Deception Valley Safari Pictures, Kalahari Desert, Botswana: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

We visited Deception Valley on the edge of the Kalihari.

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After camping in the Kalahari, we headed to the Deception Valley Lodge to wash off the dirt.
After camping in the Kalahari, we headed to the Deception Valley Lodge to wash off the dirt.
The hotel is beautiful - it's hard to imagine something like this could exist in the middle of the bush. Most guests arrive by plane.
The hotel is beautiful - it's hard to imagine something like this could exist in the middle of the bush. Most guests arrive by plane.
Our first reaction when we saw the beautiful clawfoot bathtub was the same: This will be great for laundry!
Our first reaction when we saw the beautiful clawfoot bathtub was the same: This will be great for laundry!
We'd been there less than an hour, and we are already bringing the place down a notch!
We'd been there less than an hour, and we are already bringing the place down a notch!
Two bushmen took us on a walk to demonstrate some traditional skills. Here, he is demonstrating how to store water in an ostrich egg.
Two bushmen took us on a walk to demonstrate some traditional skills. Here, he is demonstrating how to store water in an ostrich egg.
This is how to set a trap.
This is how to set a trap.
Drinking the water of a very, very bitter root.
Drinking the water of a very, very bitter root.
Starting a fire with sticks. It's way harder than it looks!
Starting a fire with sticks. It's way harder than it looks!

Traditional dance and music.
Traditional dance and music.
Traditional houses.
Traditional houses.


IanAndWendy.com : Botswana & Namibia - the highlights: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

The photographic highlights of our safari.

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Cheetahs in Moremi.
Cheetahs in Moremi.
Evening in Savute Game Reserve.
Evening in Savute Game Reserve.
Baby elpehant in Serondela.
Baby elpehant in Serondela.
Giraffe in Serondela.
Giraffe in Serondela.
Giraffe in Serondela.
Giraffe in Serondela.
Lion in the Central Kalahari.
Lion in the Central Kalahari.
Lions in the Central Kalahari.
Lions in the Central Kalahari.
Lion in the Central Kalahari.
Lion in the Central Kalahari.
Rhino at Okapuka Game Park, Namibia
Rhino at Okapuka Game Park, Namibia
Elephant in Moremi Reserve.
Elephant in Moremi Reserve.
Lion in the Central Kalahari.
Lion in the Central Kalahari.
Flying Kudu in Khumaga.
Flying Kudu in Khumaga.
Lion at Okapuka Game Park, Namibia.
Lion at Okapuka Game Park, Namibia.
Elephant in Serondela.
Elephant in Serondela.
Leopard in the Okavango Delta.
Leopard in the Okavango Delta.
Yawning lions in southern Chobe. (Savute)
Yawning lions in southern Chobe. (Savute)
Deadvlei in Namibia.
Deadvlei in Namibia.
Elephants at sunset in northern Chobe (Serondela)
Elephants at sunset in northern Chobe (Serondela)
Baboons in northern Chobe (Serondela)
Baboons in northern Chobe (Serondela)
Wild Dog in Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Wild Dog in Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Sunrise over Dune 45, Sossuvlei, Namibia.
Sunrise over Dune 45, Sossuvlei, Namibia.
Elephants crossing the Chobe River, Northern Chobe (Serondela)
Elephants crossing the Chobe River, Northern Chobe (Serondela)
Giraffe in Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Giraffe in Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Northern Chobe (Serondela)
Northern Chobe (Serondela)
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Bushman Walk, Central Kalahari
Bushman Walk, Central Kalahari
Serondela, Northern Chobe
Serondela, Northern Chobe
Khumaga (Makgadigadi Pan)
Khumaga (Makgadigadi Pan)
Leopard in Okavango Delta
Leopard in Okavango Delta
Sunrise over Dune 45, Namibia
Sunrise over Dune 45, Namibia
Sunrise over Dune 45, Namibia
Sunrise over Dune 45, Namibia
Sunrise over Dune 45, Namibia
Sunrise over Dune 45, Namibia
Baboons in Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Baboons in Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Baboons in Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Baboons in Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Red Lechwe in Moremi Game Reserve
Red Lechwe in Moremi Game Reserve
Hippo in Savute (Southern Chobe)
Hippo in Savute (Southern Chobe)
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Windhoek Townships, Namibia
Windhoek Townships, Namibia
Windhoek Townships Food Market, Namibia
Windhoek Townships Food Market, Namibia
Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Serondela (Northern Chobe)
Lion with ex-Impala, Moremi Game Reserve
Lion with ex-Impala, Moremi Game Reserve
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Moremi Reserve
Moremi Reserve
Okapuka Ranch, Namibia
Okapuka Ranch, Namibia
Central Kalahari
Central Kalahari
Central Kalahari
Central Kalahari
Sossuvlei, Namibia
Sossuvlei, Namibia
Sossuvlei, Namibia
Sossuvlei, Namibia
Deadvlei, Namibia
Deadvlei, Namibia
Sesriem Canyon, Namibia
Sesriem Canyon, Namibia
Sesriem Canyon, Namibia
Sesriem Canyon, Namibia
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Savute (Southern Chobe)
Buffalo in Serondela (Southern Chobe)
Buffalo in Serondela (Southern Chobe)
Yellow-billed Hornbill, Moremi Reserve
Yellow-billed Hornbill, Moremi Reserve


