SANParks.org Forums

Hi Pumbaa

We only saw 6 ostrich in Kruger, but they are very plentiful in the Karoo NP
We were also thrilled to see quite a few steenboks there - they are such a cute little antelope

Thanks heaps for all your support and encouragement

Hi Heksie

Thanks so much for checking in again

It was indeed very sad to leave Kruger
But time waits for no dad or daughter so we just had to keep moving on and I was very glad we decided to have a stop-over at the Karoo NP before Addo. It was very exciting because everything was so new and different, but also I found it a very relaxing place to be. The only bummer was that the 4WD roads were closed while we were there, otherwise Dad and I would have been out looking for the Karoo lions all day!

Now, buckle yourself in for our next drive

My dear friend, I know what a busy Lionspoon you've been lately, so I truly appreciate your time

Funny, I didn't even know about the "packed" breakfast
What did they put in it? Obviously not bacon, eggs and mushrooms on toast!

For Dad and I everything we saw was new and interesting, although I really wished to have seen more reptiles than we did

I've seen your zoom lens, and it is a lot bigger than mine!!

Hi chirinda

Yes, you're spot on about the quagga breeding project
They can't "clone" a quagga because the last remaining specimen died in the late 1800s, but the zebra DNA is "related" so, exactly as you said, they are trying to "recreate" the quagga.

Here is a link to the quagga project:
http://www.quaggaproject.org/

As always, it is just lovely to have you aboard our trip report

Join us now, as Dad and I head off on our next drive

Ready and raring to go on our next drive!

After being refuelled with a hearty breakfast we set off on the Pottekkertjie Loop at 9.30am.
This loop is around 50km long but Dad and I didn’t care how long it took to complete as we had the whole day ahead of us

Shortly into the drive I heard a new bird call
We stopped to try and find the owner.

Oh WOW!! Our first bokmakierie!!


He or she was singing their heart out so we just stopped and listened for a while



Next we got our bestest ever steenbok sighting of the whole Africa trip



Dad and I had seen black eagles at the wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe, so we felt like seasoned stiffnecks when we were able to identify the raptors flying overhead this day
Unfortunately the black eagles were far away, but still I managed to get a photo


Next up was our second ever springbok!


We had the whole loop to ourselves. Just me and Dad and the vastness of the karoo


Ooh look, a hartebeest youngster with mum


Things were a bit quiet after that until a sudden movement from the sky caught our attention.
A pale chanting goshawk flew down into a tree


Unfortunately this striking bird didn't stay long before it took off again.


Next up was our third ever springbok!


Then we had our first Karoo NP roadblock I think they are Namaqua sand grouse?


tbc...

Melph, sigh.... so wonderful to see pure and pristine. Lovely Bokmakierie and I know all about Eagles just our of view

Thank you for continuing. I know that it can be very difficult after a trip has been completed.

Hey Mel,

Great photos of your sightings... I can almost hear the peace and tranquility of the veld
Those steenboks are so cute with their big bambi ears

Great bokmakierie sighting, Mel

never ever saw one before and the song must have been great

Love also your steenbokkie - I always love to watch them but sometimes they are so shy and skittish and do not even allow a picture

Oh the Bokmakierie knows how to get one's attention with its beautiful songs... Just love those birds!

Nice bokkies you also got to see! And a Black or Verreaux's Eagle in the wild - always a privilege!

Mel,

What an absolutely peaceful surroundings... just the sounds of the beautiful bokmakierie ..breaking the silence which you and your Dad could enjoy.

Gorgeous of the Steenbokkie..they are just so cute. .. They never seem to pose so nicely for me.

Thanks for sharing.

Mel - that steenbok picture is just gorgeous - it's like it turned around and smiled at you for the photo!

I can see what you mean - it is very vast, and really quite beautiful. Just loving this part of your report - looking forward to the TBC...

Hi MM

Really appreciate your support and encouragement

Hi PJL

It really was a most remarkable landscape and yes, Dad and I felt really at peace with the world during our stay there

Hi Pumbaa

The song of the bokmakierie was the thing that alerted me to the bird in the tree
It was loud and melodic and Dad and I really enjoyed just listening for a while

Hi Bushbuddies

Thanks for taking a break from your own investigation to check in on my year-old TR!!
It was one year ago this month that Dad and I were on our adventures.....