Tag Archives: Okavango Delta

“Pic of the Week”, May 1, 2015: Paw-prints in the sand, Botswana

There’s something about the presence of a lion that tickles the primitive warning centers of our brain. I guess it’s the old “prey” warning in us, because the hair began to rise on the back of my neck when I saw these paw-prints in the sand.

We were up for an early morning game drive and not far from our cabin I encountered these paw-prints. They were huge — the diameter of a small grapefruit! They clearly had been made by a big cat, likely a lion (possibly a leopard, I suppose). No one had seen or heard the animal during the night and we had no idea where it was, although I imagine it was well on its way by …

“Pic of the Week”. December 27, 2013. Setting Sun, Sandibe, Botswana

2013-52- December 27a Sandibe. Delta at sunset

As another year is ready to fade into the history books and a new one about to begin, I thought it appropriate to end this year’s “Pic of the Week” series with a few beautiful, tropical sunset photos. These were taken in Botwsana’s Okavango Delta, at Sandibe, which I’ve written about before and you can read more about here. The photos were taken during a boat cruise on the waterways of the Okavango Delta.

I wish all of you the very best during this Holiday Season and a wonderful and travel-filled 2014!!

(Click on thumbnails to enlarge, right arrow to advance)

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Karl on Dec 26, 2013 | 2 Comments

“Pic of the Week”, Sept. 27, 2013. Papyrus, Okavango Delta, Botswana

I’d first heard about papyrus when studying the history of ancient Egypt. It was the paper equivalent of the old Egyptians, although rough and not easy to write on, and brittle. Papyrus was used to produce scrolls thousands of years ago as we today would use paper to record modern text. Papyrus was also used to construct boats, baskets, mats and other household products.

Papyrus is a tall plant growing in abundance not only the Nile Delta but also in the Okavango Delta. It’s a tall plant extending about 2 meters above the water level. If you cut across its long axis, you’ll readily see how useful it could be.

We were going on an evening boat ride through a narrow …

Karl on Sep 26, 2013 | 2 Comments

“Pic of the Week”. April 26, 2013. Giraffes, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Giraffes are almost as entertaining as elephants. Seemly awkward with their thin spindly legs, halting gait and l-o-n-g necks, they have a gentle nature that I find appealing. A few interesting facts about giraffes:

– They are the tallest terrestrial mammal, standing 5-6 m. (16-20′), with males weighing up to 1500 kg (3500 pounds). Baby giraffes are born almost 2 meters (6′) tall!

– They have long purple tongues — long enough with which to touch their ears. Scientists think their tongue is colored to help protect it from sunburn. Giraffes eat 35 kg of vegetation a day, virtually all torn off by their purplish tongues.

– They sleep only 30 minutes a day! If they were lawyers, that would leave them almost 24 hours …

Karl on Apr 25, 2013 | 2 Comments

“Pic of the Week”. December 14, 2012. Elephant, on Safari at Sandibe concession, Botswana

There’s something special about elephants! They’ve a complex social structure, care for each other, are curious, intelligent and fun to watch. They’re at the top of the life pyramid in Africa and know little fear (except for man). African elephants can be distinguished from Asian elephants by the size of the ears — African elephants have huge ears shaped like the African continent, while Asian elephants have ears less than half this size.

Botswana has a very healthy population of elephants, so pachyderms are commonly seen on safari. It appears the tough anti-pouching laws have been effective because they’re extremely punitive (e.g. years in prison for just possessing an elephant tusk, even if the animal died of natural causes).

This photo …

Karl on Dec 13, 2012 | Comments Off

“Pic of the Week”. November 16, 2012 — Leopard resting in tree, Okavango Delta, Botswana

I enjoy all my travels but there’s something truly extraordinary about going on safari in Africa. The opportunity to see large numbers and a huge diversity of animals is unparalleled and completely captivates me. The best game viewing opportunities are, in my experience, available at private concessions as the drivers and guides are not limited to traveling on roads and can provide close viewing of the animals.

Such was the case with this leopard in Sandibe, a private concession in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Our game spotter saw her at a great distance. We drove to within 20 meters of her and saw this beauty resting on a branch, taking a nap. The photo captures her the …

Karl on Nov 15, 2012 | Comments Off