Walking the wet lands of MNP

Makarele revisited

Before they left for the middle east, Antoinette said she would be back in February to do some field work on the Makarele National Park wet lands. She asked if they would be ready to help with the field work that consisted mainly of taking plant samples from the wet lands. In their adventurous minds and because Makarele was such a surprise before, they agreed that they will be there to participate in this research project.

Rhino family 

There were quite a few preparations to be done prior to their arrival: making 2 grids, 1m x 1m, sorting the car out and planning meals for 8 adults + rangers. When they got back to SA, Antoinette had to get her paperwork going and assemble the necessary equipment for this plant sampling exercise as well as coordinate with the Park and their researcher about access to the wet lands for all of us.

After a hectic week end of birthday parties, they packed the car. After the great Africa trek, admitedly, it was easier to see what would be needed, necessary and good to have, in that order. Choice of clothes to wear and food to buy were no problems at all, she just had to get the quantities right.

This time, however, I was not going with. She was taking mocassins and gumboots as well as cheapo Pick n Pay savates. They told me the story which I am relating now.

Waterberg from within the park

Antoinette and Co were leaving at 4 in the morning, but the second car had to wait for her in-laws to get to Pretoria by train and then leave. It was great timing. They had time to pack efficiently, sort out the house and then leave. The wait at the 'drop off' of the Gautrain was not long and when the Bootsmas were in the car, they started off. City traffic had subsided and they made it on the road toward the Limpopo in good time.

In the car they had juice and home made biltong which kept them going. As they approched Tabazimbi, they phoned to ask if the guys in the field were provided for in terms of food since it was past lunch time. Antoinette had made sandwiches and there were enough for all concerned. So, after a brief registration formality at the gates, they drove up to the wet lands. On the way they saw numerous wildlife with no effort.

Instructions in the field

Once at the site, they had a working picnic where they got to meet the ranger assigned to them, Jerry, and the park researcher who goes by the name of Steven. After the lunch, they went into the field with Antoinette where they got instructions how this plant sampling was to be done. It was very hot.

After that, they arranged with the ranger and the researcher what time work should start the next day and they drove off to the gates. They had to drop the ranger off to his quarters and made a detour where they encountered a huge rhino eating just by the road. They stayed a long time appreciating the sight of this huge animal - the species of which the Chinese, Vietnamese and the like are trying to exterminate only for their horns.

The lodge where Antoinette booked the group was Rra Ditau (Mr. Lion or father of the lion in Tswana). It was 8 km from the park gates, in a very peaceful and quiet environment. They had 2 chalets for them. Soon, the cars were unpacked, they were settled and started preparing for the evening. She inspected the kitchen to see how she would go about preparing the evening meals for the next 5 days while the men rested, washed or had drinks.

Scene from inside the park

 It was still very hot after sundown. The place had ceiling fans that were working full time. The baby was playing and exploring the place while her mother was sorting out the necessary books and documentation that would be needed for the field work.

Carin was helping her in the kitchen. She discovered that the microwave oven had a mielie-pap option which she used to make the pap that went with the sausages. It went all quiet after dinner. No one thought of turning on the tv that was there. Everyone was appreciating the peace and quiet. They showered and slowly settled for the night.