Lions On The Loose

[Richprins]

Exquisite Giraffe behaviour, Peej!

Yes, they must move it or lose it!

Nice big buff too.

[Lisbeth]

Great giraffe sighting Not the best moment of the day to have a newly born around

Wasn't it dark? Seeing your pics it looks as if it in the middle of the day

[PJL]

The tiny giraffe has some impressive legs

Yep, the leg joints seemed to be swollen - presumably from being cramped inside mom's tummy and no room to stretch

Oh that little giraffe is so cute

It really was tiny Alf... we felt sorry that it had to go through such a forced exercise regime at the start of its life, but it's essential for survival

Wow, an amazing sighting!!

Thanks Flutts

Exquisite Giraffe behaviour, Peej!

Yes, they must move it or lose it!

Nice big buff too.

Indeed - and there were predators in the area as we would later find out so it was a good job they were being so harsh on it!

Great giraffe sighting Not the best moment of the day to have a newly born around

Wasn't it dark? Seeing your pics it looks as if it in the middle of the day

It was after sunset Lis, so still getting dark. High ISO settings allowed the pics to come out quite well, but from about the time we saw the jackal onwards the only way of photographing anything was with the help of a spotlight

[PJL]

Thu 28th June contd

With no sign of the leopards we continued on up the S130 and started using spotlights to try and find anything that might be lurking in the bushes. It was entirely dark, so any photos would be totally reliant on people shining in the right direction for a quick shot. I managed to get a few proof shots in some cases, whereas other sightings were either too fleeting or too far away

We came across a few scrub hares along the way



As well as a spotted eagle owl



At the small waterhole on the northern end of the S130 we pulled in and for a moment didn't notice anything. Then some movement showed a couple of honey badgers on the far side who got a bit scared and loped away

Our route back would be down the H4-2, and the road had quite a lot of activity (mainly in pairs) which was cool. We got to see our first ever civets
I couldn't focus fast enough, so ended up with a blurry shot of one behind the bushes but at least we got to see them



There were also a couple of porcupines and genets but they ran away too quickly for any pics.

Nearing the junction with the southern end of the S130 we stopped for a herd of elephant





Whilst waiting with the engine off there were some eerie hyena calls going on, and as we drove a bit further down the road one virtually ran out the bush into us





There was all sorts of hyena activity with loud whoops and laughter suggesting they were really excited about something. Some were running around and we couldn't work out if one was being chased or if they were just kind of playing. Either way it was amazing to see and particularly hear all the chilling sounds in the darkness





The other sunset drive vehicle was coming along, so we left the hyenas for them to enjoy. Not far away and perched right next to the road was a verreaux's eagle-owl







We were now reaching the end of the drive, but there was still time for another 'first' for us - a white tailed mongoose



And just to round off the drive a genet finally posed long enough for a couple of pics





The drive had been very successful. We might not have found a huge number of predators, but we had been really fortunate to see a couple of species for the first time and a really great array of nocturnal animals

[Lisbeth]

That was definitely a lot of sightings for a sunset drive

A pity that it is so dark

[Klipspringer]

Very cool white-tailed mongoose, they have such hugh tailes

[Richprins]

Very good, Peej! Night drives are a totally different experience, and the nocturnal creatures are special indeed!

Rare white-tailed mongoose!

I like the hyena with the moon in the background!

What did the drive cost?

[PJL]

That was definitely a lot of sightings for a sunset drive

A pity that it is so dark

Hahaha... it would be a bit strange if the entire drive was light
But yeah, some pics simply weren't possible due to the lack of light

Very cool white-tailed mongoose, they have such hugh tailes

It was great to see one - and quite a surprise!

Very good, Peej! Night drives are a totally different experience, and the nocturnal creatures are special indeed!

Rare white-tailed mongoose!

I like the hyena with the moon in the background!

What did the drive cost?

I think the 'moon' might be the blurred headlights of the other sunset drive vehicle approaching
As for cost, I can't remember the exact figures and the grandparents insisted on paying
BUT - I seem to remember it's more expensive than if we had been staying in the park

[Peter Betts]

Lovely pics Pete ..Rich the White Tailed Mongoose is common and seems rare because it is 100% nocturnal almost like the most Common predator in Kgalagadi ..the Brown Hyena ..seldom seen ..same reason

[Mel]

That was a very successful night drive!!!

And the tiny giraffe - so adorable