Frost, Fires & Family Time

[PJL]

Despite the amazing sightings we had, relaxing at the camp was a highlight for me. Taking in the view whilst making a fire for a braai was so therapeutic





After lunch I was keen to go for a wander around the camp, but the kids forced us back out on another drive
We had seen rock monitors on the Sonnenrust 4x4 loop on our previous visit, so H was adamant we should go find them again. I was 99% certain they wouldn't be out much in the cooler months

Driving along the main road we took a quick detour towards the park exit as cheetah had been seen in that area in the morning. There wasn't any sign of them, but we did see a few ostrich drinking at one of the water holes



Sonnenrust starts with quite a lot of thornbush vegetation, and as we rounded corners we found a few different species

A yellow mongoose, who seemed to have spotted something in the sky which we couldn't see



A youngish gemsbok



And a mountain zebra looking very smart indeed



Whilst watching the zebra I noticed that there must be a wild bee colony living in a nearby tree with the numbers going in and out...



After a while the trees are left behind and the views on the route stretch into the distance. We came across a number of ground squirrels along the way - and they continued to be a big highlight for the kids



We then got our first close sightings of jackals about 10 minutes apart.
One quite happily posed for us, whilst the other seemed a bit more nervous and stayed in the shade







Towards the end of the 4x4 route, we were treated to a really great sighting of a secretary bird. It didn't seem to be bothered in the slightest by our car and came very close at times, catching a lizard along the way











At this point we wondered whether to stay out all afternoon or head back to camp. I was keen to try the other 4x4 loop which starts near the camp, so we decided to head back for a quick break and then do another evening drive. On the way round Ubejane we found monkeys at the grooming parlour



And the buffalo herd which we had seen the previous day was back out.



The little ones were very cute but didn't want to look my way for a photo



However the oxpeckers were out in force again which was great to see





TBC

[Lisbeth]

The gemsbok has put on the winter coat

We came across a number of ground squirrels along the way - and they continued to be a big highlight for the kids

Not only for the kids

The secretary bird is sooooo pretty Obviously the small lizards were out, but maybe a bit slow due to the cold

[Dewi]

Nice black wildebeest pic in your previous post PJL.


Great shots of the secretarybird.

Nice panoramic above as well.

[Richprins]

Brilliant pics again!

The jackal also looks shaggier!

I think mongoose look up more than most, as death comes from above for them!

Pity the mountain zebra pic has a bit of hoof missing...otherwise would nominate it!

H sounds a bit like H.

[H. erectus]

OOOOhhh,....

H sounds a bit like H

If only you were somewhat closer at hand

[H. erectus]

I must say and in all fairness we are forever hucking at the
authorities about Kruger yet there are so many other parks
that deserve recognition. Here we have another,....

Thanks PJL,..

[Alf]

I have seen that nice view from the cottage only a few times. Other times it was mist or rain

Lucky sightings again

[Flutterby]

Oh wow, your cheetah sighting was amazing! Those cubs are gorgeous!

Also love your secretary bird pics.

[ExFmem]

You know it's a superlative TT when it makes you start rethinking future visits.

Again, read the whole tale tonight, and there's not enough space to mention every pic that really caught my eye, but the balooning mommie zebra, the "exotic" black wildebeest, cheetah punk rockers in great light, and the sec. bird w/ prey rank up there.

Now, the aardvark, oh my!!!! (Insert one of each happy smilie here) SO-O-O extraordinary, and beautifully captured.

Methinks I need to copy/paste this entire TT to "TT Pic of the Month".

[Pumbaa]

So many different bokkies, PJL,

what a brilliant variety plus jackals, squirrels and mongoose not to forget the amazing shots of the secretary bird Needless to say that you had a great time