Part 1 here
We arrived in Kasane, at Pangolin Photo Safaris, the main focus of our Botswana trip, keen for a learning experience and wow, did we learn a lot here! Upon arrival, we met our photo host for the 6 days, Grant Atkinson, who ensured that we had an amazing experience here. We were also very lucky to be with a really pleasant group of people for the duration, who all contributed to making this a truly memorable experience.
The first 3 days were spent on the Pangolin houseboat, which required us to enter Namibia, even though the only time we set foot on land in Namibia was for the visit to the Immigration Office.
We just had time to settle in to our very comfortable accommodation on the houseboat before going on our first excursion on the Pangolin photo boats, which are brilliantly designed to give 8 photographers equal opportunity to get great shots and with very knowledgeable guides positioning the boats for the best shots.
Arriving back at the houseboat after our first afternoon excursion, we settled into our rhythm for the next 6 days, of downloading, sorting and backing up photos and video and charging camera batteries in order to be ready for the next session.
We also had to get used to the mealtime schedule being arranged around photographic excursions: early morning coffee and a rusk or light breakfast, brunch at 11:00 after returning from the morning session, high tea around 15:00 before the late afternoon photographic excursion and supper around 19:00 after returning. Sleep time was limited by the need to get the cameras ready for the next morning.
Next morning we greeted the sunrise on the water.
Ample birdlife was to be seen all around us as well as some beautiful water lillies.
The afternoon brought more elephants and a suggestion from Grant to try some high key photography, which openend my eyes to new possibilities.
Once again the birdlife was not to be forgotten
The next morning there were more hippos at sunrise,
followed by more birdlife
We were amused by the antics of two water monitors, trying to steal a crocodile’s eggs
The afternoon brought an elephant crossing the river, a hippo upset at us for getting too close and some baboon antics,
but the biggest surprise of all, was a Fish Eagle catching a huge catfish in the shallow water right in front of us. A long fight ensued, with the Fish Eagle trying to drag the struggling fish away from the water, while also being harassed by lapwings. After about 15 minutes, it was eventually able to settle down to its hard earned meal.
The next morning brought another hunt, this one less successful
Although the lions were looking hungry, the young ones still remained playful. I do hope the pride found some food later on.
This ended our 3 days on the houseboat. After brunch we departed for the hotel, first having to go through Immigration in order to officially exit Namibia and enter Botswana again.
Etienne's Camera 