Gael back in Africa.

[Drumacoon Lad.]

This lizard may have been a stowaway, as I photographed him in Namibia, but this is a slightly better photo.

While eating my dinner this fellow came for a graze in the garden. He has the left tusk damaged, whereas the one yesterday had a missing right. The Warthog yesterday, got underneath the platform supporting the swimming pool and damaged a pipe, which the owner was repairing with fibre glass this morning.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Lastly, while sitting outside reception his morning, staring at my phone for news of the tube shipments, a gentleman spoke to me. We chatted, he came from Bolton. I asked how long had he been here, 50 years! What had he been doing, a wildlife vet. I casually asked if he'd written his memoirs and he said, in fact he had. They were coming out in a book, in UK later this year. We exchanged emails and he sent my the file below, which may interest some.

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[geotim]

This lizard may have been a stowaway, as I photographed him in Namibia, but this is a slightly better photo.

While eating my dinner this fellow came for a graze in the garden. He has the left tusk damaged, whereas the one yesterday had a missing right. The Warthog yesterday, got underneath the platform supporting the swimming pool and damaged a pipe, which the owner was repairing with fibre glass this morning. View attachment 524444

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Pumba !!

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

Well the tyre is inflated but not convinced yet, its the end of the saga. Anyway enough about tyres let's have some photos.

In the afternoon I was planning to join a wildlife boat trip on the Chobe river. Then I heard the other tourists had cancelled, however I was offered a trip, just for me and at a discounted price. I mentioned an interest in birds and he took that on board.

Firstly Pied Kingfishers.



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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Then the Woodland Kingfisher, feeds on insects in the woods.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Then a Malachite Kingfisher.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Then two more Kingfishers. Ideas welcome.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Then in order a Blue Cheeked Bee-eater, Southern Red Bishop and a Great Egrit.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

There were some animals that didn't have feathers. Like this little elephant family walking along the bank. Then the found some mud to splash on, but the little one just likes playing in it. Then it's time to move on and the baby reluctantly follows.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Hippo grazing and Buffalo with Oxpeckers.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

An African Darter, Fish Eagle and an anonymous, but pretty insect.

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

I'll finish on this guy, to conclude a wonderful afternoon.

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[richardbd]

Then two more Kingfishers. Ideas welcome.View attachment 524536View attachment 524537

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Pretty sure the top one is a half-collared kingfisher. Bottom one looks like it might be a grey-headed…

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

I think you are right Richard, on both counts.

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[richardbd]

I think you are right Richard, on both counts.

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Great photos (especially the darter) - keep ‘em coming…

 

[geotim]

I am so enjoying this thread, such great reminders of my life in Africa…

Keep posting, and keep travelling.

Wonderful continent.

 

[richardbd]

I am so enjoying this thread, such great reminders of my life in Africa…

Wonderful continent.

Ditto. Reminds me of time down there too.

In fact, I’m enjoying this (and Itchy Boots 5) so much, I’ve just signed up for Nairobi to Cape Town later this year!

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

Thanks for the comments.

Got the tyre finally fixed today and rode to Nata, through the national park. I'm in a campsite without charging facilities. Saw some elephants and giraffe. Will update more tomorrow.

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[jeffa]

Thank you, I love this thread. stay safe. regards

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

Thanks Jeff, seems I need to keep this updated

Well I can now talk more openly about my ride here yesterday and my thoughts before I set off. In my planning for the trip, this Kasane to Nata and on to Maun road, was one of the rides I was looking forward to most, as its hundreds of kilometers through a national park. I had an altercation with a elephant last time I passed, where he decided to charge me and I had to do a rapid U turn. Despite that, I hoped to see elephants and perhaps some giraffes.

A couple of things increased my anxiety however over the last few days, one was the tyre problems which challenged my confidence in the 100% reliability of the bike and the second issue were the lions. I'd heard story's before, that there were lions along this road, which I dismissed, but had it confirmed by wildlife rangers this time, that there is a pride of lions close to the road about 100km from Kasane. So I was a bit more nervous leaving Kasane than on other trips. In addition to these 2 concerns, the distance 305km, was beyond my tank capacity and I'd need reserves. I checked the tyre pressures at the fuel station and got the attendant to fill up to the brim and we headed off. I'd planned to average about 85km to help concerve fuel. I soon saw the signs telling me to be careful.

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