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Dear friends of KTP and Sanpark Forumites,

Next month we will come to visit fantastic KTP again.
Of course you will find our trip report soon after we have returned back home in this forum.

Today I would like to tell you a little true tale of a different type of getting to KTP and how Sanparks Forum is connecting people

There was a little travelbug called Nadine. She was born in Germany and her biggest wish was to come and see the beautiful landscapes of Africa. After little travelling around in Germany, Mr. F met her at a Geocaching(GC) event and took her along to another GC meeting very closed to the place where Ms. A is living at. Fortunately for little Nadine, St. Nicholas was there as well. As he was planning a shopping tour to Bavaria for bying X-mas gifts for all the poor children in this world, he offered Nadine a trip to a TB-hotel near an international airport. Some days later a man with lots of brain came around. He noticed quickly where Nadine want’s to go to. As he was on his way to South Africa, he decided to let her come along. Nadine’s african dream came true – on 17 November 2007 she arrived in beautiful Cape Town.

Just around this time Ms. A and her SO got permission from their bosses to go for a 3 week vacation in April 2008. Both of them have already been visiting KTP in March 2007. On their last day in the park they came to a very nice view point. As they had a wonderful time in KTP, they felt very sad about having to leave this fantastic place. They promised each other to come back here as soon as possible. Now of course Ms. A was immediately making plans and organizing their trip for coming to KTP in April. She spent many hours in reading recent and even elderly trip reports written by the Sanparks forumites. Some of them have been written by Angel M., wellknown in this forum for her most entertaining reports and fantastic sightings in KTP. In one of her trip reports Angel M. was mentioning Geocaching.

Ms. A. said to herself: “ Oh yes, we thought about doing this a long time ago, but have forgot entirely about”. So herself and SO soon found out all about it and became very happy with their new hobby.

Meanwhile Angel M. and her SO went for a trip to Cape Point and found – guess what – Nadine! They decided to take Nadine to KTP to show her the famous red Kalahari dunes and all the wild animals around there. On 29 December 07 all three of them arrived at KTP. They had a great time, the best sightings ever for Angel M.

Also on 29 December, Ms. A and SO went for their first time to a GC event, just 4 km away from their home, the very same place Nadine has been at before she made her way to SA. At this event they have also met with Mr. F. and St. Nicholas, the two musketeer helping Nadine to make her dream come true. At that time we did not know anything about Nadine, nor do the 2 musketeers know about Ms. A and Angel M.’s activities in this forum.

Nadine is still at KTP enjoying the sounds of Africa, the billions of stars in the sky, watching all the wild animals nearby – and hopefully not going anywhere until we make it back to KTP to find her on the very same place where we have promised ourselves about a year ago to return to.

Just too bad we won’t be able to meet Angel M. But who knows, maybe some day our ways will cross, it would not surprise me, as we all live in a very small world

Hi all,

this morning we have arrived back in Germany after visiting for wonderful 3 weeks the Namib desert and fantastic KTP .

KTP was full of lions, think we have counted around 60 of them in 10 days, best lion sightings have been around Rooiputs and Kij Kij. We have also seen the Cheetah Mom with cub near Mata Mata and many Bat-Eared Foxes between Dalkeith and the 14. Boorgat. There have been lots of general game and raptors all over the park. And we had a very special sighting: Dreamer and SO Every single day was very special.

Will work on a more detailed trip report as soon as I can, but please be patient, it may take a few days to get started and sort out all the pics, especially as I have to go back to work tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for all the nice wishes, they really gave us luck

Thanks everyone for being patient

@Michele: the lions did not fit into our baggage, so we had to leave them all back in KTP, you should see them at the time you get there!

Now to our first instalment:

Day 1 – Mata Mata 15 April 2008

After spending a few days in Namibia, we have left from Brukkaros Vulcano at 08:00 AM. Earlier as we thought we would, and the pads in direction to Mata Mata have been much better as we had expected. As a result of this, we have arrived at Mata Mata around 02:00 PM, one day earlier as planned. Fortunately there was a campsite available, and now nothing could hold us up to go on a first game drive in fantastic KTP.

