Wednesday, June 22, 2022

MOKALA NATIONAL PARK

Our second destination was the beautiful Mokala National Park, situated some 80 km southwest of Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.

Once again we were so fortunate to see this Park after the good rains of late and with its red earth, tall grasses and abundant beautiful trees, it reminded me so much of the African bush where I grew up in DRC.

We stayed at the Mosu Lodge. After being greeted by friendly and helpful staff, we found that our comfortable thatch roof chalet, no 2, was near the fence and we could clearly see the game moving to and from the nearby waterhole while braaing our evening meal.

Driving around was a challenge at times as some sections of the road were still very wet and muddy, but we enjoyed the abundant wildlife, including several endangered species. Having rolled in the red mud, some game looked strange and crusty.

We had some startling moments. A close encounter with a White Rhino hiding behind a very large bush around one of the many twists and turns of these meandering roads gave him and us a serious fright.

Mokala’s thornveld savanna, dolerite outcrops and riverine vegetation provides habitat for a wide range of animals. The Matopi Picnic area offers a great location for breakfast while spotting a prolific number of bird species.

I particularly liked the trees and could immediately see the potential mirror montages and various other photographic techniques that I will enjoy “constructing” at a later stage.

The gold evening light draping itself over the landscape or filtering through dust and branches of trees demanded our instant attention and later while the evening slipped into the night, I could not resist taking a few shots of the sparkling night sky.


Rock Monitor Lizard






Mosu Lodge







Young Kudu Female
Kudu Bull
Kudu Female
Berchell's Zebra

Roan Antilope
Berchell's Zebra foal and mother
White Rhino calf
Desert Cisticola
Springbok
Springbok
White Rhino
Matopi Picnic area

Scaly-Feathered Finch

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Toed Rock Thrush

Giraffe
Giraffe
Berchell's Zebra
Warthog
Nyala
Springbok
Double-Banded Corser
Female Red Crested Korhaan
Boskia or Shepherd Tree
Pigme Falcons
Buffalo Bull
Old Buffalo Bull
Tsessebe
 Wildebeests



Sparkling night sky



















3 comments:

  1. Nicole, I had no idea that this park existed. must have been a wonderful experience. Beautiful images of wildlife and the sky ! greetings from the heart of Europe, Jana and Paul

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  2. Want to just get my Landy packed and hit the road!. Thank you Nicole for reminding us of the many wild open spaces we are still fortunate to play in

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    Replies
    1. That was from me Hilldidge😄

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