The Tide Turns? – Where Are They Now?

As we moved from South Africa to Northern Botswanna and the Chobe River, we hoped our luck would change. We had photographed on the Chobe River on our trip last October (see here) and were excited when this trip included a return visit. We love being on the water and the unique perspective it provides to photograph the wonderful wildlife on the area.

So after an uneventful flight from Johannesburg to northern Botswana, we started on our first boat trip with high hopes that the tide had turned. But our hopes soon appeared to be premature, as an half hour into our trip the engine stalled. Our hearts went to our throats. We quickly discovered it was not serious (for our boat) as we had caught an (illegal) fishing net. While nobody had a knife and it took a while to clear, for the rest of our stay we were able to avoid the nets and motor unhindered.

Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population, and they did not disappoint us.

The presence of little ones (less than 1 year old) made for some very interesting sights when the elephants crossed the river, and the little ones couldn’t touch the bottom. Thank goodness trunks make great snorkels.

The river was very high, probably 10 feet higher than when we were there in October. That meant the big island in the middle of river was no more, but now a water lily covered wetland. The elephants loved it, and enthusiastically ate their way through the area.

Unfortunately the elephants appetite for Water Lillies was not good for the Jacanas, who made their home on the Lilly pads. They ate, laid their eggs and raised their eggs on them.