it again and again but I guess you could have watched the grass growing whenever tried unfortunately due to the high grass the next half an hour it was quiet animal-wise.



But between Kwang and Bedinkt we could spot a silhouette of an animal drinking from a puddle which we never saw before. We came a bit closer and realized that this animal was a brown hyena – incredible!!!




She only allowed us some quick shots and was on the run again but between the high grass we were able to capture her from time to time.



It looked as if she was still nursing some pups somewhere hidden and that was also the reason why she was a bit nervous and restless. Furthermore her fur was also wet from her morning walk through the high grass.



According to the park map there are around 600 brown hyenas in the park and compared to the numbers of the other predators this is quite a huge amount. Therefore for us extremely astonishing that this animal is such a rare sighting but needless to say that we enjoyed every single second with her.



Unfortunately more to soon she finally crossed the street and disappeared in the high grass with a last look back.



At Bedinkt we turned around and drove back to Nossob. During our drive back the usual suspects came across such as gemsboks, pale chanting goshawks, red hartebeests with plenty of small calves in between and ostriches.



After seeing so many kori bustards during this trip already we finally were also able to take a decent picture of this amazing bird after same has crossed the street in front of us without any grass, bushes or something else on it.



Plenty of abdim’s storks were still around near the camp, however, not in the extensive amount as already one week ago. This red hartebeests could not get the mouth full enough and looked at us with those staring eyes.



Finally also a blister beetle could be captured via the camera.



Back in camp you cannot imagine how proud I put the magnet of the brown hyena on the sighting board after ordered the obligatory roesterkook and handed in our permit at reception. Originally we wanted to spend some time at the hide but same was under the repair the whole day as the door from the camp to the hide must have suffered under the last week’s flood. The same break down happened obviously to one of the flagpoles as same was under repair too and everyone was already busy in repairing.

So we strolled a bit through the camp whilst visiting the shop and the burrows of the camp critters for a final time. The rest of the afternoon until our very last drive we spent on our veranda whilst watching the busy ground squirrels and yellow mongoose and chasing away the blister beetle in our kitchen.

For the afternoon drive we drove in the Southern direction and after a short stop at Marie se Draai which only revealed plenty of gemsbok and red hartebeest herds mixed together and another Kori bustard we drove a bit further until between Marie se Draai and Kaspersdraai we (okay it was me!) spotted another light brown animal with long brushes on its ears right behind the street – unbelievable a caracal!!!



As we at this point did not know how shy such animal is we just waited a while what he might would do (hopefully not run away!!) but he was indeed very relaxed and just walked slowly parallel to street in the other direction and in between was marking his territory.



So Timon had no other choice to put the back gear in and whilst driving backwards with the camera together with the big lens juggling on it on his knees it was indeed not easy to photograph Mr. Caracal as either he was walking just behind and bush or where we stopped at the street a bush was hiding him so we just stopped, took a couple of picture and drove backwards again whilst taking more pictures and to just hope that there will come out some good ones.



We had luck most of the ones we took were great. The caracal only stopped to mark from time to time his territory and to do some daydreaming.




One time it looked as if he was climbing a tree stump but finally he decided to walk on.



Again no other cars around and we had him totally for ourselves. Needless to say that we were thrilled and we were jumping up and down in our car the whole time he allowed us to spent time with him which were in the end around 20 minutes. If some other people could have watched us they must have think we were gone totally mad.




Finally he came closer and closer and popped out directly behind our car between a couple of bushes but unfortunately we had now the wrong lens on and no time to change it but we made the best out of this



He then decided to cross the street directly in front of our car and the second he reached the other side he was no longer visible.



The next couple of minutes we were speechless – what a sighting!!!

Finally another car crossed our way and the woman told us about a cheetah sighting near Cheleka. Obviously two cheetahs were trying to hunt a springbok but finally failed. She was still so excited about that and talked and talked so we could not tell her about the caracal they just missed.

We drove a bit further but meanwhile it was already getting late so we finally turned around and drove back to Nossob whilst trying to photograph a martial eagle in flight – as usual it flew into the wrong direction and another brown snake eagle could also be spotted.

