We booked a day trip safari with Get Your Guide, an excellent service that we had used before.

We were picked up at 7.30 for the 90-minute drive to the border post at Kazungula. As we approached from the Zambian side on the Kazungula Bridge, we could see three other countries – Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe. Any advance on that anybody?

Formalities were swift and efficient and before long we pulled into a riverside hotel where we would be starting our safari. We were in the Chobe National Park and would be starting with a speedboat cruise of the Chobe River.

Chobe National Park

Time for a coffee and comfort break before clambering onto our boat with eight others. After a safety briefing we were off. Our skipper and guide was incredibly knowledgeable about all the flora & fauna and knew exactly where to take us for the best sightings.

Crocodile

First up on our wildlife bingo card were crocodiles. Some with just their eyes visible as they lurked just below the surface, others basking on the riverbank. All looked menacing and ready for their brunch!

Hippos

Next up were my personal favourites, the hippos. Hippopotamus is a Greek word meaning horse of the river. What a great life they lead – no predators, abundant food and spending the majority of their time swimming, wallowing in the mud or basking in the sunshine.

They are also the biggest human killers out there (if you discount mosquitoes). Despite their size they can run on land at 35mph, with most of their victims trampled to death rather than being bitten in two in their huge jaws. Washing & bathing can be a dangerous business!

Elephants

The lords of the jungle love the water of course. To see them cavorting in the water, spraying each other through their trunks and trumpeting with delight is a joy to behold.

At one point we were extremely lucky enough to witness a herd crossing from the main riverbank to an island in the middle of the river. You could see the mother elephants pushing and cajoling their young across. Wonderful. View some of this crossing by clicking ELLIES.

They also like to cover themselves in mud. This acts as a coolant, sun protection and moisturiser. Factor 100 for very tough skins.

Antelope

We saw impalas, water buck & kudu. Antelope are often dismissed on safari as they are not one of the big beasts. However they are beautiful creatures. If I saw a single deer in England I’d be delighted, so what’s not to get excited about by these graceful beasts?

Birdlife

We saw all sorts. Storks, herons, egrets, and many more that I do not know the names of. Just enjoy the gallery and name them yourself if you can.

Buffalo

I saw buffalo for the first time in my life, the 4th of the Big 5 for me (leopard still to go).

They are also big people killers, with frequent deaths & injuries reported at the hooves & horns of the giant bovine creatures. I was always of the view that hippos were a more worthy Big 5 member, but having got close up I can see why they are in.

Lizard

We also spotted a Nile Monitor Lizard.

After a lovely vegetarian lunch back at the hotel, it was time for the overland safari part of the day in Chobe National Park.

We again saw elephants, antelope and big birds, plus giraffes.

We were again wowed by a family of elephants. This time the giant beasts ambled sedately & silently in front of us. See the video by clicking ELLIES 2.

Lions

Some lions had feasted on a young buffalo that morning. We found them sleeping off their substantial meal.

Coming next Nairobi……..