Cape (South Africa) in January and february
Hej Folks,
My mates and I are planning a South-Africa trip by the end of January and the beginning of february.
We try to be overall naturalists with a large interest in Birds, amphibians, mammals, dragonflies, snakes…
We were thinking of visiting mainly the Cape region (Western Cape). And make a nice round trip there.
* Caracal would be a big target, any recent advice for this marvelous cat?
* Any tips for pelagics, which ones are best for which species?
I read through some great trip-reports here about the Marrick park for ao Black-footed cat, Aardwolf, Aardvark, Sengi…
However, I have been told january/February is not ideal as the grass is tall and species like black-footed might be difficult.
* You reckon it is still worth the detour (Kimberly is a bit of a drive) this time of year?
What about Aardvark, Aardwolf in respect to the taller grass? Or are there other places to search for them?
What about Aardvark, Aardwolf in respect to the taller grass? Or are there other places to search for them?
Black Rhino in Karoo NP?
Cape Mountain Zebra, De Hoop NP
* Serval can only be found far from the cape correct? Is Secunda still the best spot?
* Wild dog also not in the cape area correct?
Bringing a thermal camera is not an issue in S-A I suppose?
Thx a lot,
B
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Jap@a
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michaelswright
Hi B,
I am a mammal and birding tour operator and guide based in Somerset West, very near Cape Town, and I specialize in running rare mammal and endemic birding safaris throughout Southern Africa, through my business Sustain Safaris (www.sustainsafaris.com). If you would like to be guided or would like some advice, I am happy to assist. You can email me at: michael (at) sustainsafaris.com.
To answer your questions:
* Caracal are around
* Regarding mammal watching pelagics, the best to go with Marine Dynamics out of Gansbaai. Otherwise there are operators out of Hermanus and Simon’s Town.
* Marrick is a very good region for Black-footed Cat, Caracal, Aardwolf, Aardvark, Sengi, Bat-eared Fox etc, however Black-footed Cat is very seldom seen these days due to the presence of Caracal and occasional Brown Hyena. For Black-footed Cat, by far the best is the monitored cats at the very nearby Benfontein. We can book this for you, or contact Alexander Silwa.
* Another excellent area for Aardwolf, Aardvark (the best site), Sengi, Striped Polecat, African Wild Cat, Cape Fox, Cape Porcupine, Hedgehog, Cape Hare etc. is Khoisan Karoo Conservancy near Colesberg on the N1. If you would like to book, contact me or speak to PC Ferreira (the owner). Aardvark and Aardwolf are pretty much a guarantee all year round at Khoisan Karoo if you stay 3 nights. I have visited plenty of times and have always seen them, sometimes 6 sightings in the same night.
* Black Rhino in Karoo NP is the best bet. I saw 4 on my last visit in December 2023.
* Cape Mountain Zebra are all over Karoo NP as well as in De Hoop NP.
* Serval can still be found in several spots, but all the good ones are far from the Cape.
* Wild Dog is best in the North West or KwaZulu-Natal provinces, or in Kruger.
* Bringing a thermal camera is not an issue in SA in the private areas, and should be permitted in the public reserves as well.
Hope this helps and you have an amazing and successful adventure.