Back in camp I was that double proud as after our morning drive to put the “magical” magnet of the caracal on the sighting board and there I met again the woman which told us about the cheetah sighting and finally I was able to tell her about our caracal. Needless to say she was speechless and too. According to the sighting board today must have been a very successful day for everyone around Nossob not only for us as the sighting board was full of magnets in different colours. Plenty of different lion sightings, cheetahs, brown hyena, caracal and even honey badger and meerkats had been seen today.

Whilst enjoying our pasta on our veranda with a glass of wine we felt that content and happy about this day that we must have slept the whole night with a big fat smile on our faces

Finally this was now the last course of the main course and after a short break we are ready to serve the dessert!!!

To be continued.....

Thanks once again for your amazing and overwhelming comments and compliments which made us speechless. This day was one of the best days ever spent in a Sanpark (although nearly each day in one is amazing!) and whenever thinking back of this day the big smiles on our faces came back immediately especially these sightings will help us to overcome the time until we will be back

Thanks especially to p@m, Spotted Cat, anne-marie, wanderw, Johan N, anne catherine, droopy, Dreamer, vlekkie, caracal, GavinW, Micetta, annalie, Ingrid, Wannabe Nerd, Meandering Mouse, Sharifa and Duke, lorrainepring, billyf, icurrie, AjayB, Toddelelfe, Mike1916, katy and Mielie you are all more than great

@Johan N – For the caracal sighting Timon had a Canon EF 300 1:2,8L IS USM plus a 2x converter on. I am not a fan of this lens as I even cannot carry it

@caracal – I am quite sure it was the same caracal you saw and I am holding thumbs for another meeting with him shortly. Unfortunately the whole trip report will not be finished before you leave but after your return I will hopefully help you to overcome your withdrawal symptoms.

Sorry for not posting earlier but were a bit busy also on the weekends but meanwhile I found some time to continue - just to let you a bit more space for the desert which will be a spotted one with more spots on top.

Once more thanks again and I am proud to be part on this amazing forum


Friday, 20. February 2009 – Nossob - Kieliekrankie

Today we had to finally say bye bye to Nossob and furthermore it was also unmistakably clear that our holidays will also be over more to soon , however, we still had three whole days in the park.



Again it must have been rained last as the ground was wet and muddy and some very small puddles could be found in camp. Luckily our beloved black backed jackal strolled around the camp fence and waived us also good bye. We hit the road in the Southern direction and although the sun just began to shine there were plenty of dark clouds still around.



We took for a very last time the loop around Marie se Draai and much to our delight although far in the distance we could spot again a handsome Kudu male.



Now the sun came up more and more and it got brighter and brighter whilst we came across a couple of black backed jackals obviously one had already crossed the street and waited for the other in plenty of beautiful Devil’s thorn flowers.



The other jackal had just caught a delicacy at least for it – a giant millipede – and must have had already a bite but obviously same tasted a bit according to the impression on its face.



However, the millipede was not that bad as the jackal grabbed same, crossed the street and joined the other jackal and ate the rest of its kill.



Another pale chanting goshawk with dark blue sky in the background could be spotted as the further we drove South the more the grey clouds disappeared.



Suddenly from out of nowhere another fast monster puff adder was crossing the street and Timon had to hurry to take a picture of same before it disappeared in the high grass



and a beautiful ostrich lady posed so nicely for us so that we once more could not resist



Finally we reached Dikbaardskolk and had a nice break before we headed forward again. Another advantage due to the camp change was that we now we could also drove the road from this picnic spot to Kij Kij as otherwise due to the road closure from Samevloeiing to Kij Kij this road would have slipped us through our fingers. Gladly we drove this road as for us this part of the park was the most beautiful one at least at this part of the year and we enjoyed every meter we drove. On one side of the road the whole ground was covered by oceans of Devil Thorn’s and on the other side nearly no vegetation could be found but only rocks and sand. The contrast between both sides whilst the road meandered through the dunes was just breathtaking. Furthermore a strong wind was blowing which carried the smell of the flowers everywhere.

Another strange sighting was also the many mushrooms which could be spotted from time to time on the road.



Again plenty of kori bustards and gemsboks were running around and we could not resist in taking a picture of some gemsboks in a meadow of Devil’s thorn.



