August 9
We began today with a slight sense of “what more is there to see here” although we know that seeing the same species doesn’t mean the same individual, context or behavior. Our trip leader is a great tracker, and we followed the footprints in the sandy road bed of two lions who had roared near the camp in the night — fifteen miles later we found them, a pair of your adult males who were in search of a good daytime napping spot. We got to within 15 feet of them, and they were even more beautiful than the pictures can show. Their overnight wandering was part of scouting the territory in order to try to takeover the current pride leader for this area. Contrary to popular wisdom, male lions can and do hunt for themselves in this sort of situation.
Then we heard that the leopard from yesterday had moved and was dozing in a tree not far from the lions. We thought there might be an altercation but the lions did not choose to chase her away. On our way back toward our camp we saw a male ostrich in fully breeding plumage, which means he has a bright pink bill and matching stripes on the front of his legs. We also saw kudu, wildebeest (gnus) and a herd of elephants protecting their young ones, who were taking a nap. Then we went home for lunch and a nap of our own!
Before our afternoon drive, we learned a bit more about Botswana, particularly the northern and western areas. Many species migrate across the borders with Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and even Angola, following the rains and the seasons. Combatting poaching and conserving species requires cooperation across these nations, and World Wildlife Fund helped negotiate a five nation treaty that not only works to benefit animals but the people living in the region by encouraging ecotourism.
Pictured: male lion, crested barbet, ostrich 
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