3 January 2021
Today we had to leave Mountain Zebra National Park early, for we had a long way to get back home to Pretoria and had to beat the government-imposed curfew at that. It may have been only 12km from the camp to the gate, but still there was loads to see!
Very near the gate there’s a nice waterhole where even this early in the morning a procession of game was already congregating. The serenity of the scene was shattered when a mountain zebra love triangle got out of hand, but calm soon settled again.
During our time in Mountain Zebra National Park we were very lucky to come across a Black Rhinoceros cow and calf. For their protection I won’t be able to share where or when it was that we saw them, but being able to see more of these magnificent creatures was a privilege we were very grateful for.
And with that our summertide ramble came to a halt, if temporarily, as I had important start-of-the-year work to attend to back in Pretoria. As it would be some weeks still before the schools were due to reopen we did have another reservation in the offing, but with South Africa in the midst of a serious second wave of COVID-19 infections we weren’t at all certain that we would be able to take it up…
We posted a special feature about Mountain Zebra National Park following a previous visit, if you’d like to learn more about this special destination.
Map of Mountain Zebra National Park from the SANParks website (https://www.sanparks.org/images/parks/mountain_zebra/mznp-map.jpg)
DeWetsWild 
I loved visiting this beautiful park with you and seeing your varied collection of lovely photos. Took me back to our visit there a few years back – although it was even drier then and quite bleak. We would like to revisit at some stage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mountain Zebra National Park really is a gem, Carol. You won’t be sorry for paying it another visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yet another collection of beautiful wildlife photography. Great action shots of the zebra!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John, for being as kind as always with your commentary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing photos! That black rhino mama and baby are magnificent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And what a wonderful privilege to see them, Lori.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you thought so, Sue – thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That fairly long road out of the park yields a surprising amount and variety of game, especially considering how heavily it is used. It is a fitting farewell until the next time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely true about the main road, Anne. I think the game being so accustomed to the vehicles makes sightings a lot better too. And if it is up to us we’ll definitely visit Mountain Zebra National Park again.
LikeLike
Dit was n lekker kuier in Mountain Zebra park. Jy maak mens altyd weer lus om uit te wyk na ‘n park om net weer asem te skep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dit is so nodig om mens in die natuur te verdiep en balans te kry, Ineke. Dankie dat jy saam met ons getoer het!
LikeLike
Goed uitgedruk: om balans te kry. Dis wat elke oggend gebeur as ek vroeg met Trompie gaan stap. Altyd iets in omgewing wat my aandag trek.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do Black Rhinos take mud baths for protection? I know that elephants do it to. The mountain zebras are they herds large numbers?. Nice post, D. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, H.J!
Indeed yes, black rhinos love a mud bath. There’s actually quite a few photos of them covered in mud at https://dewetswild.com/2014/01/31/black-rhinoceros/
The basic Mountain Zebra social unit is small family groups, so you seldom see more than 15 animals together. More about the Cape Mountain Zebra at https://dewetswild.com/2013/11/15/cape-mountain-zebra/
LikeLike
What marvelous last views!!
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
As if trying to convince us to stay longer! But we’ll definitely go back if we get the chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person