The Borneo Three do Namibia - September 2023

[kittykat23uk]

04.10.23- Day 12 -  Ndhovu to Etosha - Namutoni Camp  

 

 

Early morning around the restaurant deck I heard a rustling sound. Jason came over to join me and we spotted a large rodent foraging in the low vegetation. It turned out to be a Greater Cane Rat which is a really rare find. Soon it was time to move on and we left Ndhovu for Etosha. We left early because we had to cover  644 kms west to Namutoni Camp in Etosha National Park. 

 

Fork-tailed Drongo by Jo Dale, on Flickr

This was the longest transfer of the tour in terms of distance and took us all of the morning and part of the afternoon- a drive of about six and a half hours. After getting settled into the camp and having some lunch we had a bit of time to relax before heading out on a drive. I decided to find the swimming pool. 

 

This turned out to be an excellent move as I got talking to a couple of guests who were able to direct us to a Cheetah that they had just seen resting under a bush. With that information in hand I quickly got out and found the guys. We were soon on our way to look for this cheetah! 

 

It didn’t take us long to find her relaxing under a bush. We timed our arrival really well because within a few minutes she stood up and started walking purposefully towards a small herd of Springbok. She then went completely flat, and disappeared completely in the short tussocky grass. How she did this I’m still amazed by as I didn’t think it would be possible in such short grass. But she was completely invisible!

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We watched as the Springbok got closer and closer and all of a sudden she launched herself and gave chase. Unfortunately I was in the front on the passenger side and the chase happened behind me on the right of the car so I missed capturing most of the chase, but she successfully brought down the Springbok in short order. 

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Jason repositioned the car to get a better view. Traffic was now building up and the cheetah was locked onto the springbok’s throat. Once she was satisfied it was dead she rested for a few minutes but then left the carcass and returned to her bush without opening it up. It might have been due to the high volume of traffic at that point or perhaps she was simply in need of a rest before eating. Either way, we moved back to give her some space and waited as a steady stream of visitors came and went. This was at about 1545. At 1625 she attempted to return to the carcass but got spooked and retreated again. At 1650 she returned again and this time was comfortable enough to open up the carcass and begin to feed. We stayed with her until close to gate closing, only leaving her at 1830.

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

[kittykat23uk]

 

 

The gate closed around 1845 and the park operated night drives from 1900 at that time of year. Of course we booked these whenever they were available, which meant that we just had a main meal at lunchtime and snacks for dinner. We watched some Banded Mongooses around camp and then boarded the park vehicle. Returning to the cheetah sighting, a pair of Spotted Hyenas and a pair of Black-backed Jackals were fighting over the remains of her meal. Further on we watched a distant Leopard as it climbed a wall of a local waterhole pump and had a drink. It was a bit far for any photos though.

 

Angolan Giraffes by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

locust by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

[kittykat23uk]

05.10.23- Day 13 -  Etosha - Namutoni Camp to Halalai Camp 

 

White-browed Scrub-robin by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Crimson-breasted Shrike by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We only had one night at Namutoni Camp. So it was time to move onto our next camp at Halalai. We planned our route to stop at every waterhole we could. Highlights of the morning included fantastic views of Black Rhino, various birds including Purple Roller, Rock Kestrel, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Black-chested Prinia, Red-headed Finch and so on. 

 

Kori Bustard by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pale Chanting Goshawk by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Blue Wildebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Purple Roller by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Blue Wildebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Rock Kestrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Rock Kestrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-quilled Bustard (Northern Black Korhaan) by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-quilled Bustard (Northern Black Korhaan) by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pale Chanting Goshawk by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-chested Prinia by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

 

Red-headed Finch by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

At one waterhole a herd of Giraffe had come down to drink. Much to their disapproval, a Spotted Hyena decided to choose the same waterhole for a drink and a dip. As did a pair of Warthogs and we had a sighting of Southern White Rhinos, which are far less common than the Black Rhinos in Etosha. We also encountered massive herds of Springbok and elephant (some which looked very white from them dust bathing on the salty earth), as well as smaller herds of Red Hartebeest.  

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe & Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe & Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Warthog by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Warthog & Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Warthog & Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffes Etosha by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern White Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern White Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

[kittykat23uk]

We arrived at camp in time for a late lunch. Afterwards we had a bit of down time around the camp where I focused on looking for birds and having a dip in the pool. Birds around the camp included, Damara red-billed Hornbill, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Pale-winged Starling, African Grey Hornbill, White-crowned Shrike.

