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I recently had to do a trip to Gaborone which is a two day journey. When planning the route I discovered that Mokala National Park would be the perfect halfway stop and the cost of the accommodation would be less than at any other boarding establishment. I duly booked for one night on the way up and then another night three days later for the return journey. Clearly game viewing time would be restricted because I would be on the road for most of the day but what the heck - it would be great to be "in the bush". This would be my first stay in a park without my SO which seemed very strange.

A number of raptors welcomed me soon after the turn-off to the park - a Common Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite and a Steppe Buzzard







The normal polite greeting via two way radio at the gate took place. The 6 km to Mosu Camp never yielded much to report on.. Checking in was quick and efficient which left about an hour before closing time for me to do a quick drive on the Matopi Loop. Not far from camp a lone Buffalo bull greeted me with a steely stare.





I was granted permission to visit the Haak en Steek camping area because it was vacant at the time. The good rains had ensured that the water hole was full. A number of visitors made their appearance.

Scrub Hare



Crimson-breasted Shrike



Kalahari Scrub Robin (not sure so please help!)



Fiscal Flycatcher



Cardinal Woodpecker



The vegetation was very lush along the Matopi Loop which made viewing rather difficult. A group of Kudu bulls were slaking their thirst at the Matopi Waterhole





A lone Tsessebe came ambling down the road and was not in the least concerned about my presence. The animals seemed a lot calmer than when I was last in Mokala.



Just around the corner I spotted another vehicle coming down the road!



When I returned to Mosu there was just enough time to pop down to Mofele camp. En route I saw these antelope....

this Nyala Bull had exceptionally long horns



...a young Kudu cow



....a Nyala ewe



....and a Red Haartebeest



This was certainly a worthwhile stop-over. Dinner in the restaurant was good.

Return stay to follow.......

The return trip was an interesting day - Valentines Day, my birthday and I was all on my own at Mokala! The trip back was a long one which left me with about an hour to do a quick drive. Unfortunately the Doringlaagte and Kameeldoring Loops were still closed due to flood damage so I once again took the Matopi Loop which included a visit to Haak en Steek camping site. Here is what I saw...

BUFFALO





KUDU
This fellow was being bitten by flies which seemed to be a problem in the park



TSESSEBE



WARTHOGS AT HAAK EN STEEK WATERHOLE



CRIMSON-BREASTED SHRIKE



TSESSEBE HAVING TAKEN A MUDBATH



TSESSEBE BULL TURNING ON THE CHARM



DIDERICKS CUCKOO







To be continued....

Near the Matopi waterhole a number of antelope were seen...

ZEBRA



BLESBUCK



KUDU
Note the flies that are sitting on this Kudu.



SPRINGBUCK
Both these Springbuck appear to have been of the Black and White variety respectively and have crossed with the common springbuck. I would appreciate comment on this one.





AFRICAN HOEPOE



LBJ
Need help with ID here!



SPOTTED THICK-KNEE



BLACK-BELLIED KORHAAN



KUDU
This was a magnificent speciman. Note the length of his horns in the second pic





GIRAFFE
This guy had the same fly problem!!



NYALA





TSESSEBE



REEDBUCK



ELAND





GEMSBUCK



TSESSEBE
These Tsessebe calves kept me entertained by charging through the long grass - it is amazing to witness how fast they can run at this tender age.







WARTHOG



That brings my report on this whistle stop visit to an end. I can really recommend this park - the service is excellent and it is apparent that the staff all take great pride in Mokala. Well worth a visit.

Excellent report considering the short time you had there Canon.

What a lovely selection and different species of birds and animals you saw.

With regards the Springbok and the colour variation, I can't fins any other explanation at this stage other than what my Mammal guide book has to say which is
Some farmers in S.A selectively breed Springbok with white or black coats and these may be seen in separate herds or mixed with normally coloured animals.
Also found this in the Springbok thread.



As for your little LBJ, not my favourite to try and ID but I would hazard a guess at one of the Larks, maybe the Fawn coloured?

Also love your pic of the jumping Tsessebe calves.