Page 41 - Discover Botswana 2021

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
The big game is all here, almost waiting to be seen, to perform, to be photographed! The great cats – lion, leopard and cheetah – are probably the most desired species, especially for first time visitors. They may be spotted at any time of day, but are most often to be found in the cooler hours - in the half light of dawn, or evening twilight. Herds of buffalo are often several thousand strong. They might be quietly grazing on the floodplains, or might suddenly erupt into a striking stampede, creating thunderous vibrations through the ground, and clouds of dust into the air. The river itself is home to crocodiles, hippos and monitor lizards.
Then there are the antelope species, so varied in size and shape and behaviour. Red lechwe splash through the water in spectacular arcs and leaps, spraying shining droplets in the sunlight. The majestic kudu with its coiled horns, and the elusive puku, found in no other place in Botswana than the Chobe waterfront. The ever-graceful impala, some
calmly grazing, some standing, alert to predators, their silken ears twitching as they huddle together ready to dash at the first sign of danger. Zebra, baboon and giraffe blend into the landscape, mingling with the others in this tranquil panorama.
Perhaps the grandest of all these animals, is the gracious and humble African elephant which, despite its enormous bulk, blends quietly into this scene. The Chobe National Park boasts the world’s largest concentrated population of elephant, roaming freely over the vast open plains and the riverfront. Once the dry season begins, elephant seek the permanent waters of the Chobe River. Some live in Botswana year-round, others might have come from as far as Zimbabwe in search of water and fresh pastures. Large breeding herds move in, consisting of females, andyoungofvaryingages,anditisatrueprivilegeto spend time observing them in their natural habitat, learning about their feeding habits, parenting and social behaviour. The mothers in these herds raise
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