Gorgeous pix and info everyone!
Well, I'm back from a short KTP trip and 3 nights in Grootkolk. The BIG G remained true to form for us - the lions
![Eyeeoll :O^](./images/smilies/eyesroll2.gif)
were in camp and in the area. We got very excited on our first night there - the jackals started howling like mad, AND we heard the leopard rasping close by. We shone the spot , found a jackal who was intently looking in the direction of unit 3 and 4, but no leopard. He/she decided not to come to the waterhole
![Wallbash O/](./images/smilies/bigwallbash.gif)
and just passed thru camp without giving us a glimpse.
![Whistle O**](./images/smilies/bwhistle.gif)
On the whole Grootkolk was quiet during the day, with all the action occuring after the waterhole light went off - then the brownies started arriving, spotted hyenas coming for a midnight bath, cape fox and batties, not to mention the 3 lionesses and 3 cubs. The hour before midnight and after seemed to be the magic time. And - we saw our first live porcupine in the park
![Dance O/\](./images/smilies/dance3.gif)
, foraging just after midnight next to unit one. Andries said that we were very lucky as the porcupine normally is seen between units 3 and 4.
As for the
BIRDS!!! - Brace yourselves: Sanparks has a new Grootkolk rule - no putting out water for the birds, no birdbaths etc. We missed the birds this time.
![Sad :-(](./images/smilies/asad.gif)
Of course there are still the birds in the trees and surrounding bush, but no real close encounters anymore. Apparently the rule was made after a tourist complained about all the bees at their unit. Well, we found that the bees were worse than ever this time, perhaps due to the lack of water for the birds?
I hope to post a pic or two later tonight, we had a royal visit on our last morning.
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/asmile1.gif)