Between Jan se Draai and Kransbrak Timon stopped again, scanned the area and finally took the binoculars, checked again and said “Gotcha Pussycat!” I looked into the same direction and must confess that I saw nothing besides some bushes. After checking the bush which Timon showed me via binoculars I could at least spot one lioness but in total it were three of them squeezed altogether under a very small bush in the remaining shade.



All in all the small pride consisted of one huge male and his two lionesses lying in another field of Devil’s thorn. As the shade under the bush was getting less and less and it was already getting boiling hot in the sun one of the lionesses left the others and walked away under another bush.





As there was no tree under which we could have parked the car we had no other choice than to wait in the hotter and hotter getting sun gladly the strong wind was still blowing and with all windows down it was quite bearable otherwise we would have been boiled in our car.



The mane of the lion was blowing in the wind and whilst the two lionesses were nearly the whole time sleeping we stayed with them he was very active at least for a lion!



He did some scratching, fur care, pedicure and after he had finished the whole procedures he started again in doing the same – obviously he was a very vain lion but quite understandable as he had to please two ladies



In total we were two cars and watched them for around one hour and finally a third car joined us too but obviously the people were no so interested in watching some sleepy lions and drove off quickly.



The shade under the bush melted away more and more and finally only for one of the lioness it was enough shade left and he finally decided to join his other lady under her bush not that she may fell a bit unfairly treated.





As we had still a long way to drive we left them and enjoyed again the drive through this awesome landscape more and more. Suddenly Timon asked me whether I saw the ostriches on a rocky field and I replied: “Yes, I did”. He again: “Did you see them?”. I was already about to go a bit angry as I already replied him until I saw all those plenty well camouflaged small chicks following their parents.



The usual suspect such as wildebeests, red hartebeests, ostriches, gemsboks as well as more and more springboks crossed our way too out of which this one was looking a bit more like “El Toro” than as a wildebeest



Another ostrich family with a bit more older but not less cute chicks could as well be spotted



and finally we saw a springbok high on a stone hill until we reached the Melkvlei picnic spot where we did another break. The landscape was as if we were in the middle of nowhere, dusty, rocky and dry but just beautiful.



to be continued......

Micetta

Thanks Elsa, for were also overwhelmed with everything we saw during that trip

After our break which took a bit longer as expected we hit the road again. Some cute resting springboks could not escaped Timon’s camera.



A short stop at Kij Kij did not revealed much and finally we turned into the lower dune road which was also totally new for us. I renamed this road into “Ostrich chick road” as we saw so many of them on this road as never expected before.

Some fluff balls were hurrying up in order to cross the street to keep up with Daddy



which was already up on the dunes but he waited until the little ones had reached him again and the whole bunch just stopped high on the dunes to allow us some quick shots.





I always wanted to see ostrich chicks but during this holiday we saw so many of them in different sizes that it was just amazing and I was in my element. Another ostrich family with slightly older chicks could be spotted also spread all over the dunes



Before we reached finally Kieliekrankie another steenbok and one of those noisy white-quilled korhaan could be spotted.



It was already early afternoon before we were greeted by Oliver and awarded with chalet No. 2. Plenty of Gemsbok Cucumber and Tsamma Melons were lying around in the red sand and together with the breathtaking view over the dunes and down to the waterhole from our huge balcony it was a good decision to save this camp for last. Moreover we had another pet in our room – this time a bilson gecko which was unwilling to leave the chalet so we left it in the room but had to watch every time our steps not to walk on it. Before we left for our afternoon drive we just enjoyed the silence and the view with a coffee. I also made myself again comfortable with the sighting book and was turning greener and greener when I read about sightings of 3 hours which have been spent with some cheetahs or leopards at a kill close to the crossing of the lower dune road and the Auob river road. Furthermore I was already looking so much forward to our braai this evening in such a breathtaking atmosphere.

For our afternoon drive we drove into the direction of TR as we had to do some very overdue phone calls to our parents as they must have already thought we had gone lost.

Whilst driving the dune road to the Auob river road we stopped shortly to take a picture of the Kieliekrankie accommodations in this direction with a blue sky in the background and



at the same spot into the other direction with an upcoming thunderstorm so we had to hurry a bit to be back before the hell started to break out



Right behind the road we watched a pale chanting goshawk which was busy in birdnesting and more to soon we reached the Auob where we nearly met the whole springbok population in this area of the park again and some of them where doing a little fight.



