Botswana oct. 2018, mobile camping

[Africalover]

I made a safari for some friends of mine. Once again my friends of Unlimited tours and safari did a great job. We did a classic trip, 17 days - Maun, Moremi, Khwai, Savuti, Chobe, ending Vicfalls. In Moremi we camped in Xakanaxa. It was the first time I had such a luxurious trip, because my friends wanted that. Big tents, super food,drinks and fantastic service. On top of that fantastic guiding and tracking, thanks to Moses, Joster and Cruise. Every safari has some highlights. Here is some photos of a fantastic morning with a leopardess and her son, we were the only car around.

 

[JayRon]

wow, looks amazing...  

 

You are gonna write a trip report, right ??  

[Africalover]

I will not write a tripreport - but share some memorable moments.

Botswana is elephant country - And we had some fantastic encounters on a boat trip in the delta and on land in Moremi.

Edited November 19, 2018 by Africalover

[offshorebirder]

Thanks for this mini-trip report @Africalover.      I am glad you and your friends had a great time.

[Africalover]

Xini lions - Moremi.

[Africalover]

Nemt stop Khwai Mogotho Camp.  Many other campers in Mogotho, but it is possible to get away from the crowds, especially in the morning. Many other tour operators leave camp much later than we. Every day we leave at 05:30, to be the first to read the bushtelegraph - tracks in the road. This was such morning - Moses and Joster found lion tracks not far from camp. They tracked a female lion with cubs for about 1 km. through bush and a watercrossing.  These guys are amasing, we had a memorable sighting, for an hour before somebody discovered us.  

[JayRon]

Wow, already some fantastic sightings... And a lot of beautiful pictures. I really like the elephant in the water looking straight at you...  

And Magotho is a nice camping spot, even if it is big ... 

[Atravelynn]

Great sightings and photos.  Your friends had to be thrilled.  Please share the itinerary you chose.  It appears you designed or helped design the trip?

[marg]

@Africalover...great sightings and wonderful photos!  Thanks!

[madaboutcheetah]

Lovely report @Africalover - You are right! Moses is an amazing guide - Haven't seen him in years ........ Good stuff here! 

[Africalover]

Thanks for your kind comments. In total we saw 9 different leopards on the whole trip - some briefly, some more cooperative, like this one out of 3 in Khwai.

 

[Africalover]

Khwai is good elephant country - they are literally everywhere. We had a lot of great encounters. Some didn’t survive the dry season - one was dying in front of us.

[Africalover]

Our itinerary was 4 nights Moremi, 3 nights Khwai, 2 nights Savuti, 3 nights Chobe, ending Vic Falls.

Next stop Savuti. One morning we found 2 male lions trying to rip apart an impala. It was a long stand off, with a lot of growling.

Edited November 28, 2018 by Africalover

[Africalover]

[madaboutcheetah]

@Africalover - Thanks for the report.  So, what is your assessment of the current conditions in the Savute marsh area?  Thanks ......... I've been on a mobile once (but in green season) - but, loved the area.

[mvecht]

@Africalover  Thank you for the report.

I have not tried a mobile sasari yet but it is on the list. When you mention that the camp area in Khwai was crowded, what does that mean in actual numbers and how secluded was your actual camping spot? ie could you see/hear other campers?

[Africalover]

@madaboutcheetah : Savute was very dry, but we had some great encounters.

@mvecht : I have been in Khwai before in the green season - no people, great sightings. Although all campsites were booked, some with many people - it is possible to get away from the crowds and find your own stuff. But I think the Khwai community is pushing it, with more campsites. But Khwai is a fantastic area.

More from Savute, leopard with big cub.

[Hads]

Wow @Africalover you had some super sightings, amazing actually.

The dead Elephant in post 5 was , did it die because of the drought? The male lion in that same post looks abit battle weary.

[Marks]

Incredible sightings, @Africalover. Would love to see some more photos!

[Feliz]

Great leopard shots!  Actually all your shots are brilliant but I love leopards 

[The_Norwegian]

amazing! Great mini-report with outstanding sightings and pictures! I wouldn't mind seeing more ;-)