Page 54 - Discover Botswana 24th Edition 2024

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PHOTO ESSAY
wait for those graphical moments. I have found
that I’ve become better and better over the years at
the anticipation. I’ve gained understanding of the
behaviour of the individual animals and learned
that every species is different. Becoming familiar
with your subjects and how to fly around them isn’t
easy; it takes much time and dedication.
Botswana is renowned for its remarkable
biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife
photographers. From the Okavango Delta’s serene
waters teeming with hippos, to the Chobe River’s
elephants and the Kalahari Desert’s migratory
zebra, Botswana boasts a plethora of photographic
opportunities.
Measuring almost 40-metres deep, over an area of
eight million hectares, Lake Makgadikgadi was once
one of the world’s super lakes. Formed millions of
years ago, it covered the Kalahari before drying up
and creating what is now part of one of the world’s
largest salt pans – and one of Africa’s most unique
locations to experience. The landscape here changes
dramatically with the seasons. The summer rains
(November to April) transform the pans, creating
shallow lakes which attract thousands of flamingos
and other extraordinary birdlife.
With the helicopter doors lying in the grass back
in Jack’s camp, there is very little between me and
the Makgadikgadi salt pans hundreds of feet below.
The Robinson 44, expertly flown by a different
Jack, one of Helicopter Horizons’ pilots, enables
us to cover huge areas of the salt pans in search of
migrating zebra and flamingo. As I lean over the
edge, gripping the camera close, I forget my fear of
heights, focused entirely on the moment.
Previous pages: A pod of hippos conveys a
powerful and harmonious sight in the muddy
flood waters of the Okavango Delta. Reflecting
a sense of unity, strength, and mutual support,
each member fulfils its role within the complex
hierarchy, contributing to the growth and
survival of the group as a whole.
Top right: The Okavango’s watery wilderness is
home to large populations of hippo. At times,
one can see lone bulls ousted from the pods
on maturing.
Right: The Makgadikgadi Pans is the centre of
an ancient lake that has seen the coming and
going of people and wildlife over the millennia.
Lekubu island stands out as granite outcrop
on the edge of the pans that attracts not only
visitors to the region, but it also holds spiritual
significance in the country.