Although it was still afternoon it was getting darker and darker but with the last glimpse of daylight we could spot two very sleepy black-backed jackals on some sort of nests. It was funny to watch as is looks as if they were hatching eggs.





Finally on the dune road to TR on the highest point we head cell phone reception and did our phone calls whilst in the background thunder and lightning was getting louder and brighter. On our way back it must have been at Houmoed a sandstorm came up, the smell of the rain was in the air and all animals had gone – it was another sinister moment



We made it just in time back to camp before it once more during this holiday rained again cats and dogs so unfortunately we had to postpone our braai to the next evening and had to cook our steaks in a pan. It rained meanwhile so heavily that the rain already came under the door into our room so I put a towel in front only just to be on the safe side that our room did not get flooded during the night. Although the rain did not stop again more than thousand moths were again gluing at our windows and soon more than 20 geckos were active in having also dinner.

Meanwhile our steaks were ready and we enjoyed one of our last evenings in the kitchen with the pattering rain on the ceiling, hot steaks on the plates and a cold South African white wine in our glasses and whilst enjoining the cosy atmosphere we were already recapitulating this holiday and still could not believe all the unbelievable amazing sightings we already had and we were also talking about sightings of which we were still dreaming. Timon’s “dream” sighting was an extensive photographic session with his favourite animal, the leopard, and as mine with the cheetah cubs came already true I was still dreaming about cheetahs at a kill and whilst still dreaming of these sightings we were once more again drifting into dreamland.

Saturday, 21. February 2009 – Kieliekrankie

Much to our luck when we awoke this morning the rain and thunderstorm were gone and the sun was already about getting up so maybe we will be able to do our very last braai in the park this evening.

We headed into the Mata Mata direction and with the upcoming sun it was a totally different atmosphere as we experienced yesterday evening.

Some sleepy wildebeest calves



a bit further down a breathtaking view from one of those view points on that road



and more sleeping and fighting bokkies





as well as smaller ones all still just ears lying on the ground



Near 13th borehole again plenty of those Kalahari giraffes came across again spread all of the dunes.



Relatively soon we already reached Mata Mata where we again stretched our legs a bit and on the way the usual Kalahari suspects came across. On our way back between Sitsas and Craig Lockhart Timon again spotted under a tree very far in the distance yellow legs – the famous pride in that area with the two smaller and the older cub. We stayed a while with them whilst enjoying some rusks and met another couple from Germany with whom we exchanged our sightings, impressions and experiences. As no activity was visible from the lions we made our way slowly back. A dead springbok with a tawny eagle on top came across on the Dalkeith loop.



The picture revealed the impressive size of the tawny compared to the springbok. But although we waited a while nothing happened so we left the sighting only to take another pictures of a living springbok which between many more crossed our way





as well as another very proud ostrich couple with three very small fluffies



All in all it was a relatively quiet morning drive, however, time has passed already by so quickly that we were already dreaming of a hot coffee on our veranda until we got stuck in a traffic jam between Batulama and Gemsbokplein consisting of three cars already which means in KTP a bit more than lions!

Ready for the Dessert ??? To be continued with our 3 hours with a spotted beauty or 500 pictures later…..

Thanks Micetta - in case you need more information just ask

@Jo - Finally.....

And there he was at around 1 o’clock in the middle of the day – a beautiful young male leopard was lying under a tree in the shade on a rocky underground. From a bit farer away he was indeed very well camouflaged but the closer one came the better he got visible.



At first sight we were a bit frighten that he may disappear quickly due to the “traffic jam” but much to our luck he stayed there where he was lying and was curious looking at all those “metal boxes” with some very “strange animals” in it.

He allowed us to take shot after shot as you never know how long he would stay Timon snapped away not knowing for how long he would stay with us.



