SANParks.org Forums • View topic - In the North in Search of Cheetahs and Painted Dogs!!

Well I have tried so hard to resist this.......but I can't contain myself any longer!!! :redface:

We fly out to SA on Oct 31st for our next 6 month stay in the most beautiful country in the world!!!

At this point in time we have 115 days till the taxi arrives to take us to Heathrow, but everything is booked, and with all the awful weather we are having here at the moment, it can't come soon enough!!

We will be arriving at OR Tambo early on Nov 1st, and staying overnight with a very kind fellow forumite, then early on Nov 2nd we will drive to Komatipoort, where we will stay for 2 nights.

We will do day visits on Nov 3rd and 4th from Croc Bridge and on the 4th we will exit the park at Phalaborwa Gate, where we will take up residence in our rental cottage for 4 months!!

From there we will be doing day visits most days, until the beginning of March, when we will be driving to our other cottage on the KZN South Coast.

To add the icing on top of the cake, our daughter and new SIL will be coming to stay over Christmas and New Year, and as we haven't spent a Christmas together since 2004, it will be a special occasion.
We also have several forum members coming to stay from time to time, so that is something else to look forward to!!

I will pop in here from time to time to keep you updated, and maybe to post a photo or 2 of what we hope to see!!

You will guess from the title, that Cheetahs and Painted Dogs will be at the top of the list of hopeful sightings, because we have not seen dogs since 2002, and the last cheetah we saw was in 2009!!
Please hold thumbs for us!!

We would also like to see Eland, Sable and Lich.Hartebeest!!............oh and an African Wild Cat and a Pangolin would be nice!! :whistle:

So here's hoping that some of you will join me on this amzing trip, padkos will be provided!!

Bye for now!! :thumbs_up:

Liewe Val,
Your first passenger has arrived :dance:

You mentioned painted dogs and cheetahs ....... here they are :gflower:

Love

Thanks VVV.................... beautiful photos :thumbs_up:

Please hold thumbs that they will all come say hello to us in November!! :thumbs_up:

VVV has given me an idea..............maybe some other peeps could also post some of their Cheetah and Painted Dog photos.............just so I remember what to look for!! :thumbs_up:

Have no photos Val But may I book my usual place on the bus.. the one above the wheel !!! I will sup[ply the provitas and flasks of rooibos tea.. met ys

Seat all booked Eliz!! :thumbs_up:

Thank you Val Is there space for the real Hugh too . But he gets dreadful travel sickness so must be in the front .. or else..........

Perhaps he could drive!! :whistle:

YAY!!! The countdown is on! The way time is flying Val you'll be here before you know it!

I hope to get up to see you & Richard in Phalabowra, either before Heksie & I set off on our adventures on 25 Nov or in the new year ... depending on reservations already made & space available!

I am in the throes of buying a house at the moment so very busy. You & Richard are welcome anytime ... perhaps we could arrange a Gauteng meet either before or after your time in Kruger ...

I have some lovely painted doggy photos from my last 2 trips to the park ... will post them later (but I have just started my April TR this morning - a spotty Easter in KNP). Hopefully you will have lots of luck and see the cheetahs, wild dogs & lots of other things on your wishlist.

Will keep my eye on your TR & will be counting the days with you!

xxx

Yes, I've already joined the bus for "A Spotty Easter"!! :thumbs_up:

Look forward to your photos!! :dance:

Hi Crested Val

I have joined your countdown and have my fingers crossed for your cheetahs and painted dogs.
Unfortunately I only have photos of dogs as the only time I have ever seen Cheetah in KNP, was when the magnificent cat was too far away to even take a picture. (its on my wishlist for my September trip)

75174_10150308009185434_1654413_n by rcferreiras, on Flickr

9.Wild dog by rcferreiras, on Flickr

Cindy.........lovely to have you on board, and thanks so much for your lovely doggie photos. :clap:

At least you saw a Cheetah, even if you didn't get a piccy! :thumbs_up:

Val, my fingers crossed for you :thumbs_up:

and looking forward to the ride.

Meandering Mouse wrote

Val, my fingers crossed for you :thumbs_up:

and looking forward to the ride.

Thanks MM. :thumbs_up:

Found this spotty friend a while ago on the S4. :thumbs_up:

Sorry it's a rubbish photo!! :redface: