Fatigued. Spent some time cooking a good breakfast, arranging our equipment, and planning. Eventually set out in the direction of Union’s End but stopped short determined not to be late getting back to Nossob.

(Blue wildebeeste -- road from Nossob Camp to Union's End, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)

Ran into an army patrol at Lejers Draii (later we confirmed that it was the Botswana Defense Force) – very friendly after they hailed us to approach them. Passed no other vehicles and realized if we broke down we would have to be entirely self-sufficient.

(A welcome chance to get out of the truck (I should say bakkie): one of the Park designated "Get-Out Points" -- road from Nossob Camp to Union's End, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)

(Some shelter from the intense rays of the sun at the same Get-Out Point: visitors are required to stay in their vehicles except at designated spots)

(Will takes advantage of the break and captures the "little Kalahari" with his Nikon D50)

(The little Kalahari captured: One of the species of Agama lizards)

As we had not put a significant amount of water in the truck it was resolved not to repeat that error again. The Hilux proved to be 100 percent mechanically reliable throughout the trip however.

(Ostriches -- road from Nossob Camp to Union's End, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)

The game spotting highlight was a pool of water with what must have been a birder’s grand slam: two types of vultures; kites; eagles; falcons; secretary birds; and a kori bustard. Put a kori bustard on the road to flight.

(Grand slam: Secretary birds at the pool of water (really a large puddle) next to the road from Nossob Camp to Union's End)

(Lappet-faced vulture (R) with White-backed vulture (?) overlooking the pool of water -- road to Union's End)

The amount of animal life here is astounding – especially compared to the Mojave Desert. Drove back having apparently mastered Trevor Knutsen’s silent game drive “approach” (another skill he demonstrated to us): surprised two gemsbok standing one meter from the edge of the road. It is possible to approach large game here to within 2 to 3 meters – much closer than at Prof’s lodge.

Labels: Lejers Draii, Nossob Camp, Union's End

¶ 2:29 PM