We were out again for the late afternoon and covered some of the waterholes that we didn’t cover in the morning. Here we saw Namaqua Sandgrouse, Blacksmith Lapwing, Cape Teal, more giraffes and a little Slender Mongoose that was foraging amongst the rocks around a waterhole. 

 

Damara Red-billed Hornbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Violet Woodhoopoe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pale-winged Starling by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Grey Hornbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-crowned Shrike by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namaqua Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Blacksmith Lapwing by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Teal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Slender Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Slender Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Teal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Egyptian Goose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Crow by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namaqua Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namaqua Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namaqua Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

On our night drive we came across a nice male Lion. Then a Brown Hyena appeared and wandered directly towards where the lion was resting. We couldn’t believe how totally oblivious the hyena was to the danger it was in and we genuinely feared for its life. In fact, the lion took a keen interest in the hyena, crept up on the hapless animal sniffed it's rear end and then swiped at its backside! The hyena jumped a mile, squealed and legged it! Thankfully the lion didn’t press his attack and the Hyena learned an important lesson! Back at the rest camp we spent an hour or so at the local waterhole where elephants and black rhinos were our constant companions. A pair of spotted hyenas also came down to have a drink.

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

 

[kittykat23uk]

06.10.23- Day 14 -  Etosha - Halalai Camp to Okaukuejo Camp

 

We moved on towards our next camp as soon as the gate opened. We first had a lovely sighting of a Black Rhino in the early morning light close to the road. Then a distant pride of Lions at a waterhole. One pair were even mating, but the light and distance were against us. 

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Further on, a Red-necked Falcon was perched in a bush. Then we came across a pair of Lions that were much closer to the road. The female was leading the young male away and the reason soon became clear as they began to mate. The Lioness dismissed the male with vigour once the deed was done. 

 

Red-necked Falcon by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

PA060904 by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

The wide open expanse of Etosha Pan made for some spectacular backdrops to photographing the herds of Zebra, Elephant, Gemsbok and other plains game. We encountered several Black-backed Jackals and a Double-banded Courser as well as another pair (or perhaps the same pair of lions). 

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Herd of Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Ostrich by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Crowned Lapwing by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-quilled Bustard (Northern Black Korhaan) by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Ostrich by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Ostrich by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Double-banded Courser by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

[kittykat23uk]

Okaukuejo Camp is in a central position within the park and is famous for its floodlit waterhole, which attracts many of the animals in the reserve, including Black Rhinoceros. We stayed two nights here. On arrival into camp we had a bit of downtime before heading out again, so we grabbed lunch, and then spent a bit of time around the pool and I also took a walk around camp where I focused on birds and smaller stuff. This included Pied Crow and African Hoopoe.

 

Pied Crow by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pied Crow by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Hoopoe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Hoopoe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

In the afternoon we found another pair of Lions, this time the Lioness was playing hard to get with a more mature looking male following behind as she trotted along towards a local waterhole. They covered a lot of ground in their chase! We spent most of our afternoon with them. 

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Kori Bustard by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Kori Bustard & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Kori Bustard & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Blue Wildebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Blue Wildebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We took another night drive, but I don’t recall seeing anything different on this one aside from quite a few Cape Hares and more Black Rhinos.

 

Cape Hare by Jo Dale, on Flickr    

 

Cape Hare by Jo Dale, on Flickr 

 

Cape Hare by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Hare by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Hare by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

Edited April 7 by kittykat23uk

[Seniortraveller]

Brilliant trip report. Clearly a lot of effort put in by all three of you. to achieve such an incredible number of excellent sightings. I wish that I had your energy!

[kittykat23uk]

07.10.23- Day 14 -  Etosha - Okaukuejo Camp

 

On the morning drive we encountered yet more Lions, resting and feeding on a giraffe, including another impressive male and several Lionesses and Black-backed Jackals and South African Ground Squirrels. If I remember correctly we couldn’t get fuel at this camp and so the guys decided to drive to Anderson Gate to fill up. They were also thinking about checking out a place for Caracal called Eldorado Lodge. This place has a predator sanctuary, but I think Jens originally had the impression that there was a chance of wild Caracal there, which wasn’t the case, so in the end I don’t think they went as far as the lodge. I opted to stay behind and do some birding around camp. I spent quite a bit of time with a troop of Banded Mongoose as they foraged around the lodge. I also just sat at the famous camp waterhole and watched the comings and goings there. Herds of zebra, Springbok and Black-faced Impala came down to drink. All of a sudden one Black-faced Impala came barreling around the waterhole straight into a herd of Springbok, sending one flying and causing a right commotion!

