The onset of rainy season fires up wild animals. Mare and I board a boat with eight others for a safari cruise on the Chobe River, where Botswana be on the left, Namibia on the right.
Cruising the Chobe River in Botswana
The Chobe and Zambezi rivers meet at the tip of Impalila Island, resulting in a junction of four different counties – Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
We know they are out there….
From the safety of our boat, we glide past crocodiles and lizards who blend in with the terrain. A bay of water lilies in bloom provides food and disguise for the many water birds. It also signals the beginning of breeding season.
Can you see the bird?
None will escape the eye of the Fish Eagle, the national bird of Zambia, who scopes out the river scene from a tree.
Fish Eagle, the national bird of Zambia
Hippos roll all over each other, engaging in foreplay. Males are full of testosterone and very aggressive.
Hippos feeling frisky
They are Africa’s deadliest killers, from a mammal perspective, and have been known to charge boats. Running under water at amazing speed, they can sink their tusks through the hull of a boat! Experienced guides know how to spot the bow wave, and scoot on out of there.
Hello there!
Here come the elephants. Chobe National Park boasts Africa’s largest elephant herds.
Here they come
They put on a spectacular show, frolicking in the muddy waters. Female elephants are careful to prevent randy young males from engaging in incest.
Mama keeping an eye on the youngsters
When males reach this age, they are banned from the female herd. They get to hang out with the guys for the rest of their life, following the females in anticipation of an invite.
Trouble brewing?
Once we disembark, and jump into a safari truck, the breeding theme intensifies.
Waiting for dinner
Vultures wait for the remains of a kill, while we watch a male baboon get excited when a female strolls past. He licks his lips enthusiastically, but she keeps on walking. (That technique had never worked for me either)
Hey there baby!
Whoa, big fella! This male elephant crosses our path in an obvious, perhaps desperate search for a female. Just how many legs do elephants have?
The elephant in the room
After a sexually charged water and land safari, we’re moving pretty slow back at the junction. I feel like smoking a cigarette. Ron Mitchell
Maybe when licking your lips try keeping your pants on? (: just sayin’ Dwight
Dwight, that didn’t work either.
Haha, love your asides, but WOW. Amazing photos too. Looks like a fantastic day. Great post!
You would be going crazy here, Jill. In a good way.
Well….did you get “Lucky”???? HAAAAA!!!
GREAT photos…
Could not measure up.
Now that is funny!!! Have loved following you two from the comforts and safety of our home
And a lovely home that is, Kathie! It’s truly a pleasure to have you with us.
Another great post with amazing pictures of the animals. Thanks for bringing me on the trip, I felt like I actually was there 🙂
Thank you, Totally my pleasure!
What an amazing day! That crocodile is really well camouflaged, had to look for a few seconds before I actually spotted it! Scary:)
Yes, it would be something if you were walking!
What is going on with your Dad? Saw it on Marilyn’s Facebook post. Please let us know.
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