Lockdown 135

Lockdown Day 135 - 8 August 2020

For our last night in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park we would've stayed at my utmost favourite camp, Kieliekrankie. This is also a wilderness camp situated more to the south on a high dune overlooking a waterhole at the bottom of the dune. The first time we went there, we were blown away. The chalets literally 'hang' over the dune, creating the perception of weightlessness. 

The real beauty of Kieliekrankie lies in the most amazing Kalahari scenes as the sun moves through the day. The interplay of shadows and light, the balance between red and khaki colours and the most incredible lure of the silence is intoxicating and addictive. I vowed that one day I would go there for a minimum of a week just to Kieliekrankie. I think I could finish writing a book if I were left there. 

I remember we saw a leopard coming to drink at the waterhole, appearing and disappearing between the dune vegetation as it cautiously made its way down the dune to the water. This waterhole poses potential threats because of its location, but for the onlooker it is wonderful to see the wildlife coming in from a distance, affording wonderful photographic opportunities for every taste. 

The abundant bird life is also awe inspiring. We had the opportunity to see a pair of Giant Eagle Owls with their pink eyeshadow, the impressive Martial Eagle at work, a Bateleur with its floppy flying style as well as a rare battle between a Pygmy falcon and a Tawny Eagle. 

The Kgalagadi has a way of making us feel like royalty, treating us with the very best of everything. With no cellphone reception (except the two entrances at Mata Mata and Twee Rivieren) , only gravel roads and the feeling that we are alone, this is the best way to really 'get away'. 

The spiritual and inspirational after-effects of the Kgalagadi just keeps on lingering. Kieliekrankie, together with the rest of Kgalagadi is the place of creative musings and inspiration unparralelled, the silence having carved out a place in my heart. 

So tonight I retire with these views in my mind, and I thank God for His inspiring creation, for His presence and 38 years with the love of my life. Because He is with us and His Spirit guides us. Because He can see what we can't. 

He's really got this.