11/8 Etosha game drive 1

After lunch we headed north in the SUV up the edge of the pan to the natural water hole at Okondeka. A very hot afternoon but there sleeping under some bushes was a pride of lions, 1adult male and 16 females and cubs. As the afternoon cooled the lions moved out from under bushes and rested again watching over the pan. Strangest thing as soon as the lions emerged the springbok, gembok, ostriches, wildebeeste and zebra disappeared off the pan.



It's a big fine if you leave the park after closing time (today was 6:02). we made it with a few minutes to spare. Cleaned up, had dinner and back to the camp waterhole where there was an unusual occurrence (if Geoff hasn't seen it before its an unusual occurrence). Three different elephant herds were sharing the waterhole. We are ta the very end of the dry season and water is very short. Only in this situation do these herds share.




Even the odd rhinocerous was in on the action. Each species obeys an order of drinking protocol. Elephants first or whenever they want.



Back to the room to sleep and I got up at 2am to check the waterhole. One nervous giraffe. I think there was a lion there but it was out of reach of the lights.

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Location:Okaukuejo, Etosha NP, Namibia

11/8 Etosha NP, day 1

Took an early morning walk back out the trail to investigate the "spider hunting wasps". They weren't frantic but were active and look totally mean




The lodge is full of euro-smokers (the french kind) actually two large groups of them. We will see them in Etosha no doubt still smoking.
Geoff was stumped trying come up with the name of the proud bird that built this outstanding nest over the breakfast area.



Then we were in the Hyundai headed north to Outjo and Etosha. The park entrance is full of exciting warnings. Geoff left his camera in boot as this always guarantees seeimg game. Sure 'nuff springbok herd at 2pm.

Arriving at 11am the room wasn't ready so we headed to the water hole. Oh my goodness. Animals everwhere.



Lunch by the pool, the euro water hole. Huge white creatures wallowed in the water. Scary. Rooms are ready. There is a definite skill to getting things done here. Similar to managing rogue policemen. Geoff is the master. Rooms are very nice.



The mosquito nets are particularly welcome when I think of the anti-malarial meds still sitting in Palo Alto.

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Location:Okaukuejo