I arrived in Kimberley at around lunch time. I had a quick lunch at the Spur and then drove back to Kamfersdam for a bit of birding.
Mokala is a little further from Kimberley than it looks, and there is a 21km dirt road for the last stretch. I arrived a little later than anticipated. First check in at Mosu Camp went smoothly, and then I was off to Lilydale Rest Camp.
Mokala may only have two of the Big 5, but there are a lot of animals. Within minutes of entering the Park I saw Eland, Springbok, Rooi Hartebees, Gemsbok and Warthogs at the Steenbok water hole.
I stopped at the bird hide – there were so many little birds, I immediately knew I would be spending quite a bit of time at the hide. Some of the little birds included both Blue and Black-faced Waxbils, and a gorgeous Golden Breasted Bunting and a Yellow Canary.
As I continued on to Lilydale, I saw Kudus, Zebras and a large herd of Buffaloes with some cute youngsters.
I did not expect to see Squeaky Toys, aka Sociable Weavers, and was so happy when I saw their nests.
Lilydale Rest Camp only consists of 12 units, and all of them overlook the river. A Goliath Heron was hunting in the river below.
I noticed Swifts in the sky above and after scanning all of them finally managed a photo of a Bradfield’s Swift, my first lifer for the trip!
The temperatures in Mokala were much lower than I anticipated. My original plans were to camp, but when made my reservation, the camp site was fully booked. I have to admit I was rather glad – the prospect of sleeping in a tent in the cold did not appeal to me!
I had an early braai.
The next morning it was freezing cold. I wanted to go for a run, but the cold kept me under the blankets. Eventually I got up and after a nice warm bath took my coffee outside to watch the sunrise. I barely sat down when I got up to fetch my gloves in the car!
The sunrise was pretty. And initially it was very quiet with just the sound of the river audible and a few birds calling. I watched as two Red-eyed Bulbuls chased each other. A Fiscal Flycatcher came to say good morning. I heard a sound that I was not very familiar with – I saw 3 South African Shelducks fly past, and they were calling as they flew. Beautiful.
I made another cup of coffee – why rush? I saw the Goliath Heron fly along the river. I am always impressed by this large bird when it flies.
I eventually went on my morning drive. I was still very cold, and I had to keep my gloves on while driving. This ant-eating chat was all fluffed up in the morning cold.
I love the Roan’s ears!
As I was driving, I once again realised just how therapeutic it can be to drive through the bush. There were lots of animals along the way, but they were too far for photos. Springbok, Red Hartebeest and Tsessebe dotted the landscape. Birdlife was abundant – Brubrus, Marico Flycatchers and a Crimson-breasted Shrike were part of a delightful bird party. There were also three Yellow-billed Hornbills and more Squeaky Toys.
I will be forever impressed by the incredible architecture that these cute little birds are capable of.
At the interpretive Centre I saw a trio of Yellow Mongoose that were relaxing in the sun.
A young Zebra foal was staying close to mom.
I drove South to the Steenbok waterhole. The same group of animals from the previous day was still there.
They were joined by quite a few Pied Crows and White-backed Vultures.
On another loop I saw one Giraffe, but he was walking away. On the way back I saw more Tsessebes, Gemsbok and Roan.
I stopped at Mosu Camp for a bit of a break and went on a short walk. There were loads of little birds around. Vultures were soaring high above the camp while Hoopoos and Familiar Chats were foraging under the trees. A little Neddicky had breakfast.
I love the Kalahari Scrub-Robins, especially when they show why they are called “wipsterte” in Afrikaans!
I visited the the hide in the morning and in the afternoon. The morning was very cold as a freezing wind blew directly into the hide. The little birds were all around the hide again – Waxbills, Sparrows, Wagtails and Doves were all over. A group of Kudus came for a drink.
The afternoon visit was extremely productive. The Little Birds were very active.
11 species of mammals came to drink. There are four of them in this one photo.
With the animals and birds all around the hide, I almost did not know where to look!
Sometime during the morning on one of the loops I came around a bend and found two rhinos. And later there were a group of three more. It was wonderful to see so many of these wonderful animals.
When I got back to camp I went for a short walk along the fence. I saw many tracks inside the camp, and I wondered who they belonged to. Then I looked up and saw a kudu staring at me from behind some bushes. I assumed the kudus just jumped over the low fence to get in and out. Then I saw one jump over the wall near the shop – absolutely effortless!
After my walk I went for a short run.
I had my braai and when I finished my meal I added wood to the fire. I went to get one of the thick blankets in the chalet and sat by the fire for a while. It was freezing cold – again. The moon was in its waxing phase and even though it was only half full, it was extremely bright. Except for the river, I could not hear a single other sound. Despite the cold, it was a fantastic evening.
The next morning I left as the gates opened. The sunrise was gorgeous.
My first visit to Mokala was short, but wonderful. It is a fantastic Park, and one of the places where you can slow down and enjoy nature and all it has to offer
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