Botswana Part 1

Botswana is a land of severe contrast. We have traveled through the flooded bottoms of the Okavango River Delta to the arid plains of the Kalahari desert. A wonderful example of extremes only a short plane ride apart. The Okavango is a land of tall grass prairies with abundant water holes and the slow moving, lily pad adorned rivers and tributaries moving across the flat landscape of the inland delta. The fauna changes within feet from reeds and grasses to large trees and acacia forests scarred by the areas abundant elephant population. In every direction are large termite mounds, many with diligent impala and kudos perched atop on the look out for the extremely rare African wild dogs.






Lions and leopards can be found in the grasslands and forests adjacent to the delta.





The rivers and numerous water holes are populated with large family groups of hippo. The crocodiles, why present, are well hidden in the rushes and reeds along the banks.





Wart hogs are ever present rutting for tender roots and lily tubers in the mud. Bird life abounds and is tremendous in diversity.





Our camp along the Okavango could only be described as primitive. We were honored that Derek and Beverly Joubert set up the camp for our visit and will dismantle it now we have moved on. The camp was rustic, no electricity, the meals, primarily breakfast were coked over a wood campfire in the dark. We were able to shower - a canvas water bag hung from the ridge pool in our tent.


The spectacular wildlife, scenery, and opportunity to spend relaxed time with the Joubert's more than made up for the lack of creature comforts. We slept soundly only feet from the banks of the river with a cacophony of frogs, baboon cries, and the roar of hunting lions nearby. Our close encounters with rare wild dogs was very special.

A short bush flight delivered us from the slow moving clear waters and tall grass plains of the Okavango Delta to the harsh, arid pans of the Kalahari Desert.


Our camp is perched on a sandy ridge above the only water within a twenty five mile radius. The muddy water hole is small and appears to be shrinking noticeably each day. We were greeted by two young male lions lounging in the shade of an acacia bush as we drove into camp. These two males played a major role in one of the most exciting experiences of the trip.

Location:Tau Pan, Botswana