After the unusual good rainy season, this year the park looked quite different from last year in March. The grass was already bearing seeds, which gave it a beautiful pastel green colour.

When leaving the camp we found a nice group of Springbocks, soon after there was a Kestrel? on a tree, we have seen many Oryx, several Kori Bustards, and Ostrichs taking a sand bath.
We stopped at a group of cars asking what they are looking at. We have been told there was a pride of lions laying on top of the dunes. Even with the binoculars we cold hardly see them, so we went on driving. We have gone as far as the 14. Boorgat, but besides the general game and Giraffes we have not seen anything special. So we went back in direction to the camp.

In the meantime the pride of 9 lions has come down the dunes and were laying lazy in the middle of the riverbed. Isn’t this terrific, for being just a few hours in the park? We have spent quite some time with them, until it was time to return to camp. Just at the time when we had to leave them, some activity was going on and it sure looked like they are getting ready to go for a kill. Unfortunately no chance for us to stay with them any longer, we now really had to go back to the campL. There was a beautiful sunset and we just had to stop for one last time to take a pic of an Oryx on top of a dune.

Ok, there we go!

Day 2 - Mata Mata – 16. April 2008

We left the camp early for our morning game drive. First we found some Oryx in good light closed to the road and near a nice dune. For some reason I just like those animals and although we have seen many of them day after day, I could not resist of taken photos over and over again. But don’t worry, I am not going to show you all of them, just this one - today



Soon after this we found 2 or 3 other cars stopping on the road. There was Cheetah Mom and her cub laying in the shade of a tree on the other side of the riverbed. Bit too far and no good light for decent fotos, so please excuse the quality of the pics. Just showing them for proof that we have seen themJ. But it was a great pleasure to watch them thru the binoculars. We have stayed with them quite long. Most of the time they have just been laying in the grass, sometimes they just raised their head or even set up for a little while. Suddenly mom got up to use the next tree as a toilet, while the cub went up to feed on their kill, which I think was a Springbock. Both of them looked a bit skinny, think they have not had such a good meal every day




When we went on, we have seen some raptors, red hartebeest, group of giraffes and plenty of other game. We did rest for a while at Dalkeith and had fun watching the birdlife there, before we slowly made our way back to Mata Mata. For this and the following day we had reservations for a park home. We really enjoyed this accomodation at a very fair price, it looked even much better as we had expected and did provide anything one needs to have when being in KTP. After moving into the park home we did sit outside on the stoop enjoying the birds, butterflys and ground squirrels in “our garden”.

The afternoon drive showed us some red hartebeests, many springbock and oryx.



There have been also lots of Secretary birds around. We could even watch one just feeding on a lizard or some like that.



We went further south to the 14. Borgaat. Reading so much about this place we hopped to find lions there, but no lions around – instead Bat Eared Foxes! What a surprise to find a group of five there, searching for food. And no other car with us.





Just 2 days in the park and we have seen so much already, what else can KTP show to us?
Well, just wait and see

Many thanks to Dreamer, anne-marie, ingrid60, wanderw, michele nel, salva, lee S and annalie for all the kind and encouraging comments to continue with my report.

@Dreamer: Next day we have been sitting for more than a hour in the car, waiting on Mom and Cub to get active. It was around noon and very hot, we were almost ready to leave because we thought it would take some more hours until they finally get up. And once again it paid off that we are smokers, that one last cigarette kept us from leaving a few minutes too early. More about it tomorrow

@Michele: You must look for lions or cheetahs to find the batties. They only show up when they can be sure, you are looking for someone else

The pics for the next instalment are already selected and resized. Just need to find the right words to describe our sightings. Too tired for doing this tonight, but it shouldn't take me too long tomorrow evening.

Dreamer, many thanks!

