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The 'barn owl' tree is 100 metres south of the start of the loop to 14th borehole, on the left, and quite visible.

There are also white faced scops owls in the area.

In the very late afternoon, there is a juvenile Verreaux's (giant) eagle owl that hangs around the gate at 2R. and in the first tree north of the 'parking area' of the waterhole just outside 2R, some spotties also hang out in the late afternoon.

While driving through the park, just look for 'lumps' in the trees. Owls often stand there during the day.

We have just returned from KTP, and found Giant Eagle Owl just outside Twee Rivieren, sitting in a tree right next to the road, at about 10am. They can sometimes be seen at the TR picnic site, just scan the trees in the area.
We found Spotted Eagle Owl and Barn Owl at Kieliekrankie - just ask the camp attendant to show you where the Barn Owl roosts.
Whitefaced Scops was seen at the usual spot at MataMata, the tree outside the shop. You really have to look for them (we saw two), they are so well camouflaged. A Pearly was also active at the same time in a nearby tree (late afternoon, listen for bird alarm calls)
At Nossob the guys at reception will usually help you find the WFScops in the camp there. Pearl-spotted Owl is resident at KTC, and can be heard calling during the day, and we also found one at Nossob in the trees behind cottages 1 - 3.

Good luck with your owl quest Mariek ..you are bound to see them..they are all over the park.
My most special owl sighting was on a New year's Eve at Twee Rivieren. We were sitting outside our chalet waiting for the magic moment to arrive when an owl landing on the ground right in front of us.....he waited for a few seconds until the New year had arrived and then disappeared into the darkness. We were the only two people awake at that hour in TR..at least we had my most favourite bird seeing the New year in with us !!!!

We had a Pearl Spotted Owlet come visit us in the tree by our unit (13) in Twee Rivieren Camp!!

It's the only owl we've ever seen in either KTP or Kruger, so we were thrilled.

You are never alone on this forum. I also saw a P.. but never a Barn Owl

You learn quickly fc

Do you really have to brag.... Get back to the Kruger threads.

Thanks everyone - I will keep me eyes peeled. I have never even seen a barn owl so any sightings will be hugely appreciated

Hi all,

Do you know if there is a map online anywhere that shows the numbered boreholes? I'd love to map out all these sightings before we go so we know where to look and when.

Thanks again for all your help.

try here mariek
like you I would love to see a Barn Owl.... never saw in 5 years
next time

I wonder if the 'strain' of king cheetah is in Kgalagadi?

Anyone seen one there?

As far as I know, king cheetahs have only ever been recorded in south-east Botswana, southern Zimbabwe and the far north and north-east of SA - never in the Kalahari. But it can't be beyond the realm of possibility. I'd guess the open habitat would make it tough for such a visible animal to survive, though.

Wonder if Gus Mills would know?

Hi there Guys,

I will forward the question to Dr Mills (in the UK at the moment), as soon as I get a reply from him I will post it.

KG