Etosha - September 2012

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Etosha - September 2010

We had last been to Etosha in 2003 when we spent about a day there on the way to Angola.

We spent the night just outside Etosha in Aoba Lodge (Shown as Etosha Aoba Lodge on Tracks 4 Africa S18.75759 E17.09940) and then camped at Halali (S19.03652 E16.47048) in Etosha for six nights. It was a wonderful experience as you will see from some of the snaps I took.

Where we stayed at Aoba Lodge.

A pathway at Aoba Lodge

Damara Dik-Dik

Early morning.

Breakfast at Aoba Lodge.

A squirrel at Aoba Lodge

The communal and reception area at Aoba Lodge.

I could not decide whether this bush/tree was lucky or not.

The Entrance to Etosha.

Kudu at a waterhole

The Black Faced Impala paying careful attention to a Leopard. Much Impala snorting was taking place.

A closer look at the leopard - seen a very short time after we entered the park.

Another view of the scene.

Elephants at the waterhole.

More elephants.

The camp site at Halali was visited nightly by Honey Badgers which raided the dust bins looking for food. One came very close to Chris's belongings and he tried to shoo it away - it just hissed back and did not leave.

A lone Cory Bustard at a waterhole.

Cory Bustard.

A lone tree standing in the grass with the white pan in the background.

Some of the vegetation resembles types of seaweed and it reminded me of the seaside.

Dense bushes under a single tree. Home to someone I am sure.

The white sand is constantly whipped up by passing vehicles and the dust settles on the roadside trees and bushes. This same dust has a remarkable tendency to settle on camera bits too.

A spiky bush surviving in the harsh climate.

Aloes growing among the rocks.

Gnus (Wildebeest) in the foreground and Oryx (Gemsbok) drinking.

The Zebras have arrived.

A line of Zebras drinking with Oryx waiting on the right.

Springbok, Zebras and Gnus.

Another scene of Zebras drinking.

A lone Kudu Bull surveying the scene.

As said previously I love elephants - and I have only attached a few of my ellie pictures. Why people refer to White Elephant Sales I have no idea but I have seen White Elephants.

Zebras coming to drink at the waterhole while the elephants enjoy the water as it trickles in.

Another scene.

Sylvia at the entrance to the tower at Okaukuejo Rest Camp (S19.17870 E15.91919)

Views from the top of the tower (104 steps as I recall).

A Gnu which has become used to pestilent vehicles as this is the only tree around and he would like some shade!

I believe that Gnus do have eyes and I think I have seen them but they are not that easy to capture on camera.

Some Springbok.

An explanation why the sand roads are the best in Southern Africa in Namibia. Please pay careful attention to the fact that there are two graders working in tandem. (And they are new.)

Another waterhole scene.

Lions under the bushes.

Waterhole scenes.

Sunset over the waterhole at Halali.

Dead tree

Purple Roller - I thought he was beautiful.

Secretary Bird with his pens stuck at the back of his head.

Two lions beside a recently killed kudu. The Giraffe is examining the scene.

Phantom Trees. (Moringa ovalifolia)

Eight of the ten lions approaching the waterhole.

The Boss has arrived but he had an awful night last night and today was not much better.

Do you think dinner will be served soon dear?

Giraffe drinking.

This lion was very big and there were at least three of them in the tall grass.

The sign outside Halali Camp.

Can you see the Scops Owl?

The camp site at Halali.

Groundscraper Thrush.

Helmeted Guinea Fowl and other birds at the waterhole.

Tree full of birds.

Groundscraper Thrush.

Secretary Bird.

Korhaan

Mother and child.

Black Rhinoceros.

Elephants enjoying the grass.

A picnic spot.

Another view.

Giant Eagle Owl.

Even with one tusk they are beautiful.

Kudu Bull drinking.

Lots of elephants arriving at the waterhole. Eventually they came so close that we decided to leave as I was afraid that a baby might go behind our vehicle and mothers are known to get irritable at times in such situations.