Day 3 – Mata Mata – 17. April 2008

We always try hard to leave the camp as soon as possible. We don’t know why, but somehow most of the time we do not make it until round about a half hour after gate opening time. So was today. It was a beautiful morning, but during the first hour of our morning drive we have not seen anything but the usual game.
The first highlight of the day was a gorgeous martial eagle (that’s what we believed, please correct me the identification is wrong). He was closed by the road, but very high upon the tree.



It is amazing how close we can come to the raptors in KTP, in Germany eagles are very rare and their getaway distance is about 500 mtrs. So no way for us to take pics of them where we come from – at least not with the photo equipment we have. Even though we are not birders, we really enjoy the bird life in KTP.
Little later we did watch a PCG sitting on a tree. He was definitely looking around to find some prey. Suddenly he fly off and caught something nearby on the ground. We followed him and found him with a snake.



We have been so excited about seeing this, and thought this would be the highlight of the day. But it should come different…KTP was going to show more than birds to us.

We stopped at Dalkeith for a while, there was lots of game there, beautiful to look at. We got very attracted to a Giraffe coming to drink at the waterhole. They act so elegant and with that tender glance of their eyes, they seem so special to us.



As we went on, this ostrich family with chicks came along. We have seen lots of ostrich's this year, and quite some had chicks with them.



Meanwhile it was closed to noon and very hot. We decided to drive straight back to the camp and rest for a while.
Not to far from Mata Mata three cars have been parking on the road. We did not see any animals there, but have been noisy enough to ask what they are looking at. The answer was “you can’t see them now, but there is a cheetah with a cub laying in the shadow next to that bush over there.” No way to return to the camp now, we had to stay there! Now and then we could see how mom and raise her head to look around, but most of the time both of them were laying in the shade and not visible. It got really hot in the car, not very comfortable at all. We started to doubt that they would get up until the late afternoon. One more cigarette we said, then we would leave them alone. A while ago we have noticed a springbok in some distance grassing in the riverbed, now he came closer and closer. Cheetah mom got excited and starred in his direction. All in a sudden she jumped up, trying to make a kill. Unfortunately for her without success, because the springbok noticed her immediately and run away. She gave up and returned to her cub. Now they crossed the road and hurried up to find a better place with nice shadow far away from the road. All this took only seconds, but for sure the most exciting seconds of the day.





Still all excited we reached the camp around 02:00 PM. We took a long rest and were not even sure whether we should go for a afternoon drive. In the very late afternoon we decided to go for a short drive. Before we left, we stopped at the gas station and had a look at the beautiful little owl sitting in the tree right next there.



In far distance we could see some lions walking on top of the dune, and then hiding behind some bushes. On our way back there was a AWC rushing thru the shrubs. But she was walking in the shade and there wasn't enough light to make a decent photo.
Anyway we had a great day and have been more than happy with what we have seen.

Day 4 Mata Mata – Twee Revieren – 18. April 2008 Part 1

Not far from Mata Mata we spotted a lion in long distance upon the dunes. He walked behind a bush and got out of our sight. We kept looking around with the binoculars and spotted the cheetah with her cub. Too far away to take photos, but so nice too see them again.

Near Dalkeith we have seen 4 bat-eared foxes closed by the road. Soon they crossed the road and run over to the riverbed. There they were running around full of vitality and playing with each other, a great pleasure for us watching them.






Between here and the 14. Borehole there have been many springboks and oryx. We were busy watching a big herd of oryx at the waterhole, when we suddenly noticed a lanner falcon making prey of a dove. Wow, that was fast how he grabbed that poor dove while she was flying towards the waterhole. We’ve been watching him while he was feeding on it upon a tree.



At the far end of the 14. Borehole loop we met a man with a XXL zoom lense. He was telling us about a leopard laying in the shade of a tree. But we could see him only thru the binoculars when he raised his head now and then. Much to far for us to take a decent photo. As we had to go to TR today, we could not allow ourselves to stay there for hours until he might get up and come closer.

Near Urikaruus we have seen a sandgrouse family with 2 very little chicks. The little ones, think they must been only a few days young, had a hard time to climb up the banks of the riverbed. But finally they made it up there.



