Visitors 2
Modified 7-Sep-23
Created 6-Sep-23
75 photos
Quiet on a bluff above the Runde River, we watch a succession of elephant groups take turns moving across the sand, to the riverside – where they could drink and bathe. Many stopped short of the river to dig in the sand for fresh water. It is such a joy to watch these settled beings make their way together – led by a wise female, including all ages (big bulls tend to keep a bit to themselves). Such affection! Leaning on each other, draping a trunk across another’s back, deliberately walking together after the prime female makes sure it is safe. When one group encounters another, they exchange greetings. Youngsters play, learn to dig for water, and are encouraged to get back up and keep up. A peaceful afternoon.
Earlier, we encounter a large herd of Impalas, standing alert beneath ancient Baobab trees, then taking off with giant leaps. Nyala serenely watched them go. By their appearance, the tan, striped, lithe females might belong to a different species from the much darker male with his festive white spots and stripes, bulky muscles, and impressive horns.
Sunset to this full day was capped by the vision of the crescent Moon following the Sun toward the cloudless horizon, accompanied by a bright planet: Venus?
Then a surprise: a Spotted Hyena next to the road. Apparently unused to night-time lights or tourists, it calmly sat down in the middle of the road to wait us out. After a while, it wandered off, and we continued back home.
We also saw Zebras (with traditional striping – not the disordered spots seen on some rumps); a Blue Wildebeest; a White Crowned Lapwing; and some scary-looking Southern Ground Hornbills, with their bare red necks and faces standing out against their black feathers and huge beaks. And ubiquitous Baobab trees, some with birdnests in their branches.
A nearby gallery showcases more elephant behaviors seen today, especially the antics of baby elephants. I split these off so not to overwhelm you with cuteness. Look at your own risk!
Earlier, we encounter a large herd of Impalas, standing alert beneath ancient Baobab trees, then taking off with giant leaps. Nyala serenely watched them go. By their appearance, the tan, striped, lithe females might belong to a different species from the much darker male with his festive white spots and stripes, bulky muscles, and impressive horns.
Sunset to this full day was capped by the vision of the crescent Moon following the Sun toward the cloudless horizon, accompanied by a bright planet: Venus?
Then a surprise: a Spotted Hyena next to the road. Apparently unused to night-time lights or tourists, it calmly sat down in the middle of the road to wait us out. After a while, it wandered off, and we continued back home.
We also saw Zebras (with traditional striping – not the disordered spots seen on some rumps); a Blue Wildebeest; a White Crowned Lapwing; and some scary-looking Southern Ground Hornbills, with their bare red necks and faces standing out against their black feathers and huge beaks. And ubiquitous Baobab trees, some with birdnests in their branches.
A nearby gallery showcases more elephant behaviors seen today, especially the antics of baby elephants. I split these off so not to overwhelm you with cuteness. Look at your own risk!
Dan Quinn