After quite a while he stood up and we already thought that’s it he will disappear but he fooled us he just changed his position and settled down again a bit closer to the trunk of the tree





Unfortunately for us it was not the best position to take pictures where we stood but you never know when you will meet again such a beauty so close. He was more than relaxed – never saw before such a relaxed leopard as during the whole sighting new cars came, stopped, looked, with engine on and off, some with loud music and some with relatively small babies not to mentioned the conversation which took place from car to car but obviously he did not care. Luckily good for Timon so we can put the 1 x 4 converter on and off in case of need as with the converter on you could only take portraits of him



and without the whole beauty presented himself quite nicely. During this trip we did this procedure quite often mostly at lion sightings but we never did that whilst watching leopards



Obviously our beauty got a bit sleepy – but more to soon was up again



Luckily for us the whole sighting took place under several trees so that we were also a bit protected against the hot sun which meanwhile had raised the temperatures to the higher level and moreover the humidity in the air was not that pleasant again and it was more than clear that more rain was coming soon. From time to time the sun made its way through the dense branches and itched him everywhere so he changed again his position a bit



I would give a lot to know at what his was thinking whilst taking this picture



But obviously we was only sleepy as he put his head on his paw and dozed away





Cars passed by and one couple told us that they already saw him in the morning hunting and there was still his springbok kill lying in and under a bush close to where he was lying presently. That must be the reason why he was not getting away

Are you still there???



Finally he changed his position again and with these changes he was coming slowly closer to his kill in the bush



Meanwhile we were only two cars which stayed with him and now we could change our position too but from where we were observing him now a little branch was a bit annoying. Timon and the other man in the car who also had a quite impressive lens on gave their best. I was still photographing with film to do some slides and more too soon I had also to change film after film.



He was a real beauty and needless to say that we could not get enough from him. What quite impressive eyes he had



Obviously he was not only a leopard but a real born poser and then again a typical sleepy cat doing what not only lions do best the whole day but when lions sleep they sleep. This beauty only slept from time to time and was really quite active.



Meanwhile he was quite often watching to the other side of the road and whilst remembering our meeting with Diego and Lincoln at Union’s end we should better watch into the same direction as he did



Simultaneously the woman in the other car made signs to look into the other direction and what to say another leopard appeared in the distance and made herself comfortable under a huge tree - We came to the conclusion that this could only be his mom



Finally he was looking directly at mom and I could not help myself in thinking that this maybe could be the little cub which Katy saw together with mom during her KTP trip in November 2007



We could not believe our luck not only one but two leopards although mom was relatively far away but very good visible on the other side of the riverbed – What an incredible luck!!! And again we were once again jumping up and down in our car as finally Timon’s dream sighting came true and still now whilst writing this installment I still cannot believe all these amazing moments we had during this holiday especially this sighting was so out of this world I still cannot believe we were there and saw everything with our own eyes.

To be continued…….the 3 hours are not yet over

Finally he took once more a little nap



But also showed us that not only lions can yawn but also little leopards too



and not only once the second yawner followed soon



Finally he thought it is time to search for another place to rest



and stood up again - we already thought he may leave us but our luck continued this was not the end but just the beginning of this incredible sighting



Unfortunately he lied down directly behind the trunk and from where we stood with the car it was nearly impossible for us to watch him luckily for us he was doing nothing and just took a small nap. After quite a while the car in front of us left the sighting and we quickly filled up the gap only to realize that this was indeed the pole position to observe our spotted beauty



And there he was lying and lying and lying



Sometimes with the head up scanning the area and then again head down to doze away or just day dreaming



For us it was a privilege to spend such an amazing time watching one of the beautiful animals on earth. We really could not understand all the people who only took a short look and drove on moreover as he was so close and so relaxed what were they looking for instead???



This pictures Timon had chosen as screen picture so every time when turning the computer on this little chap is saying hi again



Finally he obviously took enough naps and was now up and looking around a bit – again one little branch was a bit annoying but this branch became quite handy for him a bit later….



Eye in eye with a leopard who could dream for more – We were in seventh heaven



and day dreaming again



And observing all the cars standing in row watching him most of the time it was us and another couple and we 4 had nearly if not the best sighting ever we had.



Now we got our turn again



And the other car



Do not know why we were so interested for him he could not take the eyes from us



I am quite sure he knows what a beauty he is the impression on his face on this pictures shows it all



Sorry for posting so many leopard pictures but it is indeed not easy to choose the best ones and if you not get bored in seeing more spots some more to follow.