Some Springbock entertaining us here by running and jumping around in the riverbed



We stopped at Kamqua Picknick place, looking for owls in the trees. No owls around, at least we could not see any. So we went on and not too far away, we found a car stopping on the road and he pointed to a giant eagle owl in a tree. That bird must have been really tired, he/she did not even open the eyes




to be continued…….

Day 4 Mata Mata – Twee Revieren – 18. April 2008 Part 2

Near Auchterloni we were very happy to see this cute little Pygmy Falcon. We have been looking out for them a lot, bust most of the time they have been a bit too far, or not in good position for a decent photo.



We reached Auchterloni and of course we had to drive up to the picnic site. Today was the day for us to do some exercise in geocaching. We were very excited to find out what was there. Carefully we left the car, looking in all directions to make sure there are no wild animals nearby. As we did not see any, we walked to the location our GPS was directing us to. After a little bit of searching around, we did find what we have been looking for. And for those who read the story about Nadine – yes, she was still there! So we took her with us, and left a special coin to be found by someone special , plus a little motor cycle which wants to travel thru South Africa.

Before we went on we had a short lunch-break, enjoying the beautiful scenic view over the Auob valley.

On the remaining stretch to TR we have seen a Ostrich family with many little chicks, lots of Springboks and Oryx. We have been driving very slow and looking around about everywhere to see the leopard, but unfortunately without any success

We checked in at TR and asked for the availability of a sunset drive, unfortunately there wasn't. There haven’t been to many visitors there, so we could choose a nice campsite. At the time we were ready to go for our afternoon game drive, it started to rain a little bit. Only a few hundred meters from the camp we have seen a puff adder crossing the road – the first puffie we have ever seen in the wild! We have been told before, that they are moving very slow. Still, we have been surprised HOW slow that snake was moving. After she had crossed the road she moved on very slowly right next to the road. We did watch her for a good ten minutes, before we decided to leave her alone.




You might not believe it, just 5 minutes later another puffie came along!



At Samevloeiing we have seen a tree-banded plover, another first seen for us.



As the Nossob road was still closed, we did not have to make a decision which way to go.
We went as far as Monro to again look for the leopards – and again no luck with them

But there was a beautiful rainbow and interesting clouds. We went to a viewpoint and enjoyed the impressive view of the Kalahari.





Back at the camp we had just finished dinner, when it started to rain again. The rain did not last very long making us hope for the Nossob road will be opened tomorrow.
We went to bed early, being happy with what we have seen today and looking forward for another exciting adventure on the next day.

Day 5 Twee Rivieren – 19. April 2008 Part 1

Another beautiful and sunny day in the Kalahari. We were so happy about the Nossob road being open again. There were still a few pods of water along the road, on 2 or 3 occasions everyone even had to take a short detour aside the road because of too much water. But this was okay to us.

At Leeudril we had the first exciting sighting of the day. 2 young male lions, one of them closed to the road, the other one a bit further away. While we stayed with them, a Wildebeest got chased by another Wildebeest into the direction of the lions. The lions looked very interested and lay down – ready to attack as soon the wildebeest would come by close enough. We almost stopped breathing, excited as we were. Would we see our first lion kill in the next seconds? No we didn’t. The wildebeest must have smelled the lions and run off before it came close enough for the lions having a chance to make a kill.





We stayed with the lions for quite some time, hoping they would get up or do something. Some people told us, there would be more lions further on, also a mating couple – and off we went.

At Rooiputs we have found this lazy king and his princess.




We have stayed there for more than 20 minutes while they were just laying around. SO said, “they have probably finished with mating for this morning, now it is too hot for them, let us to to find the other lions”. I could not refrain from replying to him “maybe to hot for a man, but not for a lion – just wait and see”

Only 5 minutes later:




All this happened within 1,5 minutes – and I better don’t mention here what my next comment was.

