Up at 6 AM for 6:30 breakfast and 7 AM first safari departure to the western side of Chobe National Park.
Lots of information just 15 minutes into the ride: (1) All animals are classified as either grazers, browsers, herbivores, carnivores or omnivores when it comes to their diet. (2) When giraffe are together, they are a tower. (3) When giraffe are walking, they are a journey. (4) When giraffe are running, they are a stride. (5) A lone giraffe is a cop. (6) The baobab is a succulent, not a tree. (7) A group of zebras is a dazzle. (8) The bat-eared fox is the animal pictured on the Chobe National Park sign (see below).
On the day's 2 safaris we spotted kudu, fish eagles, impala, hornbills, hammerkop, Egyptian geese, southern giraffe, baboons, waterbucks, zebras, darters, marabou stork, cormorant, warthog, hippo, tawny eagle, and a really cool barred owl. Julius explained that the kudu males mark their territory with a gland located near the white marking on their forehead. The male leaves this mark as high as he can in the tree so that other males who even think about doing the same are frightened away, thinking their competitor must be huge.
Male kudu.
Southern giraffe.
Fish eagle.
Barred owl.
We also sighted a huge baobab, lying on its side with what looked to be sawdust in the middle. But, what truly happened was the elephants kept cutting into the bark with their tusks to obtain water. As they drained the water from the tree it destroyed the cambria and the tree died.
One huge, dead, dried-up baobab.
All sorts of animals were crossing the paved highway and the tracks within the park. When a particular giraffe refused to budge until the last minute, our driver/guide, Julius, said, "he'll never see part 2 again."
Just stick out your tongue and say, "Ahhhh..."
Safari cocktail hour this day featured local beers in addition to soda and wine. We tried Castle and St. Louis from Botswana and Windhock from Namibia. (see photo). I liked the Castle better than the Windhock. Have yet to try the St. Louis (but will pursue this noble goal).
Don and Sharon pose with our beer choices.
Who put that Iron Brew (Dr. Pepper taste-alike) in our beer photo??
The highlight of the day featured the baboon colony near the river. They were out sunning themselves, trying to stay warm on a windy day. My favorite group was the family of three huddled together, looking so cozy and loving. Close by, in second place, was the mother with the newborn who looked like a naked old man with huge ears. What really got our attention though was the baboon who came out from the screaming like a banshee because another baboon was attacking it.
The family is all snugged in, soaking up the sun.
This little one is going to need some surgery to pin back his ears.
NOT a happy camper!
Another highlight was that of the elephants visiting the water hole on the river during the evening safari. One herd was in the water already drinking when another herd attempted to join them. Well that first group was not going to allow that to happen. They made it clear that this spot was their turf and they were not about to share, so the others had to retreat to a safe distance away. Talk about rude!
During dinner this evening, Chris Rock recognized Martha and Joan for being on the 10th OAT/Grand Circle trip with a surprise. He asked us all to close our eyes before the presentation. Then Kelly, the staff manager who was a hoot, said once again, "everyone close your eyes. Let me demonstrate." (see the photo below). We just died laughing. She has such an incredible, mischievous personality - you just cannot dislike her. Anyway, when we reopened our eyes, Martha and Joan were presented with a bottle of Marula, a liqueur made with fresh cream and "the mysterious taste of the wild marula fruit." (17% alcohol) I did not taste it since I don't really like that sort of liquor, but almost everyone else said it was delicious.
Kelly demonstrates what she means by "close your eyes".
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