Once upon a Time when CoViD-19 destroyed a Dream

[Mel]

Third night @ Mata Mata Riverfront Chalet

Funnily enough, I had already picked a photo for today that also coincides with the current conditions in the Kgalagdi:

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I find the Mata Mata area a good place to be to get those dramatic skies before, during or after the rains and thunderstorms.

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Would have been awesome to see it again after trips and trips during the draught with not much of those spectacular skies.

[Richprins]

Mello!

Looks like there are storms more often than one would think in the desert?

[Klipspringer]

What's the best storm season there?

[Lisbeth]

I have been in storms in November and in February

[Flutterby]

Lovely view.

[Mel]

Looks like there are storms more often than one would think in the desert?

If and when the rain comes, then yes. But it was a few dry years for the Kgalagadi. It hasn't been as green as you can see it on Nossob Webcam at the moment for a long, long time.

What's the best storm season there?

Rainy season. But in dry years it's probably most likely between December and February.

I have been in storms in November and in February

Yep, rainy season.

Lovely view.

Flutts!

[Mel]

Fourth night @ Nossob Riverfront Chalet

For some reason we're not very fond of Nossob. Most likely because we find it too busy because sighting wise we cannot complain really. Generally, we did have nice sightings when we stayed there. The one sighting that is still dearest to me is that of a male lion that I had often watched on the cam back in the days when I was still a cam nutter

So, on the first morning I took my coffee and my camera and made my way to the old hide with the old waterhole. Nobody inside! I don't think that that is still possible these day because the park and the camp have grown and is almost always fully booked these days. Hence chances are small to have the hide for yourself, unless you care to sit there at 3 am, I suppose

Anyway, rambling

I was sitting in the hide, still dark, still a chill in the air and was almost getting bored when I noticed a movement in the distance. I couldn't believe my luck when the lion had come close enough for me to figure out who it was. Obviously, I was overjoyed! To this day, I'm sure that he wanted to return the favour and reward my patience when cam watching

The lion had a good drink and went off again. Only when he had almost reached the dunes at the far back the SO turned up in the hide as well

We left for a drive, returned for a late breakfast and an early afternoon nap. I was just getting comfortable when the SO stormed into the bedroom telling me that he had overheard people talking about a lion at the hide. No need mentioning that I was wide awake again and soon on my way to the hide. The guy never left until late afternoon. First he slept it off underneath a big tree at the back causing havoc in the hide every time he did so much as rolling to the other side. But everyone's patience paid off as the lion got real active at a reasonable time and came to drink and to pose for all of those who had hung in there

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[Richprins]

Great story and pics, Mello!

[Klipspringer]

A very handsome lion indeed, he might have left some offspring for you to encounter next time?

[Lisbeth]

Nice guy

I agree with you on Nossob and I do not like the new bungalows. The first two are close to the waterhole and might be good sightings wise, but they certainly have no bush feeling around them

The first time at Nossob, I saw four lions at the old waterhole just before it got dark. Funnily enough, they came to drink one at a time and then retired into the shadow of the tree It was 10 years ago!