The lovebirds lay down again, this time we had to wait only 10 minutes when the male raised his head, looking like having appetite for something…


He got up, walked over to the female





and then….

to be continued.

just a few more pics of the mating couple.

….and then he walked over to the Lioness, and the show went on.




After this one, they lay down again for about ten minutes.
The female got up and walked over to a shady place, followed by him.





It seemed like she was trying to attract him again. He stood next to her, looking like he was not sure what to do, until he finally decided to lay down in the shadow.

This was the time when we decided to leave them alone and drive a bit further north to look for the other lions.

More about them next time…..

Anne-Marie, bert, wanderw, icurrie, dreamer, C.O`Dee and safarigirl, thanks a lot for the friendly and encouraging comments.

Now let me continue with the remaining sightings of this fantastic day in KTP:

We went on and found 3 lionesses sleeping beneath a tree, just showing us their backs. Not very attractive for a photo, so on we went.

Closed to Kij Kij we counted a pride of 12 lions. Meanwhile it was around noon and they all did what lions do at this time, laying in the shade of some trees. But we have been lucky, one of the lionesses got up and walked over to another tree which provided more shadow to her – and the majestic male who followed her right away.





We have waited a little while to see if there was some more going on, but it wasn’t. Then we started to think….3 lioness about 1 km away from the big pride, that could mean they have cubs with them.

So we went back to the 3 ladies to have a closer look at them. Bingo! The first little fur-ball did show up in between the moms, when they raised up their heads because another car was passing by.


All of them layed down again and no more activity for quite some time. We decided to return to the camp and maybe come back in the afternoon.
Before we went to our afternoon drive, we had a short discussion of what direction we should go to. We had loved to find the leopards at the Auob road, but would we be able to see them? We thought there are better chances the lioness with their cubs are still at the same place near Kij Kij, so we took again the Nossob road.

The mating couple had moved to the little road leading to the Rooiputs Campsite. As we now knew how lions do it, we just passed them.

The 3 moms have still been at the same place where we have found them earlier this day.
Now we could see even more cubs. We have counted 5 at a time. Unfortunately the sun was now against us and also some high grass between us and the cubs. So please excuse the bad quality of the pics.





The cubs got more and more active, playing with each other while their moms were still laying down. We had hopped so much they would get up and take the cubs to drink from the huge water puddles which were still on the left side of the road (there was a detour around the road at this section) But they did not before we had to return to the camp.
Still it was a great experience to watch them, and see how tender the lionesses have been to their cubs and even with each other.

On the way back to camp we have seen again the two young males near Leeuwdril. They have been laying in beautiful light of the last sun rays, but we passed them without taking any photos, because we wanted to make it back to camp on time without being forced to speed.

What a day! We have counted a number of 24 lions today not counting those we have seen twice. Needless to say that we have been more than happy.

Day 6 Twee Revieren – Nossob - 20. April 2008 Part 1

You wanted to see more lions? Well here they come.

We have left the camp as usual, not knowing this was to be the day with the most exciting sightings we ever had during our trips to Southern Africa.

As on the day before the general game was concentrating near TR. We did not take any pictures of them, because we had to go all the way to Nossob, and knowing the campsite was fully booked we planned to get there as soon as possible and stop only for special sightings.

It did not take very long when we have seen this beautiful AWC. We have not seen too many of them this year, and when we did they either have been too far away, or in bad light – or running behind the bushes before we had the chance to take a photo. Only this cat was close enough, in very good light and even did not run away too quick.



When we got near Kij Kij, we could see a lot of cars stopping there. The big pride of lions has moved nearly up to where the 3 lionesses with their cubs have been yesterday. Unfortunately we could not see the moms and the cubs.
The other lions seemed to be around everywhere, some on and next to the road,



the big male just got ready to walk up to the dune



We noticed 2 lionesses sitting already on top of the dunes, both of them looking very concentrated into the same direction. Meanwhile the male was up there as well, laying on the highest spot of the dune and also looking into the same direction. It seemed to us as the whole pride was kind of nervous. Now the 2 ladies even started to roar, they looked at each other and then walked down the dune, immediately followed by the male.