To be continued…..with the installment in which it will be revealed who won the yawning competition in the KTP this year

He still could not take his eyes from us – I never can repeat it enough this was the most incredible sighting we ever experienced – The elusive leopard was still posing for us – It was so beautiful and breathtaking – I was close to tears



Obviously he got a bit sleepy



And indeed he lied himself down and was still staring at us as if he would like to tell us something like: “I am in the mood for entertainment now it is your turn to entertain me” at least his tail was always in motion



Finally he fell totally asleep – his posing must have made him very sleepy as he must have slept at least half an hour.



Time for us to have a break from holding our cameras too and to drink something and eat some rusks, check whether leopard mom was still lying there – well, she was – btw he slept so deep he did not any move whilst rustling in the bag for the urgently needed rusks. Another car arrived (the one with the disco music) and also this music did not disturb our beauty. The guy in the car told us about another huge male leopard he just saw near Kamfersboom and we also showed him mom on the other side of the riverbed – “Unbelievable he replied who else saw 3 leopards in such a short period on one day” But he stayed not long and drove off. As meanwhile the sun made its way through the leaves under the tree a sunbeam must have itched him on his nose and finally awoke him.



Was the fantastic sighting now over – will he walk away??? No he stayed where he was and was still scanning the area



But the staring and scanning – he also checked from time to time whether mom was still there which she was the whole time! – must have made him sleepy again and he put his heavy head on his paws and dozed again away and lied there again quite a couple of time and only opened and closed his eyes from time to time and again and again



He must have come to the conclusion that not only lions can win a yawning competition but he too and started another show of himself



I especially love this one paw in the air, ears backwards and curling snout – If I would not have been already a cat lover I would fall totally in love with them in this minute. He stole my heart with this one and the following ones.







What healthy set of teeth



Just a short break before the next yawner was coming up







As if someone is driving through the Kalahari and was telling leopard jokes – he looks as if he was laughing and on top he was now putting his paw with one claw visible on the earlier disturbing branch



“Believe me I am the greatest Kalahari entertainer ever – I am sure you enjoyed the show”– Robbie Williams song “Let me entertain you” came to my mind and how he entertained us – I still have got shivers and goose-skin all over when looking at these pictures – We saw all this and these are our pictures we took – If I was not there and saw everything with my own eyes I would have never believed this but it was true and no dream – I made the test I pinched my arm



“I am the cutest little thing on Earth, am I?” Who can resist such a sly looking beauty??



To be continued…….with the last installment of the leopard show

After this extensive yawning pose he needed again a bit day dreaming



I just love the impression on his face on this picture



Again he started to scan the area, checked whether mom is still at her spot and finally he stood up unfortunately for us Timon had the converter on so only a portrait possible.



All in all he must have lied at least one hour at this spot and gave all the posing he had it was just breathtaking – I cannot tell it often enough. Now he nearly had reached his kill and all the other cars at this stage including us only 3 – obviously most of the other people in the park must have thought that in the heat of the day there is nothing to be seen and stayed in their camps – were driving directly at the kill but we were not in the mood to rush and slowly followed him





and unbelievable but true the luck was still with us. He decided that before having a quick lunch he needed again one short rest and walked around a bush and lied himself down again – and once more some very thin branches were a bit disturbing – but hey no complains – we still stood on the pole position and what to say he started again posing for us. First a curious look, then getting again sleepy and try to sleep with open eyes only interrupted by some yawners and again some more day dreaming – sorry to repeat it again and again but this was what he did



Which he did nearly the whole time and he started again to pose exclusive for us







He always stared at us with his beautiful eyes as if he would like to tell us – “Oh you are also still there isn’t life just soooooo good”



In regular periods he always checked the spot where his mother was lying.



Finally another car arrived with a younger couple and after they noticed the leopard they were totally exhausted “Wow, is that cool”. As we had our shots already we let them have our spot and drove a bit closer to the springbok kill in the thickets



After quite a while lucky for the younger couple that they got also their pictures he finally decided that it was time for him to have some lunch and approached his kill but from behind the bush with the typical cat walk – a bit creepy and a bit more predatorlike



Before he started to feed he looked around and finally had his bite – with now 4 cars and 8 people watching him which did not disturb him in any way



A short break just to check if he is still hungry but he must have been as he took some more bites



and was again scanning the area and ate a bit more





Finally he then let the kill behind and with full tummy, red snout he trotted off, crossed the street behind our cars



and was walking straight to the other side of the riverbed to join his mom.



