Leopard Cub with Carcass in Tree

Leopard cub tackles an impala carcass pulled up on to the tree branch by his mom. He has to eat it without it falling off the limb.

Yellow Hornbill in Acacia

Yellow Hornbill settling on an Acacia tree. The Yellow Hornbill and the Acacia are both very evident in the Okavango.

Wild Dog in Repose

To my amazement This Wild Dog allowed us to get close and photograph him. After 6 trips to Africa this was my first real encounter with this fabulous animal.

Wild Dog Moving Off

This Wild Dog is taking off and is actually moving rather quickly. The African Wild Dog is built to run.

Baby Elepahnt

The baby fuzz is still visible on this little elephant. How can you not love this little one?

Time for a Frolic

After a hard day in the sun, guarding her kill from vultures. This large lioness rolled onto her back and fooled around as the sun came down.

Lioness with her Zebra Kill

The prides in this part of Botswana had fallen apart. Maned males came over from Namibia, but did not stay. Our guide, familiar with these denizens, felt this female had been on her own for a long time. He pointed out her powerful and muscular build, bigger than the average female in a pride. When we found her it was late afternoon, terribly hot and she was protecting her kill. She had brought down a zebra and did not want the vultures to get it. As night fell she relaxed, cooled off, fooled around and actually ate.

Elephant Family and Mud Bath

The very little elephant is hauling herself out of the mud puddle bath. Mom is already working on her dust bath.

Baby Elephant Covered With Mud

Elephant family moves on from the river. The tiny little baby has covered herself in mud. Her elders contue to blow and toss sand.

Crested Barbet at Gomoti

Beautiful birds flit around the camp's food, but the people in charge are very strict and do not let them have people snacks. This is a feisty little bird.

Hadeda Ibis

The Hadeda Ibis is plentiful in Botswana. The name of this bird is the onomatopoeia of it's call; haa haa de baa

Blond Maned Lion with Blood on His Muzzle

Blond maned lion with blood on his muzzle, part of a coalition of two. Both lions were very relaxed and basically laid down and went to sleep. It looked like they were eating a cape buffalo. The carcass was open at the gut and the lions' faces were full of blood. At first I thought the carcass was of a warthog, but it was much too big. I do not know if these were the only lions involved in bringing down the prey.

Blond Maned Lion with Blood on His Muzzle

Blond maned lion with blood on his muzzle, part of a coalition of two. Both lions were very relaxed and basically laid down and went to sleep. It looked like they were eating a cape buffalo. The carcass was open at the gut and the lions' faces were full of blood. At first I thought the carcass was of a warthog, but it was much too big. I do not know if these were the only lions involved in bringing down the prey.

Leopard and Kill

Leopards have powerful short legs and can drag up to three times their own weight into a tree.

Leopard in the Sun

A shaft of sunlight lit up this powerful leopard. Leopards are stealthy and nocturnal, but we were lucky to see several of them in August.

Leopard on Branch

This is a typical leopard pose. How lucky we were to catch her so relaxed and in the light.

Leopard on Branch

This is a typical leopard pose. She looks like her stomach is full and she is straddling the branch as if it was a cushioned bench. Leopards will sit like this for long periods looking left, center, right, keeping track of all activity.

Weaverbird nests

Amazing architects, the weaver bird nests are used not only for their own chicks but for other creatures once the weavers leave.

Steenbok

Steenbok, Steinbok or Steinbuck-this adorable little antelope is only 16" to 24" high at the shoulder.

Early Morning Light on Big Male Leopard

This big male leopard seemed to prefer to be just outside of camp. He was strolling and sniffing, scent marking as he went.

Male Leopard Scent Marking

He is rubbing the scent glands on his cheeks and behind his whiskers on to the tree, just the way our little leopards do it at home.

Male Leopard Scent Marking

This male leopard was strolling, sniffing and scent marking as he went. I love that the image shows the amazing camouflage this cat has.

Male Leopard

Leopards are nocturnal, the start of our day was the end of his. He was very casual about us. With the new long lenses and big sensors one can photographically capture an animal while maintaining distance.

Resting Male Leopard

Okay, he's handsome!