Now we knew, something exciting must be going on. We started the car to follow them, and so did the other people in their cars around us. It got a bit hectic, lions between and next to the cars, other cars passing us while we have stopped to take this photo.



In the distance we could see a fight between “our” lions and two other, younger males.



The 2 younger males have been chasing away, running on the road right in front of the other cars. The big male and one lioness did follow them with lots of roaring for at least 4-5 km aside the road. Meanwhile we were driving at the far end of all the other cars, closed to the big male and his lioness.



After a while “our” lions stopped, roaring a few more times in direction of the escaping lions – and then turned back to where they came from.




On the way back we have seen two semi-adults sitting on top of a dune, just watching from a safe distance what was going on.
Now the huge male stopped on about every shrub to smell and leave his marks on it.
At one occasion he seemed to be very angry, we were not sure whether he was disappointed because of us being near him all the time, or maybe the other lions marking the shrub in his area made him mad. Anyway this was for us the time to wind up the windows and keep a bit more distance.



We went back to the tree where we have seen the 3 moms and cubs the day before. Still, we could not see them there. I had loved to stay there longer to wait and see whether they are probably just hiding, until there is no more danger for them. But we had to go to Nos sob and could not spent too much time there any longer, not even knowing whether they are still there or maybe their moms have moved them to another place.

But if someone has seen them on or soon after the 20.April near Kij Kij, I would be more than happy to hear that they are doing fine.

to be continued…..

Day 6 Twee Revieren – Nossob - 20. April 2008 Part 2

It was time to leave the lions alone and continue our trip to Nossob. We had a short break at Melkvlei for a late breakfast. It was so windy and chilly outside, we did not even like to sit at the picnic tables. There wasn’t much activity on the further way to Nossob. Long stretches with no animals at all have occasionally been interrupted with some general game and a few nice groups of Hartebiests.

We have arrived Nossob Camp in the early afternoon. Got a bit confused about the sign “Gate closed due to Jackal problem” It took a moment for the stupid two of us, until we realised this does not mean we can’t go in, only everyone had to close the gate anytime when going inside or outside the camp.

We went to reception for check-in. We had reservations for 2 nights Nossob – 1 night Grootkolk – 1 night Bitterpan. I was checking the availabilities on the Sanpark website for weeks and month ago, but no chance to change the reservations into 1 Nossob – 1 Grootkolk – 1 Nossob. With little hope we have asked the friendly receptionist for the possibility of getting our reservations changed. And to our big surprise – yes it was possible to change it the way we wanted to have it. This made our itinerary in the park just perfect.

Now we were ready to look for a campsite. We also had a date with Chris and Andrea, a real nice couple which we knew from another forum, to spend the evening together. They have been at CKGR first to enter KTP from Mabuasehube Area. They have been in the camp already, so we joined them after we got a campsite near to where they have been. Soon we found out they were having a problem with their car. The deep CKGR sand must have done some damage to the starter. It only started with a terrible, ear-aching noise. They have already called the Mechanic, and he arrived soon after we did. Now we got a lesson on how to remove the starter and take it apart. This was the easy part, putting everything back together is more difficult, so the Mechanic said after he had removed all the sand. Soon we should see why. Even many fingers helped to put the collector with it’s connectors back to where it was supposed to be, this part kept jumping out over and over again. Finally SO got the idea a small film container would have the perfect measures to keep the connectors together. But who in the age of digital photography is still carrying some film container around? Well, of course Geocachers do – and after this day, so does the Nossob mechanic! With help of this little “tool” the repair went on quickly, and minutes later the starter sounded like the lovely purr of a kitten.

Little bit later as usual but still in good time, the four of us went out for a afternoon game drive. We went to Marie se Draai first, but except a few birds we have hardly seen any game nor predators. So we decided to go North.

We have seen some general game and those two vultures on a tree.



