Day 7 started with annother EARLY Safari drive in chilly temperatures (up at 6:00, out by 7:00.). A lone large male lion had been spotted in the area and we were rewarded with a great sighting.

Of course there were many elephants (“Ellie’s” in the local vernacular) including this mother protecting her baby.  The babies nurse for up to 2 years and of course the mothers are very protective.

Giraffes were always present

As well as many beautiful birds

Here is a Great Eagle Owl, the largest Owl in Africa (go Owls!)

And here’s a eagle we spotted

As per out typical day in the bush we returned to our camp for a wonderful lunch served outside and then a brief “siesta” before the evening’s drive.  Then it was back into the Land Cruisers for more animal spotting

Here is a mother baboon with her baby.  Then babies can hold on while the mother’s travel at high speed.  Surprisingly, baboons are the main predators of leopards as they will attack a leopard in a pack.  Subsequently leopards are always on the lookout for baboons or their calls.  But of course, leopards will pounce on single small baboons so turnabout is fair play.

A steenbok – a fairly uncommon sight in the bush..

Secretary Bird

One of the most feared animals in Africa, the water buffalo

and of course, many Zebras

Tessebe

We did go out spotting for hippos but the sun was behind them all so the photos were all black silhouettes.  That wouldn’t do so our driver struck out to drive to the other side of the waters.  The Okovongo Delta is constantly changing this time of year as more and more water flows into Botswana.  Consequently, the driving fluctuate and in our case, a little too much as our Land Cruiser became stuck in the water we were trying to traverse.  Fortunately our companion travelers got the call and came to pull us out of the muck, but not before snapping some picsEveryone had a good laugh and then it was off for our normal late day sundowner and another glorious sunset in the delta