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackals by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion & Black-backed Jackals by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Ground Squirrel - Xerus inauris by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Masked Weaver by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Crimson-breasted Shrike by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

 

Springbok & Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok, Zebra, Greater Kudu by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Waterhole- Etosha by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Greater Kudu by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Impala & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Ground Squirrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Ground Squirrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Hoopoe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Groundscraper Thrush by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Hoopoe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Willow Warbler by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Masked Weaver by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-browed Sparrow-weaver by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Skink by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Banded Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

Edited April 8 by kittykat23uk

[kittykat23uk]

I should say that I'm definitely not sure about the bird labelled willow warbler and I'm thinking that it might actually be a pippity thing. If anyone knows please feel free to correct me! 

[kittykat23uk]

In the afternoon we headed out again, finding a pair of Greater Kestrel, Lovely views of Elephants, Giraffes, Ostrich and Wildebeest, a Yellow Mongoose, Sabota Lark ( I think). We also had nice close views of Black-backed Jackals, and a brief glimpse of a Cheetah in thick scrub. On the way back to camp we found a couple of Lioness not far from the Cheetah sighting relaxing on the road. 

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Greater Kestrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant , Blue Wildebeest & Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Yellow Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Sabota Lark by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffes by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Ostrich by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cheetah by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

A few nice sunset shots of elephants were the highlight of our night drive and then around the waterhole we had some lovely sightings of mother and calf Black Rhinos. 

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Sandgrouse Silhouette by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Egyptian Goose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black Rhino by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

 

 

 

 

[offshorebirder]

Congrats on the beautiful Brown Hyena and the Pel's and the great Rhino encounters.

 

Thanks for this excellent trip report @kittykat23uk

[kittykat23uk]

Thanks @offshorebirderMore to come! 

[kittykat23uk]

08.10.23- Day 15 -  Etosha - Okaukuejo Camp to Dolomite Camp

 

 

 

Today we headed west towards the wilderness region of Dolomite Camp, where we had two nights. The transfer drive between camps is approximately 173 kms with twelve waterholes stretched out en route. We stopped first at the waterhole where the Lion pride was still feeding on the Giraffe carcass. A Greater Kestrel posed for a photograph. On the drive we came across a lovely Cape Fox at its den and watched it until it disappeared down its hole. South African Ground Squirrels and Sociable weavers added further interest to our drive. 

 

Greater Kestrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Fox by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Fox by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Ground Squirrel - Xerus inauris by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Ground Squirrel - Xerus inauris by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Sociable Weaver by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Sociable Weaver by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Butterfly by Jo Dale, on Flickr
 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We encountered massive herds of Springbok, Elephants, Zebra, smaller herd of Hartebeest and Eland, and more Lions, including a couple of young males. Lions seemed to be at nearly every waterhole we stopped at! A Tawny Eagle was captured taking off in the company of a trio of ostrich and a springbok. 

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion & Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion & Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion & wary Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion & Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Ostrich by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Eland by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

African Bush Elephant & Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant & Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant & Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Eland by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Eland by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Eland by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Ostrich, Tawny Eagle & Springbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Tawny Eagle & White-backed Vultures by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We stopped in at Olifantsrus, which is Etosha's newest camp and the first accommodation option in the park to offer a camping only experience. Olifantsrus is approximately 60kms from Galton Gate, 130kms from Okaukuejo and 50kms from Dolomite Camp. 

 

We made use of the kiosk selling drinks and light meals, to grab a light lunch and a cool drink. 

Then we headed over to the double story wildlife hide overlooking a man made waterhole that has become particularly popular with elephants, hence the camp’s name (which translates as ‘Elephant’s Rest’). We did indeed see quite a few elephants up close and it was nicer to get a higher perspective from the elevated hide.  We were a bit concerned for this elephant that was lying flat on the ground, but it soon roused itself so was apparently okay.

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Bush Elephant by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Closer to Dolomite Camp a Bateleur was also drinking from one of the waterholes and we followed a lioness for a while too. 

