Botswana - Duma Tau
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Duma Tau Camp is located close to the source of the Savute Channel in the vast Linyanti concession in northern Botswana. In the dry season it is known for its
large concentrations of elephants. In the wet season you can expect to see hippo, impala, and zebra. Anything else is a wonderful bonus. The rains here delayed
both afternoon and morning game drives, restricted access to many areas, and were generally unappreciated. A stiff upper lip and a positive attitude work
wonders, though, as does the first good photo opportunity.
large concentrations of elephants. In the wet season you can expect to see hippo, impala, and zebra. Anything else is a wonderful bonus. The rains here delayed
both afternoon and morning game drives, restricted access to many areas, and were generally unappreciated. A stiff upper lip and a positive attitude work
wonders, though, as does the first good photo opportunity.
Overflowing Water Hole with typical sky
What a vegetarian diet can do for you, Hippopotamus with Cattle Egret
Double Trouble with Cattle Egret. Cattle Egret follow large
mammals in order to snack on the insects they stir up as they move.
mammals in order to snack on the insects they stir up as they move.
Happy Face, Hippopotamus, Duma Tau
Hippo Pool, Duma Tau
The Big Threat, Duma Tau
African Pygmy Goose, Duma Tau
African Jacana, Duma Tau
Woodland Kingfisher, Duma Tau
Lilac-breasted Roller, Duma Tau
Proud Male Ostriches, Savute Channel
Red-billed Hornbill, Duma Tau
On our first morning in Duma Tau we were allowed to spend an extra hour in bed due to heavy rains. When the rains temporarily ended, we headed out for our morning game drive. One of the bird
highlights in this area is the Carmine Bee-eater. The Carmines in this reserve have learned to fly alongside land rovers, snatching insects on the wing. Our guide and I decided that we would try to
capture these guys on film so I positioned myself in the front row of the land rover where I could stand and maneuver, and Grant planned to turn the driving over to Andi as soon as we got to bee-eater
territory. But a funny thing happened on our way to the channel: groups that had gone out in the rain had already found more interesting subjects so off we went, putting our bee-eater plans on hold.
When we got to the site we discovered two mostly concealed leopards under a tree. Of course, after seeing a leopard well a few days previously I was somewhat disappointed with the quality of this
sighting. However, Grant once again muttered that ancient incantation, "patience,"and explained that leopards "usually check things out after finishing their meal." Sure enough some time later...
highlights in this area is the Carmine Bee-eater. The Carmines in this reserve have learned to fly alongside land rovers, snatching insects on the wing. Our guide and I decided that we would try to
capture these guys on film so I positioned myself in the front row of the land rover where I could stand and maneuver, and Grant planned to turn the driving over to Andi as soon as we got to bee-eater
territory. But a funny thing happened on our way to the channel: groups that had gone out in the rain had already found more interesting subjects so off we went, putting our bee-eater plans on hold.
When we got to the site we discovered two mostly concealed leopards under a tree. Of course, after seeing a leopard well a few days previously I was somewhat disappointed with the quality of this
sighting. However, Grant once again muttered that ancient incantation, "patience,"and explained that leopards "usually check things out after finishing their meal." Sure enough some time later...
Peeking Out, Savute Channel, Botswana
Coming down to change trees
Up We Go
Saggy Baggy Bean Bag Leopards Hanging Out
But this is where I wanted to stretch out!
Looking for the Good Spot
Eyes on the Prize, Leopards, Savute Channel
Trying to get comfortable in the same spot
Everyone Enjoys a Little Grooming
Contentment
Why are those people watching us?
Wide-Eyed
Ah...
I Think I Got It!
Have you ever attempted to maintain your balance while careening along a rutted, water soaked trail while photographing very close very fast swooping gliding stopping birds? I don't think I ever had so much fun trying to get
a photo. Hurrah for autofocus zoom lenses with fast-writing flash cards and burst shooting. But even while we were enjoying our bee-eaters what did I happen to spot? The Savute boys - a couple of cheetahs that bonded at
an early age. That took care of the bee-eaters; off we went to observe and photograph cheetahs.
One of the particular pleasures of this trip with these guides was that our time in the field was driven much more by what we were seeing than by the clock. We never returned as early as the locally-guided vehicles, we
always had great sightings, and the camp staff was always happy to feed us whenever we got back.
a photo. Hurrah for autofocus zoom lenses with fast-writing flash cards and burst shooting. But even while we were enjoying our bee-eaters what did I happen to spot? The Savute boys - a couple of cheetahs that bonded at
an early age. That took care of the bee-eaters; off we went to observe and photograph cheetahs.
One of the particular pleasures of this trip with these guides was that our time in the field was driven much more by what we were seeing than by the clock. We never returned as early as the locally-guided vehicles, we
always had great sightings, and the camp staff was always happy to feed us whenever we got back.
Gliding, Carmine Bee-eater, Savute Channel
Downbeat, Carmine Bee-eater
Cruising, Carmine Bee-eater
Stopping, Carmine Bee-eater
The Savute Boys, Savute Channel, Botswana
Marking Territory, Savute Boys
On the Prowl, Cheetah (Savute Boy)
Calling
Scanning for Ostrich
As the Rain Fell
Going Out on a Limb
Surveying
Reflections, Impala, Savute Channel
What You See at tea Time, Zebras, Savute Channel
There's Three, Yellow Baboons, Savute Channel
Grooming
The Savute Boys Having a Laugh
Let me clean out those ears, Bro
And, I'll wash your face.
Impala Staying Ahead of the Predators