Etosha

Our first game drive into Etosha wasn’t as straight forward as it should have been as one of our two jeeps broke down about two miles from Okaukuejo. So Charly had to return to camp and bring the minibus to us, and some of the group jumped into that vehicle whilst the others remained in the serviceable jeep. There were a few Double-banded Coursers showing nicely beside the road, along with Capped Wheatear, Spike-heeled and Pink-billed Larks. 

Double-banded Coursers were quite common in this area...

Pink-billed Lark 

This barren landscape held a surprisingly high number of birds, as we also saw Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks, some Northern Black Korhaans, a few Namaqua Sandgrouse and a Common Fiscal.

After breakfast we set out on another jeep safari, this time with both jeeps in full working order and headed out to view some waterholes. They were attracting numerous Springbok and Black-faced Impalas, with Southern Oryx and Kudu also present. 

Southern Oryx and Greater Kudu

Burchell's Zebra

We criss-crossed along a network of trail systems and found Sabota Lark, lots of Red-capped Larks, a soaring White-headed Vulture, and even some Kittlitz’s Plovers that were sheltering in the shade of a few rocks. 

Red-capped Lark 

A quick stop at a rest area for a toilet break resulted in a flock of Red-headed Finches and a pair of Violet-eared Waxbills, and the drive back produced a Spotted Eagle-Owl sat on its nest next to the track. And that was our morning.

The afternoon safari commenced at 3pm and we headed out into the wilderness to checkout a few more waterholes. The first one had 5 huge African Elephants that had been spraying themselves with the muddy water, which had dried and they were now what appeared to be the ‘Ghost Elephants of Etosha’ and a dull white colour. 

The famous 'Ghost Elephants'

The 'Ghost Elephants of Etosha' by Tom Bray

Common Ostriches by Tom Bray

There were plenty of Springbok, Burchell’s Zebra, Oryx and Common Ostriches here, and as we were leaving a Kori Bustard was seen close to the track. Moving on it was pleasing to notch up Chat Flycatcher and Great Kestrel in quick succession before we moved on to some more waterholes. 

The King inspecting his domain...!

The last one had a huge male Lion sitting under a tree and we watched him walk out into the open and sit down to survey his domain. Truly a stunning beast. Driving back at dusk, there were so many Northern Black Korhaans out in the open, and we reached Okaukeujo just before the gates closed.

Northern Black Korhaan