After they exchanged the typical cat greetings he lied also down close to his mom.



It was meanwhile 4 o’clock and as both cats were lying a bit far away now we decided that we finally had enough for today – nobody could have enough from a leopard – but 500 pictures are definitely enough so we waved also here good bye to both spotted ones and returned to Kieliekrankie – Btw all the other cars left also the sighting – but before we finally returned we checked again the spot where the huge other male leopard (maybe dad?) had be seen but in this case we had no luck and were unable to trace him. Moreover from the South another black cloud made its way further North so we decided that we will not doing any afternoon drive and just relax in camp and enjoy the view from the balcony – the small spot in the middle of the picture is the waterhole -



and what to say the minute Timon lit the braai it started to rain slightly but we did not give up and defying the rain we finally had our very last braai in the Kalahari, however, had to ate inside but gladly when it was time for the amazing KK sunset the dark clouds were nearly gone and he were able to take some pictures.



What a way to finish an awesome day with the last glass of wine on the balcony and always talking about this once in a lifetime sighting which we experienced this day – we still could hardly believe what we saw this day.

Sunday, 22. February 2009 – Kieliekrankie – Twee Rivieren – Last full day in the park

As we wanted to make the most of our last full day in the park we were up again early and left the camp at 6.00 a.m. Needless to say that we drove straight to the place where we spent yesterday one of the best 3 hours in our lives but believe me or not there was nothing left from the springbok no bones, scraps or anything else but only something greenish which I suppose must be the stomach of the springbok. So we had to search for something else this day although it was meanwhile getter darker and darker and the light was indeed really bad I yelled “Stop” to Timon as something very intensive red and spotted caught my eye in the middle of the Auob river between Batulama and Montrose. I said to Timon: “Can you see them?” but he already had the camera on his eye and snapped away.

To be continued…..

Yes, and there they were 2 cheetahs in the middle of the Auob river feeding at a dead springbok. Needless to say that I was again in seventh heaven because of another cheetah sighting and then moreover on a kill



Unfortunately the sky was covered by heavy dark grey clouds and the light was really bad and meanwhile it started also to drizzle a bit so photography was not that easy but I guess Timon did also very well at this sighting.



Obviously they only hunted the springbok with the first glimpse of daylight but still not much left and both had already more than a nice bite.



From time to time one of the cheetahs lifted his head and scanned the area and then started feeding again although at this stage really not much left.



Then it was the turn of the other one and he also scanned the area very carefully and also was throwing some glance at us but only to start feeding again.



Unfortunately meanwhile the slight drizzle turned into heavier rain but the two cheetahs did not mind the rain and were still having their breakfast.



Sometime in between I noticed that one of the cheetahs was wearing a collar and immediately I thought of Skinny and mom but first their area was much further North, secondly both of them do look like full grown already and thirdly after taking a closer look it was obvious that these were two males. I remember that I read something in Ingrid’s last year’s report about two males whereof one was collared nearly in the same area so they must be them. Also GavinW and Wannabe Nerd saw them only recently but sadly noticed that they got somewhat separated – so let’s hope that both are still well and found each other again.



Obviously not only the Kalahari lions are having quite impressive tummies but also the Kalahari cheetahs too. Normally they are such elegant animals but this morning they were indeed looking a bit more like the waddling lion which we saw near Nossob.



There were still some scraps left and both of them still had not enough









I just love those bum in the air feeding shots and the other one was obviously needing a toothpick.





When cheetahs do wear collars for my liking it always looks far too tight but gladly they are feeling okay with them



Maybe when standing up there will fit a bit more breakfast



and obviously that worked and both were feeding on and on





Up to this stage (half an hour) we had the whole sighting all by ourselves what a privilege but now another car from the South arrived, stopped of course too and snapped also away. It was the same couple with whom we spent yesterday most of the time at the leopard sighting – the guy had a quite impressive 500 lens on



to be continued......