EPIC BLOG

Botswana Safari

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Jul 01 2008 Written by:Ian Johnson


I have just completed a fantastic safari guiding an extended family of clients to Vumbura Plains and Mombo Camps in the Okavango Delta (Botswana). These are two of THE most sought after camps in Africa; the game-viewing is second to none and the camps themselves the epitomy of luxury in the wilderness. On top of that the camps are located in private concessions enabling an exclusive experience.

A vast array of game was encountered, ranging from lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe and a host of other plainsgame species. In all we saw in excess of 60 different lions throughout our stay, the bulk being at Mombo where three sizeable prides reside in the area. One of these, the Western Pride, took up residence close to camp for the duration of the stay. We watched it in action on a number of occasions hunting zebra and impala. On the second night the pride was actually resident in camp. We could see the eyes of the lions reflecting from our torches while walking to our tent after dinner. The lions then proceeded to harrass a herd of buffalo in between the main area and tent one. Although unsuccessful in their endeavours the presence of the lions made for an action packed night. On dawn they took up a chorus to notate their territory in front of tent two. Needless to say a wake-up call was not required that morning!

The other highlight of the trip was seeing a mother leopard and her two cubs on a number of occasions just north of camp. The mother, known as Lagadema, has been the subject of a National Geographic documentary “The Eye of the Leopard” shot by noted wildlife filmakers Deryck and Beverly Joubert. On the last day Lagadema killed an impala and hoisted it in a tree. She and her cubs then proceded to feed throughout the afternoon.

Below are a few photos that I took. Enjoy!