 

Bateleur by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

Edited April 8 by kittykat23uk

[Towlersonsafari]

what  splendid sightings and a very intersting report

[kittykat23uk]

 

Dolomite camp is beautiful. We parked at the bottom of the ridge and a staff member soon arrived in an electric cart to pick us and our luggage up to transport us up the steep ridge. We each had a luxury safari tent to ourselves, each one perched overlooking the wide expanse below affording fabulous views. There’s a beautiful rim flow swimming pool that allowed us to have a cooling dip after the long drive and a bar afforded a refreshing glass of Savannah. There are two restaurant tents serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

 

Views of Dolomite Camp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Views of Dolomite Camp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Dolomite camp at Sunset by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Barn Owl by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

It took us most of the day to get to Dolomite camp so we were thinking of having a night off from driving and sticking around the local waterhole. That proved to be tricky as the camp is situated on top of a ridge and you aren’t allowed to walk around at night because it is unfenced and they don’t want people getting eaten. 

 

So in the end we decided to book night drives for both our nights here. I’m glad we did because on our first night drive we had a Barn Owl, lovely view of another Brown Hyena, a reasonable view of an Aardwolf and several Small Spotted Genets. Since I already had some lovely shots of Brown Hyena I didn’t try and photograph the ones we saw at night and just enjoyed watching them instead.
 

[kittykat23uk]

09.10.23- Day 16 -  Etosha - Dolomite Camp

 

There should be a further eight waterholes on loops between our camp and the Galton entrance gate to the south. However we found that much of this route was cordoned off due to some of the pumps having failed and the waterholes therefore dry. That is not to say we didn’t see any wildlife! Soon after we left the camp I shouted to Jason to stop and reverse. “Oh Jo’s seen another bird!” he sighed, Jason is not a birder and it was sometimes hard to get him enthused about our feathered friends. But he needn’t have worried because what caught my attention was not a bird but was in fact a pair of Bat-eared Foxes close to the road. We enjoyed watching them for a little while until they trotted away from the road out of view. 

 

Bat-eared Fox by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Bat-eared Fox by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Bat-eared Fox by Jo Dale, on Flickr
 

We then encountered a lone lioness heading towards a waterhole. She looked like she might be pregnant. We followed her for a while as well. A few birds did show, including Kori Bustard, Mariqua Flycatcher, Southern Fiscal and Marabou Stork. A Spotted Hyena put in a brief sighting as we carried on. We decided to head towards Olifantsrus camp again, spotting a Yellow Mongoose on the way close to the car. More birds, including Burchell’s Sandgrouse, were visible from the hide. The elevated position gave an interesting perspective on a Gemsbok as it cast a shadow across the sand. I also noted a wee beastie in the form of a spider-hunting wasp. Red Hartebeest, Gemsbok and Zebra were present in good numbers.  
 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Kori Bustard by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Fiscal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Fiscal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Mariqua Flycatcher by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Hyena by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Marabou Storks by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Yellow Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Yellow Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Yellow Mongoose by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spider-hunting Wasp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe & Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

 

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red Hartebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Tawny eagle by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe & Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe &  Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-backed & Lappet-faced Vulture & Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe & Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Dragonfly by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Views from Dolomite Camp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Views from Dolomite Camp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Views from Dolomite Camp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

Edited April 8 by kittykat23uk

[kittykat23uk]

Returning to the lodge for lunch we enjoyed the views from our rooms which made the giraffes and a sleeping Rhino look like ants down below.  Over lunch I was constantly distracted by birds. Yellow Canary, Dusky Sunbird (the only species of sunbird that stayed still long enough to get onto), Black-chested Prinia, and a shy Red-fronted Tinkerbird were the highlights. 

 

Yellow Canary by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Dusky Sunbird by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Views from Dolomite Camp by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-chested Prinia by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red-fronted Tinkerbird by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We were out again for the afternoon, which was less productive than the morning. We saw nothing new, but drinking giraffes and a Black-backed Jackal held our interest. After dinner we took a night drive with the park again. This time we saw Spotted Eagle-owl, Cape Fox, more Small Spotted Genets. The guys also briefly glimpsed a Honey Badger but I missed it. On the way back to the lodge we had fantastic views of a South African Hedgehog.