Townships Tour, Windhoek, Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

On our last day in Windhoek, we took a tour of the townships.

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On our last day in Windhoek, we took a tour of the townships.
On our last day in Windhoek, we took a tour of the townships.
Some local kids ran up to our car to say hello and get their photo taken.
Some local kids ran up to our car to say hello and get their photo taken.


A local market.
A local market.
This is the Namibian version of Krispy Kreme.
This is the Namibian version of Krispy Kreme.


This lady was making baskets to hold the flower.
This lady was making baskets to hold the flower.
Looking out on the white side of the city.
Looking out on the white side of the city.


Okapuka Game Park and Ranch outside Windhoek, Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

We took a day trip to the Okapuka Ranch/Game Park on the outskirts of Windhoek. While some animals we saw were native to the park, others had been brought in.

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We took a day trip to the Okapuka Ranch/Game Park on the outskirts of Windhoek. While some animals we saw were native to the park, others had been brought in.
We took a day trip to the Okapuka Ranch/Game Park on the outskirts of Windhoek. While some animals we saw were native to the park, others had been brought in.




Blesbok.
Blesbok.
A salt lick had been placed for the animals.
A salt lick had been placed for the animals.
Kudu.
Kudu.
Pumba.
Pumba.
.. and, the reason we went, to see the final of the "big five". The park has 4 white rhino.
.. and, the reason we went, to see the final of the "big five". The park has 4 white rhino.






They also have a couple of lions, but they are in semi-captivity. They are segregated from the other animals, and are fed every day while the tourists snap photos.
They also have a couple of lions, but they are in semi-captivity. They are segregated from the other animals, and are fed every day while the tourists snap photos.


While it made for some great close-up shots, it still didn't compare to having seen them in the wild. We were told that the lions had been relocated from the wild because they had killed livestock, and would have been shot.
While it made for some great close-up shots, it still didn't compare to having seen them in the wild. We were told that the lions had been relocated from the wild because they had killed livestock, and would have been shot.
On our last night, we went to Joe's Beerhouse, where Ian tried zebra. Dark meat, light meat, dark meat, light meat.
On our last night, we went to Joe's Beerhouse, where Ian tried zebra. Dark meat, light meat, dark meat, light meat.


Swakopmund, Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

Our mini-safari to see the dunes started from Swakopmund. We ate dinner overlooking the ocean at the Lighthouse Restaurant.

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Our mini-safari to see the dunes started from Swakopmund. We ate dinner overlooking the ocean at the Lighthouse Restaurant. We snapped this from our table.
Our mini-safari to see the dunes started from Swakopmund. We ate dinner overlooking the ocean at the Lighthouse Restaurant. We snapped this from our table.



Windhoek was a German territory as recently as the 90s.
Windhoek was a German territory as recently as the 90s.


