Riemvasmaak Canyon

 

Riemvasmaak

We packed up on 5th July & drove the relatively short distance to the Riemvasmaak Conservancy. This was a new area for the both of us. Delana had heard about the area from some of her friends who had been in the SA Army, who used the area as a training ground. It did not disappoint. The entire area is very rugged & starkly beautiful scenery. It reminded me very much of parts of the Hajar Mountains in the UAE & Oman.

Looks sunny & warm, but it wasn't!

As soon as that shadow came across! Brrr!

We set up camp in the bottom of the canyon but as soon as the sun went behind the cliffs the temperature dropped alarmingly! It was freezing!

The camp itself was a good spot for birding.

Mountain Wheatear

Grey morph bird.

Normal morph plumage.

The canyon is very steep.

It was a lovely walk down the canyon.

The walking was easy, 

but by this stage I was struggling!

Got covid! Struggling!

The hot-springs

Rock Hyrax

Lark-like Bunting

Birds were few & far between

 but this species was common,

 coming to drink.

This is a nomadic species,

 moving in response to recent rainfall.

Cape Bunting

Orange River White-eye

Verreaux's Eagle

Booted Eagle

We saw four birds circling the canyon this morning.

This species is now an uncommon & regular breeder 

in the more arid part of the sub-region.

Pale phase bird.

Alpine Swift

Up to 200 birds were seen around the cliffs,

 both morning & evening.

Difficult to photograph though!

We spent the morning of the 6th July around camp & then went for a short walk towards the hot springs. I was starting to struggle a little bit with my breathe & we spent the rest of the day in camp relaxing. 

Few birds around, but stunning scenery.

Verreaux's Eagle flying to the nest.

According to staff, this next has been in use

 for many years.

Booted Eagle

Great to see this species so well.

Alpine Swift

Acacia Pied Barbet

Swallow tailed Bee-eater

African Reed Warbler

Surprising to find this species in this ultra dry habitat,

 but there is a small micro habitat down there.

Orange River White-eye

Pale winged Starling

Southern Masked Weaver

Lark-like Bunting.

On the 7th July I was feeling a little better, so we walked the canyon going the opposite way. However, it was now apparent that I wasn't getting any better, in fact I was getting worse. So the next day we left the area reluctantly. We both felt that we hadn't seen all that was on offer in this area. have to return soon!