Winter Migration To MZNP
- PJL
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Winter Migration To MZNP
We have recently returned from another winter trip to Mountain Zebra NP... probably my favourite park at the moment due to so many reasons, but things like the views, 4x4 trails, 'different' wildlife as well as low visitor numbers (read no traffic jams at sightings) make it a great place to relax and unwind. Winter is also my favourite time of year in the park as it tends to bring out some of the nocturnal animals in the daytime which is a bonus. The freezing night temperatures also mean I get to make endless fires in the chalet
Our visit this time was for 4 days / 3 nights, but I'm splitting this TR into more of a category style report rather than chronological (RP will like that word)
So let's get started....
The Icons
MZNP was founded in 1937 to preserve a few remaining Cape Mountain Zebra in the area. Today they number over 350 and the park has even managed to export some to other reserves. They are the true icons of the park and have such a different look to the Burchell's variation what with their stockier build, browner hue and small dewlap.
They are found all over the park, but they seem to be good companions along the 4x4 trails. Here are some of the sightings we had
Good to see the next generation flourishing
They are excellent at standing to attention
Mountain Zebra... with... mountains
TBC
- Richprins
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
Ooh! Very clever, Peej! You like making fires, you Cape types!
Great zebra shots - they look a bit like donkeys to m...!
Chronological!
Great zebra shots - they look a bit like donkeys to m...!
Chronological!
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
Awesome Zebra shots, PJL
Ready for more
Ready for more
PuMbAa
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- Lisbeth
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
They are such decorative animals
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- Mel
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
Mountain Zebra definitely is an awesome park! Although I have to admit that I admire your bravery going there in winter
You do have a point with the nocturnal animals though… hmz…
You do have a point with the nocturnal animals though… hmz…
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain amount of things. Right now I'm so far behind that I'll never die.
- PJL
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
Thanks RP... yep we're all pyromaniacs down this way
Flutts
Quite a different look to the standard version which is cool
Thank you Pumbaa and nice to have you on board
Agreed Lis
They match the scenery very well
Winter is my favourite time in MZ Mel
Cold at night for sure... but tends to warm up nicely in the day time
- PJL
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
Smaller Animals
There are quite a lot of smaller animals in MZNP, but this time round we didn't get to see some of the locals such as the rock hyrax, scrub hare or spring hare which we've seen on previous visits. Even so, the smaller players in the park tend to entertain our kids which is great
Ground squirrels are found in abundance in the park, and we know of a number of den sites which we stop off at - there are a couple very close to the road on some of the 4x4 routes....
Double vision!
The den site on the Juriesdam 4x4 trail had some youngsters with a high cuteness factor
There's a long running joke in our family that yellow mongoose don't like me. The kids always manage to get decent pics but for some reason the moment I point my camera at them they vanish instantly So I was quite pleased to get a shot of one finally looking at me
Our final feature in the smaller animals category was a couple of meerkat near their den
TBC
There are quite a lot of smaller animals in MZNP, but this time round we didn't get to see some of the locals such as the rock hyrax, scrub hare or spring hare which we've seen on previous visits. Even so, the smaller players in the park tend to entertain our kids which is great
Ground squirrels are found in abundance in the park, and we know of a number of den sites which we stop off at - there are a couple very close to the road on some of the 4x4 routes....
Double vision!
The den site on the Juriesdam 4x4 trail had some youngsters with a high cuteness factor
There's a long running joke in our family that yellow mongoose don't like me. The kids always manage to get decent pics but for some reason the moment I point my camera at them they vanish instantly So I was quite pleased to get a shot of one finally looking at me
Our final feature in the smaller animals category was a couple of meerkat near their den
TBC
- Lisbeth
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
They are adorable
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
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The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
- Richprins
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Re: Winter Migration To MZNP
Very nice, Peej!
And a glimpse of your arch-nemesis!
And a glimpse of your arch-nemesis!
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