Sunrise over Dune 45 with Crazy Kudu Desert Safari, Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

We watched the sunrise over Dune 45 in the Namib Desert. It was a truly magical experience, except for the hundreds of other people crowded on top of the dune trying to do the same thing.

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Along with thousands of other insane people, we dragged ourselves out of "bed" at 4:30am so that we could climb Dune 45 and watch the sunrise.
Along with thousands of other insane people, we dragged ourselves out of "bed" at 4:30am so that we could climb Dune 45 and watch the sunrise.










That's the mist that will soon burn off, not clouds.
That's the mist that will soon burn off, not clouds.









You can just see the circle of vehicles, with the guides safely inside, waiting for the crazy tourists to climb back down.
You can just see the circle of vehicles, with the guides safely inside, waiting for the crazy tourists to climb back down.










Sesriem Canyon with Crazy Kudu Desert Safari, Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

We visited Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Desert as part of the Crazy Kudu Safari.

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This is the vehicle we were in. We were very glad to have been in the open-air landrover for the main part of our safari.
This is the vehicle we were in. We were very glad to have been in the open-air landrover for the main part of our safari.
Sesriem canyon is a small canyon just outside where we camped.
Sesriem canyon is a small canyon just outside where we camped.









Sossuvlei Dune Hike, close to Dune 45, Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

We went for a 5 km hike through the Sossuvlei dunes to Deadvlei. It was not an easy hike as the sand was very soft.

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We went for a 5 km hike through the Sossuvlei dunes to Deadvlei. It was not an easy hike as the sand was very soft.
We went for a 5 km hike through the Sossuvlei dunes to Deadvlei. It was not an easy hike as the sand was very soft.




Deadvlei is a dead oasis of acacia trees that died hundreds of years ago.
Deadvlei is a dead oasis of acacia trees that died hundreds of years ago.












Dung beetle tracks.
Dung beetle tracks.





Safari drive from Swakopmund to the Namib Desert (Sossuvlei), Namibia: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

The drive from Swakopmund to the Namib Desert was beautiful. We stopped at Walvis Bay along the way.

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Walvis Bay flamingos.
Walvis Bay flamingos.


Quiver tree.
Quiver tree.





Chobe National Park (Serondela) Safari, Botswana: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

More elephants awaited us at the northern part of Chobe National Park, in Serondela.

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This is what Chobe is about. It is home to 50,000 elephants.
This is what Chobe is about. It is home to 50,000 elephants.

Sable antelope.
Sable antelope.
Serondela was the first time that we saw breeding herds of elephants. Here there is plenty of water to support them, and there are elephants everywhere.
Serondela was the first time that we saw breeding herds of elephants. Here there is plenty of water to support them, and there are elephants everywhere.
Taking a mudbath. It not only helps them to cool off, but also to control parasites and functions as a sunscreen.
Taking a mudbath. It not only helps them to cool off, but also to control parasites and functions as a sunscreen.


Those are warthogs in the foreground. We were constantly blown away by the diversity and abundance of animals.
Those are warthogs in the foreground. We were constantly blown away by the diversity and abundance of animals.



Tread carefully...
Tread carefully...




Baboons.
Baboons.











Kudu
Kudu







Impala with baboons along the bank of the river.
Impala with baboons along the bank of the river.
Mongoose.
Mongoose.
Our last day in Botswana we took a boat trip on the Chobe River. You can see how close we were.
Our last day in Botswana we took a boat trip on the Chobe River. You can see how close we were.











Teenagers. Can't behave themselves.
Teenagers. Can't behave themselves.




Roan antelope.
Roan antelope.

Right in the middle, looking at us, is a monitor lizard.
Right in the middle, looking at us, is a monitor lizard.






We finally saw the elusive buffalo.
We finally saw the elusive buffalo.
Last glimpse of baboons.
Last glimpse of baboons.
Kudu.
Kudu.


Buffalo.
Buffalo.

