It was the morning after Marilize’s milestone birthday, which unfortunately coincided with South Africa experiencing a “third wave” of Covid-19 infections precluding any big commemoration with the extended family and friends. It was up to me and Joubert to make the event memorable, so we surprised Marilize with a weekend breakaway to Marakele National Park.
Having spent all day Saturday at our comfortable safari tent overlooking the dam at Tlopi Tented Camp, we decided to prolong our departure back home to Pretoria on Sunday by exploring the roads leading through the Marakele National Park before checking out. There were lots of animals and birds to be seen, but it is Marakele’s awe-inspiring scenery that steals the show every time!
Check-out time at Tlopi Tented Camp is at 10:00 in the morning. While I was packing the Duster, Joubert was keeping an eye out for thieving monkeys and getting some final photographs of life in and around Tlopi.
It was time to head for the gate. Along the way we detoured to the Bolonoto Pan and the graves of the Coetzee family, but no matter how we tried we just couldn’t stretch our weekend any further. Around midday we handed back the key for Tlopi unit 10 to the friendly reception staff and said our goodbyes to Marakele National Park, till next time.
So glad that there are no lock-down levels for birds 🙂
Greetings from Pretoria!
Pat
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be a sad day indeed when they’re locked “down” too, Pat! Welcome here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice play on words there 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was a wonderful birthday present! You are both a good photographer, husband and father! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are as kind and generous with your compliments as always, John. Thank you!
LikeLike
A lovely collection and the scenery looks fantastic. I love the photo of the purple roller.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Carol. Joubert really outdid himself with this photo of a purple roller!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes he did! Its a great photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could feel the disappointment in having to leave this beautiful place at checkout time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it’s a struggle you also encounter often on your travels, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday to Marelize! Pragtige fotos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baie dankie, Petru – ek dra jou gelukwense oor aan Marilize.
LikeLike
This has been a birthday to remember: good company, fantastic scenery, butterflies, birds, and a variety of animals all make a combination that is difficult to beat in the city 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re all very pleased that it turned out so wonderfully, Anne. Marilize certainly deserved being treated.
LikeLike
Ek kan sommer oor en oor na jou fotos kyk. Daardie rots koppe is so mooi. Weet jy watter bergreeks dit is? Dankie vir jou rooibors laksman ook.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baie dankie, Ineke. Dis die Waterberge, en regtig besonders mooi.
LikeLike
Het gedink dis Waterberge. Waterberge het hul eie rotsformasies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Marakele National Park was definitely a great birthday gift to Marilize that she shared with the immediate family. The place is beautiful and abundant of animals. Great post my friend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, H.J. We’re blessed to live close enough to this special place so that it was a viable option.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The scenery is certainly tied with the animals for most worth seeing. 😉. I love the impala and shrike shots in particular and the butterflies are also excellent…as everything else. I’m sure there were no complaints about the substitute gift. 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
No complaints at all, Janet. Just beautiful, happy memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Dassie looks like he is smiling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes they smile so broadly that their little vampire teeth sticks out – as in this photo: https://dewetswild.com/2017/09/15/rock-dassie-hyrax/rock-dassie-tsitsikamma-dec2017-2/
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha! Still cute!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both the park scenery and the wild life are stunning. Joubert’s photos are very impressive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Hien. We’re very proud of Joubert’s talents!
LikeLike
How wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We certainly thought so, Robert!
LikeLiked by 1 person