Western Cape Part, December 2012 - Mokala National Park & Karoo National Park.

Mokala National Park.

We really enjoyed staying at this Park near Kimberley which has only been open for a few years. There are only 6 campsites which all overlook a small waterhole which was regularly visited by game while we were there.

Wildebeest at the waterhole.

Each of the campsites have a shower, toilet and kitchen area with a gas powered fridge, stove and a sink. The hot water is provided by a solar geyser.

There were plenty of birds around the campsite including some swallow-tailed bee-eaters.

Some more animals that came to drink at the waterhole.

Two of three buffalo that arrived together.

We saw lots of warthog every day.

There are no predators in the Park as it's primarily used to protect endangered and rare species. We aw several groups of Tsessebe including some new calves.

We had rain for a couple of days which reduced our game viewing but did give us some colourful sunsets.

Karoo National Park.

Typical sparse vegetation in the wide open spaces of the Karoo National Park. We saw several groups of gemsbok on our drives around the Park.

Ostriches were also a common sight.

We were lucky enough to see a black-backed jackal.

There are Mountain Zebra and Burchell's Zebra in the Park, sometime together in the same group.

A mountain zebra with her foal.

Burchell's zebras have very different markings.

There are several large tortoises to be seen around the campsite and notices which ask you to check under your vehicle before you drive off - luckily we did.....

1. Mokala National Park & Karoo National Park.

2. Limietberg Nature Reserve, Bontebok National Park & Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

3. Beyond Cederberg - The Biedouw Valley, Wupperthal and Sevilla Rock Art.

Diary. This is a pdf file and will open in a new window.

The remainder of this trip will be uploaded once we get back to Richmond which will probably be around the end of February.

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A rock kestrel in windy conditions.