Day 2 at Chobe National Park, Baobab Lodge

Our drumbeat at 5:30 a.m. called us to breakfast. We were told to prepare for a long day out in the bush. We would be having a picnic lunch. The chef was there to prepare an omelet to order along with cereal, fruit, etc. We switched guides and had Onys, a huge Botswanan. Monty who had shown me my room when I arrived went along to prepare "Botswanan peanut and butter sandwiches" which turned out to be chicken, pasta, cornbread, salad and the usual beer, wine, sodas, etc.!







As we headed in, Steve from Kansas were on the atop row this time as we also switch a levels. There are 3, lower in front and moving back. We stopped to talk to another guide who apparently told Onys about some lions he had seen. So we held on tightly as we hauled ass through the bush. Onys drove off the road a bit as the lions weighing an "African salute" meaning we saw only their rears as they were headed away from us. We pulled up alongside and were breathless as a handsome male and his harem of four lionesses lay around in front of us. Two of them began to mate and it was "slam bam, thank you, ma'am" I read where they will mate 3 or 4 times in an hour. It didn't look like much exertion or reaction on either part! Just then our other vehicle showed up and were able to get some shots. Very exciting start to the morning!







This was followed by Cape Buffalo close up sitting on the trail side, rare Roan antelope with beautifully marked faces that are shy and kept running away, four hippos bathing in the river (we will get a closer view at our next c amp).







Next were two crocodiles (new learning - when their mouth is closed, their teeth are on the outside - not so on an alligator who has also a more rounded snout.







A small tortoise stopped us in the middle of the path as he was crossing. A dead carcass of a Cape buffalo was at the roadside. A mama warthog guided her four babies down to the water. Two water monitor lizards sunned themselves on the bank. We saw a lot of giraffes but not up close enough.







At lunch we had a real bathroom and picnic tables! We also had a vervet monkey who proceeded to jump my plate and in seconds make off with a leg and cornbread! I finished my lunch holding a long stick and chased him off a couple of times when he came near, back up into the tree!







On our way back to camp we slowed down to see the Cori Bustard, a heavy bird who can fly but usually doesn't. The male and female are pretty identical. Lots of kudu and impalas were seen.







A cool dip in the pool was refreshing and then we dashed for our cabins as the storm started. Tonight we were told to wear "our dancing shoes". Think the staff will sing and perform for us on our last night..



Leaving Chobe and flying to Okavango Delta. Terrific!