Botswana Safari - November 2011

[Alex The Lion]

I visited Botswana for just over three weeks in November 2011. This comprised of three seperate safaris, though we spent all of our time at the Kwando Camps. Unfortunately I do not have the time at the moment to write a full report, though have started editing some images.

 

Instead of a day by day account, I will share some of my favourite images from the safari - I will try to add at least one every other day for the next month.

 

Overall, we had an incredible time. Yes, the floods have effected some areas, though game viewing was excellent. It was certainly helped by the extended dry season into late November, as we still experienced large herds of Buffalo and Elephant.

 

Itinerary:

 

Photographic Group (which I led) - 5 nights LK and 3 nights Lagoon

Wife (during the group trip) - 3 nights Kwara and 5 nights Lebala

 

Wife and I - 12 nights Little Kwara.

 

I would also like to make a special mention of Alwyn Myburgh, our private guide at Little Kwara. An old friend, he flew in with us and made a real difference to our experience. I can be a bit of a taskmaster at times, of the 13 days at Little Kwara, at least 50% of them were all day drives, which is incredibly tiring for the guides.

 

The images are in no particular order!

 

One of the three Cheetah cubs in the Four Rivers area. If we found them, we would normally spend all day there.

 

Low angle photography at the Hippo pool. We spent a good few hours here around dusk, waiting for the right moments.

 

I love this classic Okavango image - A lioness from the Splash pride was trying to flush out a leopard from the tall reeds.

[Kavey]

Oh yes! Can't wait for more!

[Jan]

Great photos!

[Alex The Lion]

Thanks, Kavey, Tanya, Jan and .....

 

It gives me an incentive to sort through some images!

[samburumags]

Keep them coming Russell they are fab photos

[AKR1]

Amazing pictures, Russell. Looking forward to more!

[Alex The Lion]

 

On our last evening at Little Kwara, I took the photographic group to spend an hour at the hippo pool in the beautiful afternoon light.

Edited January 15, 2012 by russell

[Game Warden]

The suspended droplets almost add a 3D touch to this image. Great stuff. Any chance of adding it and your other hippo pics to the "Show us your hippo pictures" thread? (With some tech specs?)

[KathBC]

Oh my! Absolutely stunning.

 

Thanks so much for sharing these, can't wait to see the rest.

[Atravelynn]

I remember when this trip was just a twinkle in your eye. Great itinerary. Great photos as a result!

[Alex The Lion]

 

Unfortunately the light was not great, though the mating dance of these wattled cranes was great to watch

 

 

After leaving some sleeping lions, we went on to find another kill.

[madaboutcheetah]

Oh My ...... just saw this!!! Awesome, Russell .........

[Tusker]

Thank you for sharing. Amazing pictures!!!

[Sangeeta]

Wow, Russell. These are fantastic. Not sure which ones to pick as the standouts, but I particularly liked the cheetah cub. I can see each hair on his wet muzzle. What a treat.

[Sangeeta]

Or maybe not wet!!

[Alex The Lion]

The suspended droplets almost add a 3D touch to this image. Great stuff. Any chance of adding it and your other hippo pics to the "Show us your hippo pictures" thread? (With some tech specs?)

 

Thanks, Matt. Will have a look at getting something together this evening or tomorrow.

[Alex The Lion]

I remember when this trip was just a twinkle in your eye. Great itinerary. Great photos as a result!

 

Thanks, Lynn. There was a lot of planning though it seemed to come through

[Alex The Lion]

Thanks Sangeeta, Hari, Tusker et al.

[Alex The Lion]

Have been away this weekend, though one more of a cheetah cub at four rivers.

 

[twaffle]

Your diligence and determination has born fruit, lovely photos Russell.

[JohnR]

... one more of a cheetah cub at four rivers.

 

What a beautiful cat! A great 3 dimensional effect.

[Alex The Lion]

Your diligence and determination has born fruit, lovely photos Russell.

 

 

... one more of a cheetah cub at four rivers.

 

What a beautiful cat! A great 3 dimensional effect.

 

 

Fantastic! you had a ball with the cheetah low angle shots. More please

 

Thanks John, Tanya and Twaffle.

[Alex The Lion]

Life as a wildlife photographer - a behind the scenes shot of yours truly.

 

[madaboutcheetah]

Nice ...... Is that the door of the new Landcruiser?

Edited January 24, 2012 by madaboutcheetah

[Game Warden]

At least your butt has been cropped out of this one