Africa Wild

Originally I thought these first three pics were of Stick Insects, but the mouthparts look more like assassin bugs, so they may very well be Grass Assassins (Lopodytes sp.?). If so, it's a new addition to our Invertebrate Book.














The next two are obviously Assassin Bugs









Feather-legged Assassin Bug


I have no idea what this last one is, as it quickly ran away after I got this one shot. It could be an Assassin Bug also.

The gemsbok horns never cease to impress me, including the sideways ones

The meerkats are among my favourite animals

No squirrels?

You sure catch some strange-looking creatures during your night adventures. It's incredible how many different ones are around and close up they look like small monsters. Maybe you can get a job in Hollywood, when they need monstrosities for horror movies

Thanks again so much ExFmem,

really impressive shots from gemsboks, to meerkats, my beloved owls, leopards and than again these fantastic insecto close ups.

Thanks

What a lovely selection again, Ex!

I wonder how that gemsbok eats with the wonky horn...

Exquisite owls, I love them!

Fascinating that grass assassin...I also would have thought it to be a stick insect.

Sis - squirrels coming right up

Pumbaa - as always, your comments are greatly appreciated

RP - yes, owls are so endearing, even the grumpy looking ones. I never even knew Grass Assassins existed until I started this TT. I'll have to write an entry for the AW book after I finish the TT.

Okay Sis, these pics are for you. They always bring a smile.














This fox was lying right in the middle of the road and we thought someone had hit it, but as we tried to inch our car around it, it got up and ran off. We were so relieved, but it better find another place for a quick nap next time.






The resident Urikaruus fox, Charlie.





A hare





A sand storm forming









I haven't tried to ID these cheetahs as I'm so "out of the loop" on all the newer IDs, but maybe Mel will know.


(0.9 km south of the south entry to Vertiende, male)













This cheetah was enjoying the shade of the cars at Sitsas.

One morning we drove the Lower Dune Road towards KijKij, and came upon a large pride of lions - we counted 9, but there could have been more we didn't see (behind trees, etc). There was one adult male and the rest were either adult females (1 - 2), but most were youngsters. They are always fun to watch, and these didn't disappoint...












The sound of all of them roaring together was incredibly awesome!


One of the kids was learning how to read






Another was busy learning how to operate the machinery.













Yet another was staring admiringly at his newfound toy.














Unwilling to share...

We revisited the waterhole (Tierkop) on our PM drive.













That evening we watched some clouds roll in, and what looked like rain pouring from one cloud into another, but it seemed to dissipate/evaporate before it reached the ground.

A couple beetles









Grasshopper













Midge

Wow really beautifull photos of al the wonderful animals, insects and landscape of the special place