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BOTSWANA, DAY 2

The entire day at this lodges run like clockwork which suits someone like me who loves an itinerary!

THE DOGS WERE RUNNING SO WE KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP

After getting over the ordeal of last night we were met with yet another friend outside out tent, a baby hippo. These animals are incredibly deceiving as the infants are the most adorable animals you will see!

SPOILT ALREADY

We had our first safari drive this morning and it was such a buzz to see a host of animals such as elephants, zebras and a whole lot of Impalas! It was a perfect way to get a taste for what we could expect but what was to follow blew all our expectations out of the water.

TIPS….

  • Mornings and evenings are the best time for game drives
  • The predators usually stay low during the daytime as it is usually too hot
Baboon in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush

LEOPARD

Our afternoon drive started off with a stunning sighting of a leopard up a tree, enjoying the a break from the sun. You could forgive any animal for walking underneath and falling victim as it took the guides to point it out, you generally don’t look up!

It was also the place were I would be reunited with my bag which turned out to be someone elses, the chances of seeing mine again were dwindling to say the least!

WILD DOGS

During the afternoon drive we always stop for a drink and a snack, which can be epic when you remember that you are actually in the middle of the Okavango Delta. The thought that there could be any number of animals surrounding you or sussing you out is just incredible.

On our way to drinks there was a bit of commotion when we came across a pack of Wild Dogs, an species that is very much endangered. The guide and driver new something was up and their actions gave the impression a chase was currently underway.

Leopard on a tree in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush

WILD DOGS….

  • Also known as Painted Wolves
  • They live in groups of between two and 30 dogs.
  • They are incredibly bonded
  • The average wild dog litter consists of 10 pups, the highest number of any canid.
  • Generally, only the dominant male and female breed, whilst the other adults help bring up the pups.

THE CHASE

It is incredible to see that each dog knows the part it has in the hunt, even though there seemed to be very little communication. As we drove on more and more dogs joined the pack and ran past us, this was a sure sign an ambush was about to happen.

Within only a few minutes we came across a group of dogs now devouring an Impala and could now hear the calls for the rest of the pack to join. We were now maybe 50 yards from the carcass and could see the dogs were still on high alert considering what they have.

Wild dogs feeding in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush

WILD DOGS….

  • Wild dogs have a much higher kill rate than lions or leopards.
  • They hunt in packs during dawn and dusk which helps them bring down the bigger animals.
  • No two dogs have the same markings and colorations.
  • They can run as fast as 45 miles per hour and have stamina to outlast most of their prey.
David Simpson and family in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush

Nice family photo…..

David Simpson and family in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush

But always have to keep our wits!

SUN DOWNERS

Heading on, our evening drinks were only another 100 yards away from the kill but its rare for the wild animals to ever been an issue out here, which I was surprised at! This was another one of those pinch yourself moments. I was chilling out and enjoying a gin and tonic all while watching a pack of Wild Dogs devour an Impala!

Evening drinks in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush
Wild dog resting in Botswana, Africa. A wild dog ambush

FINAL THOUGHTS

This holiday is soon turning into the best yet!

NEXT UP

Sunset boat trip tomorrow Click to read

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
122/229

This post is part of the Southern Africa Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.

Question Time

  • Have you been on Safari.
  • Have you seen a kill before, what did you think?
  • What is your favourite safari animal?

Let me know in the comments below . . .

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SH*TING NEXT TO AN ELEPHANT
AN OWL & AFRICAN SUNSETS

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