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Angolan Giraffe by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-backed Vulture by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Sunset by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Eagle Owl by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Spotted Eagle Owl by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Cape Fox by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Hedgehog by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

South African Hedgehog by Jo Dale, on Flickr

[Atdahl]

Wow, what a great variety of animals you have seen Jo!  Fantastic report.

[Atravelynn]

You've chosen wisely and artistically for the B&W and sepia.  Variety with a Capital V, extending to the hedgehog and the spider hunting wasp.  It would be so easy to overlook the wasp.

[kittykat23uk]

Thanks both. Well we are about to leave Etosha now..

[kittykat23uk]

10.10.23- Day 17 -  Etosha - Dolomite Camp to Hobatere

 

A Spotted Eagle Owl was perched in the bushes below my room before dawn.  We were out at 0630 for a dawn drive. We stopped at the local waterhole first. There were a pair of male lions relaxing close by. A Ludwig’s Bustard was strutting around and a pair of eland came down to drink. A herd of wildebeest were seen at another waterhole as well as a Black-backed Jackal. A greater Kestrel showed well as did Short-toed Rock-thrush and more Namaqua Sandgrouse.

 

Sunrise by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Ludwig's Bustard by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Eland by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Eland by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Crowned Lapwing by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Blue Wildebeest by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-backed Jackal by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Greater Kestrel by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namaqua Sandgrouse by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Short-toed Rock-Thrush by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

We came back to camp around 0900 for breakfast and to pack. Pririt Batis, White-browed Sparrow-weaver, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Black-fronted Bulbul, Black-faced Waxbill, Black-chested Prinia, Black-throated Canary kept me busy over breakfast. 

 

Pririt Batis by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

White-browed Sparrow Weaver by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-fronted Bulbul by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-fronted Bulbul by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-fronted Bulbul by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-throated Canary by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Waxbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Black-faced Waxbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pririt Batis by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pririt Batis by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pririt Batis by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Pririt Batis by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

After packing up we were on our way again. Stopping in at some waterholes on the way towards the gate. We finished off with a black mongoose that ran across our path. 

 

Gemsbok by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Alpine Swift by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Alpine Swift by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Zebra by Jo Dale, on Flickr

[Peter Connan]

Wow!

Hedgehogs

Aardwolf

Napping Elephants and Rhinos

Impala tackling Springbuck

Lions slapping Hyenas

 

And a Cheetah kill!

What amazing sightings you had!

 

 

[kittykat23uk]

@Peter ConnanYes it was an amazing trip and still a bit more to come.. 

[kittykat23uk]

Hobatere

 

Then we headed on to Hobatere Lodge. The ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, home of Hobatere Lodge, is situated on the western border of Etosha National Park, a very short distance from the Galton Gate. From the gate entrance, the drive to the lodge is 16 kilometres. We were welcomed with refreshing towels and a cooling drink. A Cardinal Woodpecker and Meves's starling were noted on arrival. The name “Hobatere '' translates to “find him/me” in the native Nama and is appropriate here, as the lodge peeks out of a forest of indigenous trees near a riverbed, overlooking a wide plain and very active waterhole. 

 

Cardinal Woodpecker by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Meves's starling by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

So active in fact that we were quickly ushered towards the waterhole as a pride of eleven lions was right in front of the lodge feeding on the sole warthog to have been seen on the property in quite some time! The waterhole is right in front of the lodge and is surrounded by a fairly low electric fence to protect guests from the animals.  The male carried off half the hog to sit and eat in the shade and other pride members slowly drifted over, leaving the young ones to squabble over the scraps. 

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Bare-cheeked Babbler by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Bare-cheeked Babbler entertained over lunch and we had to tear ourselves away from the lions to get checked into our rooms. The rooms themselves were not as luxurious as a lot of our accommodation, but nice enough and were spread out behind the lodge amongst the trees. Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Spurfowl, Namib Rock Agama added some colour. 

 

Southern Red-billed Hornbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Southern Red-billed Hornbill by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Burchell's Starling by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Red-billed Spurfowl by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namib Rock Agama by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

Namib Rock Agama by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

The lions were still hanging around, one of the adolescent males was practising trying to trip one of his younger siblings with a bit of roughhousing.

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

 

African Lion by Jo Dale, on Flickr

Edited April 9 by kittykat23uk

[TonyQ]

What a very varied trip. A wonderful variety of mammals and birds.