At Kwang we met a single Wildebiest. Although there was no activity at the waterhole, the scenic with the warm light of the late afternoon was really nice.



After a little while the Wildebiest came to drink at the waterhole. To our big surprise it did go on it’s knees to have a drink. Up to then we thought only Giraffes are drinking in that position.



Again, time to go back to Nossob. Soon before we reached the camp, we stopped to take photos from the rising moon, while the sun was ready for setting down at the opposite side.




This evening it got even colder as it was the night before, and we all had to sit close around the fire after dinner. Although we had a very nice conversation ongoing, we all decided early to go into our roof-tents, because it was just too cold to sit outside for any longer. Next day we should find out, the temperatures went down below the freezing point.

Ok African Dreams, took your advice, left out the popcorn and had some Sherry instead


Pleased you mentioned this. I did as well as we experienced the same that day (remember - we were at Grootkolk that night) and for some reading my report I think they thought it was not possible. It is amazing that one day can be T-Shirts and the very next winter woolies
Thanks, will wait for more BUT will keep away from the

Thanks to Billy and Jock for the friendly comments.

Day 7 Nossob – Grootkolk 21. April 2008

This was the coldest morning we have experienced during our stay in the park. Some of the window panes at the cars have even been frozen. Brrrr….. We just had a quick cup of hot chocolate, dressed as warm as we could, said Goodbye to Chris and Andrea, got into the car, turned on the heater for the very first time during our vacation – and few minutes later felt nice and warm.

Our sightings this morning have been BBJ, PCG, Wildebeest, Oryx, lots of Ostrich, Bat-eared Foxes in high Grass - not good for any pics, Tawny Eagle, and a first sight to us – the Shaft-tailed Whydah.




Somewhere in between of Nossob and Grootkolk we came along two lions sleeping nearby a kill. They have been too far aside the road to take decent photos. With the binocs we could see one BBJ at the leftovers of the kill, and another BBJ almost right next to the sleeping lioness. There was also a springbok feeding not too far from the lioness.

We had stopped at Lijersdraai for a break as it was still a bit too early for checking in at Grootkolk. And NO, we did not go to use that toilet, knowing from other trip reports of what has been going on there with a leopard. So we just sit in the car and watched the numerous Red-headed finches out there.



Finally we went on for Grootkolk. When we got there, we had a very special sighting. A car with a yellow ribbon did park at unit # 1. We knew, this must be Dreamer with her SO.
Gert, the tourist assistant showed and explained us everything we needed to know about the unit and the camp itself. What a nice guy he is, think he is the most friendliest and competent employee we have met at KTP. Sanpark may be proud to count him to their staff.
We moved into unit #2 and soon met with Dreamer and SO to say hello.

The early afternoon we have spent in camp, enjoying the beautiful surrounding. There wasn’t much activity at the waterhole, only a few Wildebeest have been around. Dreamer was explaining to us, this is because most animals don’t like to walk thru the high Grass.

As we had only one day at Grootkolk, we just had to go all the way up to Unions End this afternoon. To our surprise there was lots of game around there.

We have seen a Ostrich family with young chicks, many Springbocks, Oryx and Hartebeests and at Unions End a Bateleur in tree.



It was so nice, quiet and peaceful there, the perfect place to relax ones mind and become one with nature. Some people said, Unions End looks like the end of world, to us it looked much more like the very beginning of the world. It would not have surprised me at all, if all in a sudden the last Unicorn or some other prehistorical animal has came along. Where else, should they still live, if not here in the Kalahari?



Today we wanted to be back in camp early enough to take some nice sunset photos.
But – as so often something came in between.





Should I mention, by the time we have left the cheetah and reached the camp it was a few minutes too late for talking sunset pics?

After Dinner we have spent some time with Dreamer and her SO, looking at each others photos and telling about the adventures all of us had. It was still a bit cold, but either not as cold as the night before, or we didn’t feel it because of the Amarula Dreamer has brought along Another wonderful day in KTP ended and we sure wished, we could stay for another day at Grootkolk.