SANParks.org Forums

Hi Ousus. Firstly, please do not let the waterhole issue spoil your exitement for your upcoming trip. Believe me, based on my recent experience in the Park, the waterhole situation is not as bad as people are making it out to be and the SANPARKS staff is doing their utmost best.

Secondly, regarding your reference to the South, as Kgalagadi Guru mentioned in his previous posts on the previous page, most of the Eland started moving North now. During our recent visit, we saw quite a few Eland north of Nossob and a huge herd (50+ plus conservatively speaking) hanging around Mata Mata. This herd literally swamped the waterhole at Mata Mata just after sunset and then returned later in the night for another drink. Obviously this will make things more difficult from a maintenance perspective.

Finally (and please, this is not directed at you personally but rather a general statement), maybe I'm going to get myself into trouble here, but I get the impression some of the outcries over the waterhole situation is more out of selfish interest (including myself) i.e. people do not want to arrive at a dry waterhole after a 5/10km travel from the previous one, as there won't be any animals for them to see at that specfiic waterhole. Maybe some of the experts on the Forum can assist, but I find it hard to believe that one or two (or four or five) dry waterholes will all of a sudden cause massive hardship to the animals. Given the distances the animals can travel per day, surely they would go to adjacent waterholes, given the (relatively) short distances between all the waterholes over the Park?

Hi Obelix, thank you for the feedback. A very close friend of our just returned and said that Polentswa, Kannaguass & Kousant was "dry" - this is tragic as we stay at Polentswa and the. To drive to Kwang or to CQ will take a long time. I will at least be able to see and assess this for myself once there on Saturday.

Add to all of the above, the lions that destroy the pump mechanisms.

I have seen youngsters 'fighting' over the 'ball' that they had ripped out of the pump at Rooikop.

Lets consider the borehole systems in place in the KTP. A reserve/feeder tank, normally 5500l capacity, feeds the crib. If animals have utilised all the water in the crib, they have also utilised the reserve/feeder tank. The system first has to fill the feeder tank somewhat before it can supply to the crib. A conservative estimate of pumping rates is 1000l/h. Given this those waterholes affected by excessive animal usage will realistically be fully functional 5-6 hours after they begin pumping the following day. It might look bad but the the honest truth is that the KTP management are doing everything they can!

Well done KTP!!!

@Baardmannetjie,

Thanks for the post and a very warm welcome to the forum. You will have a great time here.

KG

Aristocat, geraas and KG! - Thanx for the info!

Afternoon all,


Lately there have been a few complaints regarding the waterholes North of Nossob which was said was not working. As mentioned the staff (Guides included) are doing their best to have these holes operational due to Eland damage. Section ranger and field rangers have made sure that these waterholes are operational

Herewith a few pictures as proof (Pictures were taken in the last 3 days).

Cheleka Pipe

Cheleka Pumping

Cubitjie Pumping

Kannagaus

Kaspersdraai

Kousant

Kwang

Lijersdraai

Marie se Gat

Polentswa

Rooikop

Thanks Jannie

Pleasure no worries

Well done to all concerned KG!

When I was at Kannagaus almost this time last year, the pipes were waiting to be put in.

Thanx KG!

Kgalagadi Guru and all involved
Great job

Water, water everywhere and lots to drink

Thanks Jannie.

SJ

Great job!