This is still the dry season, before the winter rains, and everything turns green, rivers flood, and lagoons appear where it was open grassland. Ideal for wildlife sightings, before the foliage closes everything in and you can barely see more than a few meters.
It’s hot, and dry. Daytime reaches the low 40s. Sunrise at 5.30am; if you’re venturing out on safari, you want to make an early start, as the whole animal population gets going before the heat of the day sets in. For us this morning, our last at Kafunta Lodge, we set out on a driving safari into the bush. The small creatures are easy to overlook, and an experienced bush guide makes all the difference to seeing all, or missing most.
A red-cheeked cordon-bleu
At the other end of the size spectrum – Thornycroft’s giraffe!
A grey heron
Egyptian geese
Sacred Ibis
At this point, we’re beginning to think this is the ideal place for you, Mike!
Southern Carmine Bee-Eaters, who nest in riverbanks, burrowing 2 to 3 meters deep. And yes, each of them knows their own address.
Elephant families browse all day long.
Then, when we were least expecting it . . . the King of the Jungle . . . . taking a nap in the heat of the day. Nobody is going to bother him!
And not so far away, a group of Puku also enjoy a rest, secure in the knowledge that one predator is similarly engaged.
The hippos don’t really care, even about the crocs who they share the river with.
But these guys better beware when taking a drink from the lagoon . . . .
danger lurks right at the edge.
same goes for this guy, fishing from his dugout canoe in the river. Crocs everywhere.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
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