Karoo National 21-22nd September

Karoo National 21-22nd September

Monday, 21st Whereas at Mountain Zebra there was a heavy dew (or ice) most nights, here at Karoo National there is no dew at all – every morning. I suppose the air is just drier. I am out of my…

Karoo National 20th September

Karoo National 20th September

The campsite is always till fast asleep when we leave at about 6.20am each morning. I think this is because the official gate opening time is 7am – but the automatic gate always opens when we arrive there so we…

Karoo National 19th September

Karoo National 19th September

So much did we enjoy the Lammersleegte Loop yesterday that we are going to repeat it again. There is a little cloud in the east this morning so the sun appears a little later. This September climate here is just…

Karoo National 18th September

Karoo National 18th September

You will remember from yesterday that I have determined to hunt down the Dusky Sunbird today. A common bird in the arid regions of SA but absent from my home in the eastern part of the country. I am early…

Karoo National 17th September

Karoo National 17th September

This morning we are going to keep to the eastern plains so at 6.30am we exit the gate and head for Lammertjiesleegte – a lovely South African name. The rising sun catches some zebra and a Gemsbok on a mountainside.…

Karoo National 15-16th September

Karoo National 15-16th September

Tuesday, 15th This morning is cold as we rise at 5.45am and begin to pack up ready to move to Karoo National. Numb fingers brush the ice from the awning canvas. One delight of this lifestyle is meeting like minded…

Mountain Zebra 13-14th September

Mountain Zebra 13-14th September

Sunday,13th The idea was to spend a week each at Mountain Zebra, Camdeboo and Karoo National on our way to Cape Town. My tooth problem interfered with this and wishing to stay within range of this excellent dentist at Cradock,…

Mountain Zebra 11-12th September

Mountain Zebra 11-12th September

Friday, 11th I am keen to revisit my puddle in the road down on the Ubejane Loop near the maingate. The number of very varied birds visiting there bears further attention. So stocked up with two water containers to top…

Mountain Zebra 10th September

Mountain Zebra 10th September

6.30am and we are both out of camp winding our way up to the plateau. Here we pause for our customary cup of condensed milk coffee. If you look carefully at this photo you will see a couple of houses…

Mountain Zebra 8-9th September

Mountain Zebra 8-9th September

Tuesday, 8th Leaving Renette in camp, I am out of the gate at 6.30am just as the sun rises. It is bright, still, clear and sunny today and I am heading towards the maingate and then climbing onto the Rooiplaat…

Mountain Zebra 7th September

Mountain Zebra 7th September

A little trivia – Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 and the Mountain Zebra species was saved from extinction by local farmers who donated land and animals to the Park so that eventually it grew to 28,000 Hectares…

Mountain Zebra 5-6th September

Mountain Zebra 5-6th September

Saturday, 5th The weather forecast tells me that rain can be expected today so I am out of the gate at 6.30am (7am official opening time). Again the sun is playing on the hilltops as I make my way along…

Mountain Zebra 4th September

Mountain Zebra 4th September

Yesterday Renette spent most of the day bedding down the new caravan. Today she joins me at 6.30am as we leave camp just as the sun’s rays are setting the hilltops ablaze. No ice today – just a heavy dew…

Mountain Zebra 3rd September

Mountain Zebra 3rd September

After last night’s wild deluge and wind, this morning breaks still, clear and cold as I spend some time removing the ice from the windscreen of the Quantum. The camp gate only opens at 7am which is a little irritating…

Eingedi 1-2nd September

Eingedi 1-2nd September

We left Kruger on 10th March little anticipating what chaos the world would shortly plunge into. SA’s harsh ‘lockdown’ caught us in KZN where we remained trapped for the months that followed. However through the kindness of friends and relations…