September 2008

- Kalahari Desert
- Okavango Delta
- Savuti Channel
- Kirstenbosch
Our latest safari expedition was a fantastic tour of several diverse camps in Botswana. From the immense nothingness of the Kalahari Desert to the abundant water of the Okavango Delta and the wealth of wildlife in the now-flowing Savuti channel, this was a very rewarding photo safari. After the four camps in Botswana, we spent a  leisurely week in Cape Town so I've included some photos from the  Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

This web journal focuses primarily on the wildlife photography that I took on the trip. The people we travelled with and met along the way made this a very special vacation as well. Botswana is a remarkable country and I'm sure that we'll be back.

If you are simply interested in seeing my top 100 images from the trip in a slide show, click here.  

Otherwise, read along as I describe the images in chronological order. Most of the images have been geotagged so it is possible to open up a map to show precisely where the images were taken.

Click on any thumbnail to open a larger photograph.


JACK'S CAMP
  • Edge of Salt Pan
  • Sunset outside Jack's Camp
  • First star
Jack's Camp is situated in the Kalahari desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It is hard to describe how unique and special this part of the world is. Hopefully, these photographs will give you a glimpse in to the desert during the dry season.


The Meerkats

  • Meerkat
  • Meerkat about to run
  • Meerkat
  • On the look out
  • Meerkats early in the morning
    We woke up bright and early so that we could be close to the meerkats as they emerged from their burrows. One by one, they emerged and examined the plains, watchful for friends and foes.

    Chapman's Baobab Tree

    • Chapman's Baobab
    • Chapman's Baobab
    • Chapman's Baobab with markings
    Very close to where we found the meerkats was a very special and famous tree -  Chapman's Baobab. This particular baobab has a very interesting history. It's reputed to be the largest tree in Africa and is estimated to be more than 4,000 years old. For early Africa explorers like Livingston, it was a navigation aid, message board and post office!

    Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

    • Quad ATVs
    • The road!
    • Makgadikgadi Salt Pan
    • Makgadikgadi Salt Pan
    • Shadows on the salt pan
    • Makgadikgadi sunset
    As a group, w went out in quad bikes in to the heart of the salt pans. As the sun set,  the shadows were amazing and after sunset, in complete darkness, we had a full 360°  panorama  star field - better than any  planetarium  could simulate.   This was  truly a once in a lifetime experience