Lynneb

Thinking of visiting CKGR in January. I know that the fires have stopped now and I guess the rains have started.

Does anyone know if the area will have had time to re-grow by then or will it still be charred?

Momliz

I'll be there in 2 weeks (omigosh!) and will post what I find when I return Jan 2, although I would love it if anyone has any recent info.

Momliz

they have started somewhere - probably Gaborone - check this interesting blog:

http://thoughtsfrombotswana.blogspot...-botswana.html

Lynneb

What on earth are those red fuzzy things!?

Momliz

good question! Has four legs, so must be a spider or a mite. Hope we see one!

Lynneb

I'd quite like one as a pet...

AlwynM

I have just returned from the Central Kalahari 5 day trip looking for Wilddogs for a research program. I can tell you that with the little rain we have had in the last 2 weeks the Kalahari has responded beautifully to that and it is as beautiful as ever. No wilddogs thought but sightings were rreported. I will be happy to give you some insight as to where the best areas are at the moment because the rain has been a little sporadic.

Momliz

I would love to know where those areas are - we will be there for 4 days over Christmas. How much does it usually rain?

Where were you in the CKGR?

AlwynM

We covered about 1500km in 4 days starting from Matswere gate in the north east and we did mostly the upper half of the park. The areas that seem to have had the most rain has been the upper end of Letihau valley and the lower southern end of Passarge valley. Unfortunately not all the camps there have fascilities so if you can be self sufficient for those camps it would help. Most lions and cheetahs are seen along Letihau and up towards deception pan including 2 lionesses with rather small cubs. The larget concentration of lains game has been those 2 areas. Hope it helps. what a great place to spend christmas. Enjoy

Lynneb

Many thanks Alwyn
Did you get to Deception Valley?

Also, do you know what those red spider like things are?

AlwynM

Did get to Deception Valley and there has not been that much rain so therefore not as much game. The things you are asking about are called Velvet Dust Mites.

Lynneb

Thanks Alwyn

I've changed my mind about wanting one as a pet as apparently it's a sort of tick. Not quite what I had in mind...

Lynneb

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Mite

Pic of the red velvet mite at the bottom of the page

Momliz

that peacock mite is beautiful!