After leaving the Delta we stopped shortly to get resupplied by one of the trucks from Maun. This will have to last us for the next 6 nights as we make our way north. The map below shows our travels around western Moremi and the many game drives we went on.
After Moremi south gate we took a left and drove up the usual sandy track in a north westerly direction. This brings us over First Bridge, wooden structures that are numbered and help you navigate the area.
Around lunchtime we came upon a pride of lions finishing their lunch. They were absolutely stuffed and could hardly move. They lay in the shade with full bellies, panting hard to try to cool down in the afternoon heat. There were around 10 of them, some at the kill and others scattered under the surrounding trees.
Our campsite for two nights was excellent. Right next to some water, not only did we get a beautiful sunset but private game viewing just by scanning the shore and surrounding trees.
At night we would hear lions roaring and elephants wading through the shallow waters. One morning the local herd of elephants was ripping the tree branches for breakfast and you can see how close they got.
Our game drives yielded plenty of sights. One morning we came across these lions lounging on this slight rise which could have been their throne. The big guy certainly liked it as he basked in the sun.
Elephants were another common sighting and after a while we focused on their behavior – how they blew sand over their bodies to protect them from the sun, the little ones emulating their parents but also not straying too far from their protection. They love the water and the older ones like the soft vegetation that is easier to chew on as their teeth start to wear down.
Classic stance of a leopard draping itself over a thick tree trunk. On arrival she was dozing but then lifted her head and started to yawn causing our cameras to chatter incessantly. We came back later but she had moved on …
We initially found this leopard stalking some game but she then resorted to prowling through the tall grass looking for her next opportunity.
We packed up our camp and drove eastwards towards the river Khwai, our camp for the next night. The area is lush with a variety of wildlife as we meander the sandy tracks between the water and higher ground.
We were looking for hyena and wild dog. The dogs eluded us but Cadan spotted some hyena cooling off in the river. To me their appearance fits their demeanor – that of scavenger. Just look at that face, imagine them skulking around looking for scraps.
With that we cross over the Khwai River bridge and head north to Savuti.