KTP 2024 - 27 Years Later...

[ExFmem]

Sis, RP, and Pumbaa - such troopers! Thanks for sticking with me here - last one coming up...

[ExFmem]

After Nossob we drove to Mata Mata. Again, few sightings, but we did manage a far away Cape fox and a BEF, tho' only briefly.









It was SO's birthday, so we spent the evening on the patio of our riverfront chalet overlooking the waterhole. It's very peaceful and quiet out there so we just relaxed and watched for animals and birds as the sun faded away.

We FINALLY had a cheetah sighting, as it came for an evening drink, and then returned over the dune. No action at all, just walking, but we were starting to think this would be our only trip EVER to not see a cheetah at all. Made our birthday celebration a bit more enjoyable.

It returned early the next morning, but again, just for a quick drink and then disappeared.





After two nights at MM we spent our last nights at TweeR.









A couple of frat bros...






The LBRs were also not as plentiful this trip. (I just read a comment on the Kgalagadi Sightings Facebook page where someone noted the same lack of LBRs, so perhaps it's still continuing to be that way.)

[ExFmem]

A couple of birds with an attitude...





Just behind our chalet at TweeR was a Groundscraper Thrush with a nest and two chicks. I had never seen one on a nest before, much less with small ones.









Our last day in the park, we saw one of the "teenagers" out of the nest on a branch by itself, so it looks like it'll soon be time to leave mommy and hunt for food on its own.






And so, it was with a sad face, but a happy heart, we exited the gates of the KTP for the very last time. We knew it would be like remembering an old friend you know you'll never see again, but every thought of "the good 'ol days" will bring smiles, joy, and gratitude for past memories we were so very lucky to have had.

It's just become too difficult as we grow older to make the lo-o-o-og trek, so we will, as it's said, "Exit Stage Left"........

[Pumbaa]

Thanks so much for another one of your iconic trip reports, ExFmem

Simply love the two different foxes and to spot cheetahs is always fantastic as well as the many different birdies you saw especially the Groundscraper Thrush chicks are extreme cute

[Lisbeth]

You were lucky to see the foxes

It is not only the sight of an animal that makes it memorable, but also the circumstances. A Groundscraper Thrush is common, but with chicks in the nest, it becomes interesting

Cute yellow mongoose What are the gemsboks doing with their heads on the ground, scratching where the horns are attached

A last moment cheetah

Great pic of the European roller in flight

Lately, I had decided that I couldn't make it anymore, going to SA or anywhere else for that sake on my own, but after three years without going anywhere, apart from Denmark, which doesn't count I am daring to go one last time. I am too old and too hindered physically (scoliosis), but the KNP is the only place where I can go around in a car and have a good time

I am going to miss your stories and great photos I hope that you can entertain us with something different from a TT

Until then for this one

[nan]

thank you, big thank you for so many great memories
I love all of them, animals, birds, landscapes and your telling stories and your sense of humour
for all that

[Richprins]

A nice goodbye, Ex, that is a lovely cheetah!

And I love the thrush investigation...interesting!

And also the birds with attitude!

It is so sad you won't be back, but never say never like Lis says?

Thanks so incredibly much for your superbly-crafted reports over the years, they were really a special treat for me, along with the stunning photos!