And just like that it was my last morning in Kgalagadi. I left camp when the gates opened, and headed north to Kij Kij. Many other people left camp when I did. I slowed down to let them pass so I can have a dust free drive at my own pace to savour every last second.
The dust from their vehicles created a beautiful sunrise.
I made a quick stop at Confluence. I was very surprised to see a pair of South African Shelducks.
A Gabar Goshawk was warming up in the early morning sun.
Gemsbokkies created the scene that has become my favourite – a beautiful animal on a beautiful dune.
A few kilometres before Kij Kij a congregation of a few cars indicated that there was an interesting sighting. As I approached I quickly saw what it was. It was impossible to miss the massive bellies!
I do not know what they ate, but I expected that belly to explode any minute! I did not realise a lion belly could stretch that much!
He lifted his head and gave me a look that made me wonder if he could hear my thoughts!
He was an incredibly good looking male lion.
He got up and turned his bum towards the cars and went to lie down behind his partner. I wanted to see the other lion’s face, so I patiently sipped my coffee and waited. I waited almost an hour before he showed me his pretty face. He was as handsome as the other one.
After a brief scan of his surroundings he flopped down again. I decided to continue on to Kij Kij.
Again – timing.
Less than 2km further I had another fabulous sighting. A Honey Badger was scratching around beneath some bushes. I waited for a few minutes and was rewarded when he came closer to the car.
These guys are so cool, and you can see they have attitude from a mile away.
I watched as he came closer to the road.
I drove parallel with him for a bit. Such a cool little dude!
Then I gave him his space and he crossed the road and continued on his way.
Eventually I reached Kij Kij.
A couple of Blue Wildebeest was having a small tussle.
The Namaqua and Burchell’s Sandgrouse provided the most entertainment. There were a few large flocks. I was astonished at just how fast these birds could fly! I positioned my car and tried to get photos of them in flight. I took many, many, many really bad photos of these fast moving guys, and barely managed any decent photos.
It was a lot easier to photograph them while they were on the ground!
I spent a long time at the waterhole – drinking my coffee, watching and listening to the Namaqua Sand Grouse and enjoying the Springbok and Blue Wildebeest that came and went. Just as I was about to head back to camp a herd of Gemsbok arrived.
What made this herd special was the youngster that was with them – the first and only young Gemsbokkie I saw during the trip.
One the way back I found a herd of Springbok. This one looked cute with its head flat on the ground.
I saw another Badger, well, at least I saw the top 2cm of its back as it furiously dug in a deep hole.
But a few minutes later, I saw another Badger, and he also started digging like its life dependent on it! Then it became more of a sand sighting than a Badger sighting!
Three and a bit Honey Badgers in less than 24 hours – not too shabby!
Just before Camp there were more Ostriches, two Kori Bustards on either side of the road and a Spotted Eagle Owl.
I had a quick, and very delicious lunch at the restaurant. Then I headed back into the Park for my last drive.
My last drive……
One lone Black-backed Jackal was sniffing around at the carcass at Samevloeing.
I enjoyed the vastness of the Park one last time.
I saw a lovely group of young Ostriches and a sleeping Black-backed Jackal.
The lions had moved to some shade as well.
As I was driving to Kij Kij I thought about the one animal I wanted to see but did not see. I thought I would leave the Park without seeing it. Two cars were driving towards me. About 500m after I drove past them I saw the animal I was just thinking about. I could not believe it!
I was a little speechless. There is something special about finding a cool animal on your own with no-one else around. The Cheetah looked intently at a herd of Springbok nearby.
When the Springbok moved away, the Cheetah looked at me as if to say – Why did you not stop them?
He then got up and moved over the ridge and disappeared.
Needless to say, the smile on my face as I drove away could be seen from space!
Kij Kij was quiet except for a few Gemsbok.
Somewhere between Kij Kij and Melkvlei I came across two Kori Bustards. I am not sure if this was a mating display or an argument, but when the one spread its wings, I was reminded again of the size of this bird’s wingspan.
After a quick stop at Melkvlei I headed back to camp.
For the last time.
I saw the same animals on the way back that I saw earlier. One of the Gemsbok at Kij Kij was relaxing in the shade.
Another animal on top of a Red Dune. 
I had seen so many Black-backed Jackals during this trip, and there were two more before I got back to camp. They really are pretty animals.
I was looking at a Gemsbok on a Dune when I saw another head appeared.
I parked under a tree at the Confluence Waterhole for a while. There wasn’t a lot of activity except for the resident Crimson-breasted Shrike.
I was loath to leave and drive the last 5km to the camp. But eventually I had to.
Just before the gate a White-backed Mousebird posed nicely.
And then I was in the Camp. I stopped at the fuel station to inflate my tires. It felt like five minutes ago when I deflated them, yet it had been eight nights. I couldn’t believe how quickly the time went by.
Before I came to Kgalagadi, I had a feeling that I would love it.
And I did. I have fallen hopelessly in love with the Park with the Red Dunes.
Kgalagadi is unlike any other Park I have been to. I can’t describe what is is that makes KTP so special. The Park just wormed its way into my entire being.
Ever since I have been back home, the only thing I can think about is going back.
Hopefully soon.