We have just returned from the park after spending 8 wonderful days there. (25 Feb – 4 March)
There seems to be quite a few forumites leaving for the park shortly, so I thought instead of doing a day by day report I would give a quite overview of the park and post pics later as I go through my hundreds day by day!
This was our first time that we have visited in a February month and I don’t think it will be the last. Wow, the park was wonderfully quiet. Our first night in TR (we stayed in chalets) there was not a tent in the camp site
2 caravans and a filming crew of 2 people. That was it!! Awesome to say the least. Leaving TR to go to Nossob the next day, we did not see a car till we got to Dikbaardskolk and that was a vehicle coming from the Nossob side. We had Auchterlonie picnic spot all to ourselves..Last Sept we could not park alongside a table as they were all occupied! We traveled along the lower dunes road to Kij Kij and then obviously headed in the Nossob direction. Once again the picnic spots were quiet. Only us at Melkvlei and then a couple of vehicles passing when we got to Dikbaardskolk.
The condition of the roads were perfect
Only during our last 2 days on the Auob side between Kamqua did we find the corrugations getting a bit hectic, but overall, we could not complain at all
The day time and night time weather was hot but we found it bearable. Night time probably in the late 20’s and day time varied between 27-37 degrees.
We traveled with our windows open so you could smell the air and hear the beautiful sounds. This also meant a constant breeze and we felt a little bit of dust was a small sacrifice to pay. We far rather that than using the air conditioner and not hearing the silence of the bushes and the calls of the birds and animals.
The park was green, very very green and the grasses were growing longer by the day. Many days were skies started off clear and as the day progressed beautiful white fluffy clouds allowed for pretty photos. The park got rain while we were there. At Nossob the clouds built up to what we thought was the making of a huge thunderstorm but no luck. A bit of thunder and lightening but that was it.
At KTC we experienced a few drops of rain. I went out on a late afternoon drive and came and asked SO if it rained at KTC. It had not, however near Sitsas, the first waterhole after KTC I drove through huge puddles in the road. We believe that TR had lots of rain that evening and the water alongside the waterholes sure proved this.
We found the Nossob side very quiet predator wise. I think this was our first time ever of not hearing the roars of the lions. We sure missed them. Nossob camp site was also quiet the first night and the following night filled up considerably. Rapters were found throughout the park
We chose to skip staying at Grootkolk this time as we were only in the park for 8 nights. I prefer to stay a couple of nights in each camp instead of being in transit every day. So, next time Grootkolk will be on the itinary again!! This visit we only went north as far as Kousant.
On the Auob side we stayed at KTC and spoilt ourselves and spend 1 night in the new Mata Mata Chalets. I will chat about these when I post some pics.
One thing I will say now is that I feel very sorry for the campers. They have moved the waterhole away from in front of the hide and placed it closer towards the new chalets. Awesome for those in the chalets but what about the campers???
Perhaps I should not get too hyped up now as I do understand that they are working on re designing the camp site and that would incorporate an extended waterhole
On our drives we met up with such friendly folk. We always do and after after meeting up at waterholes and in the camps we felt like they had be long standing friends.
From the forum we met ‘bigals’ parents ‘pvheerden’. That was such a pleasant surprise and they came bearing a gift from Bigal and SO. More about that with the pics! They made us really excited as from the little we heard, they had a super time .
We also met ‘Thebi’ and his family as well as ‘Quannah’ and SO. Quannah is a member but not an active member, reads a lot and a loyal visitor to our parks. We managed to spend some real quality time with them
I caught up with ‘wanderw’ briefly as she was entering Nossob and I was going out on a drive in the middle of the day. I so wanted to see snakes and believe me, we saw none in the roads at all
Did however see 2 cobras raiding a weavers nest. 'Arks' was also in the park, left a note for her at Kamqua as we would not be crossing paths.
All were displaying their yellow ribbons. I enjoy meeting other forumites in the park, these yellow ribbons are always great sighting
Thanks so much to AjayB and Caracal for books for the Wilderness Camp attendants library. These we had to leave them for ‘Bannav’ to collect from the central point – PnPay in Upington. Folks, for some immediate appreciation before the library takes off, if you can, it’s well worth it taking along a recent ‘Huisgenoot’ magazines or something similar. The staff were so thankful and it was a real pleasure to see.
They are once again doing construction work at the New reception area. Personally, I think it is a waste of finances, BUT, as I say...that may not be the feelings of others, and maybe it is neccessary,
it's me expressing what I think of it
Seeing this signpost always makes my heart skip a beat
Samevloeeing Waterhole welcomes us
Oh so green, its beautiful
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