Nossob Riverbed - Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park Hot

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Cheetah drinking by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick.jpg

The Nossob Riverbed in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park bisects the Botswana and South African portions of the park, lying between Twee-Rivieren and Unions End. It is a haven for predators that follow the wandering herds of game through this harsh environment.

Following heavy summer thunderstorms, large influxes of eagles and other raptors congregate along the riverbed with well over a thousand birds of prey of over 22 species occurring on occasion between Nossob and Twee-Rivieren camps. The availability of wilderness camps along this riverbed are also a strong draw-card for wildlife photographers.

ground squirrel in Nossob camp by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

1 of 7: Inquisitive Ground Squirrels in Nossob Camp.

Red-Necked Falcon by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

2 of 7: Red-Neced Falcon.

Hunting black-backed Jackal by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

3 of 7: Black-Backed Jackal hunting sandgrouse at Cubitjie Quap waterhole.

Crimson-Breasted Shrike by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

4 of 7: Juvenile Crimson-Breasted Shrike.

Nossob dusk sky by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

5 of 7: Dusk over the Nossob.

Frolicking springbok lamb by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

6 of 7: Frolicking Springbok lamb.

Namaqua sandgrouse by wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Chadwick

7 of 7: Namaqua Snadgrose approaching a waterhole to drink.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Seasons vary greatly within the Kalahari and each brings its own highlights. During the hot summer months, when good rains have fallen the narrow riverbed becomes green and lush with young grass that attracts vast numbers of antelope. Wildebeest and Springbok drop their young and excellent predator activity can be observed as Lion, Leopard and Cheetah hunt the young antelope. Winter is the dry and cold time, but this is when the veld is more open and both small and large predators hunt later into the mornings and emerge earlier in the afternoons providing good opportunities for photography. Birding is good throughout the year with a peak of activity in the spring and early summer months.

Type of Photography

Birding
Wildlife General
Predators

Best Time of Year

Throughout the year

Photographic Tips

Photographic opportunities abound in the Nossob Riverbed and it is best to drive slowly, scanning either side of the road for activity. Waterholes are good places where predators will lie in wait of prey as they come down to drink. Rooiputs waterhole is a popular photographic destination as a result of the resident Lion pride that is often seen here. In addition a Spotted Hyena den is found a few kilometres south of the waterhole. At Melkvlei Picnic-Site, Spotted Eagle Owls often roost and nest in the camel thorn trees. Further north, Cubitjie Quap waterhole is renowned for the large sandgrouse and dove flocks that come to drink during the early mornings. Excellent photographic opportunities can be found here when small raptors and black-backed jackals attempt to hunt these drinking birds. Another Lion pride is resident around the Kwang waterhole.

Recommended Gear

The Kalahari is long telephoto lens country and it is best to have a window mount for your camera permanently in position and the camera close by and ready for quick action. Beware of the extreme heat during the summer months as this can affect camera functioning – try and keep the camera cool at all times. A small towel is also useful to cover your camera, as this will minimize dust covering it.

Highlights

Site Highlights

Birds of Prey and Black-Backed Jackals hunting sandgrouse and doves
Lion Prides
Brown Hyena

Top Species

Footnotes

Habitats

Other Activities

Birding
Game Viewing
Night Drives

Location

Closest Town

Upington

Contributor

Peter Chadwick

http://www.peterchadwick.co.za

Map

Swap Start/End Start Address

End

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Author: Peter ChadwickWebsite: http://www.peterchadwick.co.zaEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About

As a dedicated conservationist, Peter Chadwick has 30 years strategic and operational conservation experience in terrestrial and marine protected area management. He has worked within all of the major biomes in southern Africa as well as having provided expert conservation advice at a global level. His conservation and wildlife photography is a natural extension to his conservation work where he has numerous opportunities to capture photographs that showcase the beauty and complexity of the outdoors. Peter’s photography is internationally recognized, with this work appearing globally in a wide range of print and electronic media.