Mabuasehube NP - Day 2

Meerkats were a nice surprise

A 5am start gave us time to work out closing the roof tent. It’s largely like the old one but the rooftent cover is a real problem. On the road by 5.30, we made our way around Mabuasehube pan but there was no sign of anything. No spoor, no sound. So we headed to Mpayathutlwa pan after our round, the next pan about 8km away. 

Mpayathutlwa pan was full of wild flowers

It is by far the most productive as it has a functioning pumped waterhole. And with the rain that had definitely hit the pan recently there was a natural waterhole that was attracting a few birds, including a big flock of burchells sandgrouse. We checked out the campsites of the pan. The one we were to be in the following day was occupied. The other one was empty so we headed there to check it out and to our surprise we found plenty of lion spoor all around the camp. 

A half finished toilet with a fabulous view

We figured they’d come off the pan, and through the campsite looking for water before crossing into the surrounding bush. This was exciting and hopefully we’d be able to find them when we stayed there the following day. Considering it’s the Kgalagadi, this pan was quite productive with a big herd of springbok, a black-backed jackal den and plenty of Africa s heaviest flying bird - and Botswana’s national bird - the Kori bustard, but unfortunately no cats. 

The classic meerkat pose

So after another stop at the empty campsite to have a mid morning snack of chicken legs and grapes, we headed back to Mabua via Khiding pan. From memory, Khiding didn’t have water, so we were surprised to see not only a functioning tap in the campsite, but also a working pumped waterhole. Both campsites were full so we drove around the pan to check it out and again there was a resident springbok herd but not much else, which is par for the course in the middle of the Kalahari desert. 

Handy signs

From there it was back to our campsite on the Mabuasehube pan, where we relaxed under the shade of the A-frame boma as the temperature steadily rose. A lazy lunch of chicken rolls and cooking our pasta for tomorrow’s lunch, we watched the birds around the campsite and generally rode out the heat of the day until it was time to start our afternoon game drive. 

Lone ground squirrel

We decided that the target of our drive would be Monamodi Pan and then check out Losoloago on the way back. Most of the water on the road to Monamodi from the previous days rain had already evaporated will only a few pools left. We got to Monamodi and checked out the waterhole but nothing was drinking. But the pan had a nice surprise in store because a few moments later we spotted meerkats! 

Baby meerkat

We’d seen meerkats here once before but outside the park and far away, so this was an unexpected surprise. We spotted them all standing in the classic meerkat pose - they must have heard the car coming and wanted to see what was happening. We stopped the car and after a while they settled down and started foraging. It was a really cute pack - a few adult minders and 3 little meerkat pups. They seemed quite habituated to cars because they didn’t seem to mind us, just going on their way digging for anything to eat. 

Meerkat minder and pups

We spent quite a bit of time with them even though the light was quite harsh and the photos weren’t great because just to see meerkats is a real treat. Eventually another car came and we had to move out the way so decided to drive around the pan in case anything else was around. Nothing seen and soon we were back at the meerkats for a quick check before leaving. 

Helmeted guineafowl at camp

But it turned out to be better shots with them in a more open area and closer to the car so we spent a bit more time with them before finally heading to Losoloago. A lovely pan but nothing going on, we drove around Losoloago before heading back to Mabua and our campsite. We decided to enjoy the sunset and get the fire going early. A stunning sunset with a fiery sky was enjoyed before finishing up with camp chores and eating to get a good nights sleep.

A braai with a stunning backdrop