August 13
We went for another set of boat and Jeep drives this morning and saw two new types of antelope (not just new to this trip, new ever for us). The highlight of the morning, though, was finally being able to get a picture (after three frustrating days of trying) of a black crake, a small wading bird with bright red legs and an uncanny ability to disappear into the undergrowth as soon as a camera is raised in its direction. While not all of our group are birders, everyone got into the spirit of competition with this small avian adversary.
In the afternoon we flew southeast across the Okavango Delta to our final camp, Gomoti. This camp is in an area that originally flooded with the rest of the delta, but seismic shifts have diverted the water flow and it is now dry except for the rainy season. We had tea at a watering hole near the airstrip, with a family of elephants as our company. On the drive to the camp, we saw three owlets and two honey badgers. The camp itself is far more rustic than the others on this trip. It is much closer to a platform tent and the meals are basic but tasty. Animals, including hyenas, elephants and lions, routinely come through the camp at night. There is an artificial water hole in front of the dining pavilion, which also attracts animals. As at other camps we have to be escorted to and from our tent once darkness falls. Tonight our escort was delayed because he had to wait for a hyena to leave the main area, and we saw a springhare on our way back after dinner. It is incredibly quiet here, and the stars look amazing as there is no ambient light.
Pictured: honey badgers, black crake, pearl spotted owlet
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