Botswana: Lion on buffalo and elephants in water action 2008

The focus of this expedition was to experience the Okavango Delta and Savuti in the hot “dry season”.  As it turned out, we were witness to the daily expansion of the Suvuti channel which had been completely dry for 24 years and three rain storms, the worst of which was as heavy a storm as any we have ever seen. 

We based ourselves at two camps, one an island in the Delta where we aimed to witness Lion on Buffalo action and the other a very dry region where we hoped to see Elephants converging to seek out the remaining water of the dry season. We had private vehicles meaning the daily timetable was up to our groups’ decisions and despite the heat we sometimes elected to stay out all day.

This year the group consisted of some pretty experienced photographers, as well as others very keen to learn and some very keen wildlife enthusiasts including a vet!  The camps really looked after us with breakfasts and lunches in the bush and fabulous dining back at camp and we think everyone went home reluctantly, having seen a phenomenal variety of wildlife including a number of surprises.  Our evening slideshows seemed to attract a lot of attention from the other guests and we all came away with portfolios that had real impact.

We’d like to thank everyone on the trip for their great humour and their perseverance when the Lions were having their bad hunting days!

Julie and Adam, November 2008