A return to the Cape - November 2023

February 21

Once we have reached the Ubejani Loop, we made a U-turn and drove back to the hills. On the way there we have had a nice sighting of a Black-backed jackal hunting, but long grass messed with the camera AF.

And who could resist to take yet another photo (or two or more ....) of the iconic animal that gave the park its name.

That wink means Good bye folks (and no more zebra photos). The scenery though continues to amaze us.

February 21

On the way back to the camp we have took a longer stop at the Wellevredekloof picnic site (#12 on the map of the park), the one with the Rock pool. There was no one there but us and the birds. I have added a few photos from the same location taken the next morning before our departure.

Cape Wagtail

Southern Masked-Weaver

Streaky-headed Seeeater & Quailfinch

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting & water reflection

Cape Robin-Chat

Chestnut-vented Warbler (Tit-Babbler)

We have been watched carefully by a gang of local residents, Vervet monkeys.

It has started to drizzle thus it was time to leave the picnic site and head to the restaurant !

Olive Thrush

Cape Burger

February 21

@xelasasked

Quote

And were you lucky to spot a lion?

on our second visit yes we were

February 21

Perfect, now we know that they are there. We might have better luck next time, but with Amakhala sightings, lions were already plenty for one trip.

February 21

After the lunch Zvezda decided to relax in the cottage, and I went out to explore at least one of the hiking trails. I recon the 1 km long Imbila trail will be easy enough for me, and I was not wrong. The trail follows a wooded gully, and after about 500 m crosses it. The area looked great for birds, and they were there. Just there were too many branches to get many clean shots.

A wet Familiar Chat

The highlight of the hike, a male Chinspot Batis

Two African Paradise-Flycatchers were being busy with feeding their chicks

A Rock hyrax watched me from the rock

This beauty is a Painted Lady

The Scaly Weavers discussion: right one "Where have you been all day?!" Left one "Nowhere, just hanging out with some friends at the watering hole."

And these are his friends: an African Red-eyed Bulbul (who changed its name into Black-fronted), a Speckled Mousebird and a Red-winged Starling, among several others.

Edited February 21 by xelas

February 21

The afternoon started cloudy and with a light drizzle yet we were again driving around, looking for whatever the nature had to show us. Not that there were less animals but most of them I have already posted.

Black-headed Heron in the rain

A majestic Eland

Flowers like rain ...

... and canaries loves flowers

Fiscal Flycatcher

Common Buzzard in need of a good shiatsu massage

Southern Anteater-Chat

This Black wildebeest gave us some action so she deserves a series of photos.

We have returned earlier but the day was already long, and the lunch has evaporated hours ago. Dinner was again simple and tasty.

Edited March 16 by xelas

February 21

Next morning we have visited the two picnic sites, and on departing from the park we have also driven the Ubejani Loop. No unexpected surprises so I will not post any more photos. The Mountain Zebra National Park was a very positive experience. Excellent birding, good mammals sightings, very nice scenery, a lot of green and a lot of water makes this otherwise smaller park a very good choice for a couple of days if in that area.

For next instalment please be patient as we are absent for next 2 weeks!

Edited February 21 by xelas

February 25

Very comprehensive and informative report Alex. I'll catch up again in two weeks then!

February 26

wow Black wildebeest! I'm so jealous - they are such stunning creatures.

February 27

Excellent trip report, Alex and I’m looking forward to the next installments!

February 29

An excellent section on the Mountain Zebra NP. It looks like you had a great time, and the park looks beautiful. And you ate well!

March 1

Fantastic report thanks @xelas. Your photo's are fantastic.

Amakhala looks very nice. I think one of the owners maybe Grant Fowlds , who has written a couple of excellent conservation books, one being "saving the last rhino's".

March 16

My sincerest apologies for an additional week of delay. Obviously I am not hardened enough to withstand the 9-days non-stop hardcore birding with Michael , and I needed a full week to get back onto my feet. Anyway, lets continue with the last two segments of our trip report.

March 16

SWARTBERG WILDLIFE ESTATE

From Mountain Zebra NP to Oudtshoorn are 450 kms, a lot but the roads are all great, and the traffic was low, thus the driving was enjoyable. In no time (OK, there were 5 hrs in between) we have reached Oudtshoorn, and in a short and scenic drive we have ended at the entry gate of the Swartberg Wildlife Estate.

The focal point, and the reason why we have revisited Western Cape, Witfontein is the name of Martin's second home, and what a fantastic place it is! A large house which we nicknamed The Cathedral, a covered patio and a fabulous scenery ... all the proper ingredients for a relaxing holidays.

This is where we have spent most of our time, chatting, eating or just silently enjoying the majestic nature around.

And there is so much to enjoy and observe, from dawn till dusk.

Edited March 16 by xelas

March 16

@Soukous @xelaswhat a beautiful place!

March 16

There is no shortage of wildlife close to the house, if one gets out of the bed early.

For those interested into hiking, bring your hiking poles (or at least your camera). The options are limitless and the tracks are widespread! As there are no predators within this wildlife estate, hiking is completely safe ... just BYO (water). And if the heat catches you, there are several options to cool down in one of the many water reservoires.

March 16

But the territory of this estate is just too big to be explored only on foot. Thus Martin offers either to use a golf cart or the quad (ATV) to his guests. Although I feel comfortable riding on two wheels at home, here I have left the task of driving the unknown to me roads to Martin. Zvezda was happy with my decision.

Some of the places are not that close to the house, and the network of dirt roads is vast; I would have problems finding my way home from more distant locations.

Edited March 16 by xelas

March 16

I am glad you finally recovered from the hardcore birding experience and found the time to continue this report. Witfontein looks like a magical place!