Final game drive. And we finally spot our first buffalo. Apparently they had been hiding.
Final game drive. And we finally spot our first buffalo. Apparently they had been hiding.
Last morning camping.
Last morning camping.
Our CC Africa team: Paul, See and our guide, Sam.
Our CC Africa team: Paul, See and our guide, Sam.



Chobe National Park (Savute) Safari, Botswana: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

Our first stop in Chobe National Park was the Savute Reserve. Elephants and elephants and elephants...

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The drive from Moremi to Savute was a long one through a lot of scrub and rough roads.
The drive from Moremi to Savute was a long one through a lot of scrub and rough roads.

The campground was full, so they had to pay to put us up at a $450US per night per person Savute Safari lodge. Life is rough.
The campground was full, so they had to pay to put us up at a $450US per night per person Savute Safari lodge. Life is rough.
The funny thing is, this room was a lot colder than the tent. While all the windows did have netting, they did not have glass - or any way to cover them except fabric. So at night, the sub-zero wind just blows into the room. I guess it's not a problem 10 months of the year...
The funny thing is, this room was a lot colder than the tent. While all the windows did have netting, they did not have glass - or any way to cover them except fabric. So at night, the sub-zero wind just blows into the room. I guess it's not a problem 10 months of the year...


There is not as much water as there used to be in Savute. The wildlife department pipes in water for the elephants. This guy is drinking the clean water directly from the pipe.
There is not as much water as there used to be in Savute. The wildlife department pipes in water for the elephants. This guy is drinking the clean water directly from the pipe.
Somewhere in the middle is a wildcat. Trust us.
Somewhere in the middle is a wildcat. Trust us.





More tire pumping...
More tire pumping...
Wildebeest.
Wildebeest.
Bushbok
Bushbok













Cat nap.
Cat nap.





Sable antelope.
Sable antelope.
Cory Bustard
Cory Bustard

These rock carvings are inside the reserve.
These rock carvings are inside the reserve.
And now, the only elevation you'll see in all the Botswana slideshows.
And now, the only elevation you'll see in all the Botswana slideshows.
Steenbok.
Steenbok.











Lilac Breasted Roller
Lilac Breasted Roller

We took this photo from the restaurant at the lodge. They have a view over a watering hole.
We took this photo from the restaurant at the lodge. They have a view over a watering hole.





Moremi National Park Safari, Botswana: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

We flew into Moremi National Park / Reserve.

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We flew over Chief's Island into the Moremi Reserve.
We flew over Chief's Island into the Moremi Reserve.
Just outside the park, we saw a group of vultures in a tree, and we went looking for what they were seeing.
Just outside the park, we saw a group of vultures in a tree, and we went looking for what they were seeing.
Right around the corner, we saw this lioness with an impala for lunch.
Right around the corner, we saw this lioness with an impala for lunch.

Sam explained that the lioness would not have been able to bring down the impala by herself, so there must be cheetah around. He asked if we would mind if we went to look for them? Of course not!
Sam explained that the lioness would not have been able to bring down the impala by herself, so there must be cheetah around. He asked if we would mind if we went to look for them? Of course not!
Sam tracked them, and we finally found a mother and her 2 sons.
Sam tracked them, and we finally found a mother and her 2 sons.



They allowed us to hang out with them while they groomed each other and rested. We were only about 20 feet away.
They allowed us to hang out with them while they groomed each other and rested. We were only about 20 feet away.
They were cleaning each other of the blood from the kill they had just lost.
They were cleaning each other of the blood from the kill they had just lost.




Here we are entering the Moremi Game Reseve, in the Khwai area. That's an elephant's shin bone that Sam's holding up. And in case you were beginning to wonder, Sam's at least 6' tall.
Here we are entering the Moremi Game Reseve, in the Khwai area. That's an elephant's shin bone that Sam's holding up. And in case you were beginning to wonder, Sam's at least 6' tall.
Waterbuck and zebra.
Waterbuck and zebra.
This is a snake-bird. It looks even more like a snake when you see it move through the water.
This is a snake-bird. It looks even more like a snake when you see it move through the water.
Grey lourie.
Grey lourie.

Quilias. You can just see the group to the left of the tree. We sat and watched for over half an hour as a steady black stream arrived to roost. Apparently the flocks number in the 5 million range, and like to descend on farmers' fields.
Quilias. You can just see the group to the left of the tree. We sat and watched for over half an hour as a steady black stream arrived to roost. Apparently the flocks number in the 5 million range, and like to descend on farmers' fields.
Pedestrians have the right of way.
Pedestrians have the right of way.

Yellow hornbill.
Yellow hornbill.
We watched as he ate the top bits, and let the muddy roots drop. Our guide told us that it helps preserve their teeth if they don't eat the sandy bits.
We watched as he ate the top bits, and let the muddy roots drop. Our guide told us that it helps preserve their teeth if they don't eat the sandy bits.
Saddle billed stork.
Saddle billed stork.
The bird on his side is eating fleas, etc. You see them on other animals too.
The bird on his side is eating fleas, etc. You see them on other animals too.
Egyptian geese.
Egyptian geese.
Pumba. (Warthog).
Pumba. (Warthog).
Waterbuck.
Waterbuck.
Red lechwe.
Red lechwe.



Red lechwe.
Red lechwe.

Tsesebe.
Tsesebe.


We watched him knock over the tree and then start in on the leaves. Apparently when the trees sense that their leaves are being eaten, they start releasing something called tannins, which make the leaves taste bad. They also somehow release a chemical which lets other trees nearby know, so they start releasing tannins too. The elephants solve the problem by pushing the whole tree over.
We watched him knock over the tree and then start in on the leaves. Apparently when the trees sense that their leaves are being eaten, they start releasing something called tannins, which make the leaves taste bad. They also somehow release a chemical which lets other trees nearby know, so they start releasing tannins too. The elephants solve the problem by pushing the whole tree over.
Saddle billed storks.
Saddle billed storks.
Back at camp, Wendy is relaxing, watching the elephant just outside our campsite.
Back at camp, Wendy is relaxing, watching the elephant just outside our campsite.
There's an elephant in the distance between the two trees. To the left, the enclosure for the bucket shower (there is a spigot underneath). To the right is our tent.
There's an elephant in the distance between the two trees. To the left, the enclosure for the bucket shower (there is a spigot underneath). To the right is our tent.
The elephants lean against the acacia trees with their trunks and shake them in order to make these seed pods fall off so they can eat them.
The elephants lean against the acacia trees with their trunks and shake them in order to make these seed pods fall off so they can eat them.
The night before we left the Khwai area, some elephants came to visit us in the middle of the night. They woke us up as they shook the acacia tree we were camping under. In the foreground, you can see the footprints of the elephant. To the right of our tent, you see the deposit the elephant made during the night.
The night before we left the Khwai area, some elephants came to visit us in the middle of the night. They woke us up as they shook the acacia tree we were camping under. In the foreground, you can see the footprints of the elephant. To the right of our tent, you see the deposit the elephant made during the night.


Maun Safari, Botswana: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures

On arrival in Maun, we checked into the Island Safari Lodge, about 10 km away. The location is peaceful, as they are right on the river.

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On arrival in Maun, we checked into the Island Safari Lodge, about 10 km away. The location is peaceful, as they are right on the river.
On arrival in Maun, we checked into the Island Safari Lodge, about 10 km away. The location is peaceful, as they are right on the river.
The view of the river.
The view of the river.
This (relatively) inexpensive hotel had one fantastic feature we didn't see in any of the expensive lodges we were to be staying in: a heater!
This (relatively) inexpensive hotel had one fantastic feature we didn't see in any of the expensive lodges we were to be staying in: a heater!
We took a Mokoro trip that was organized by the Hotel. A Mokoro is a dug-out canoe that the passengers sit in, and get poled around the shallow waters of the Okavango Delta.
We took a Mokoro trip that was organized by the Hotel. A Mokoro is a dug-out canoe that the passengers sit in, and get poled around the shallow waters of the Okavango Delta.
We saw a saddle-billed stork flying over the water.
We saw a saddle-billed stork flying over the water.