Hunting & Hanging Around – August 2019
During our 3-day camping trip in Chobe National Park we were very excited to see lions, a leopard, and two honey badgers.
Lion Hunt – On our last morning game drive we parked on the sandy riverbank so Jerry could easily photograph a hamerkop. Taking advantage of her break from driving, Tapiwa used her binoculars to search the area just beyond the bird for lions and other interesting creatures. She explained that the felines often lounge in the tall, dry, yellow grass in the mornings before it gets too hot. A minute or so later Susan looked westward up the riverbank and noticed 4 or 5 dark-colored creatures running through the grass. Thinking the animals were just more playful baboons, she decided to take a more detailed look through her binoculars. The fast-moving critters were actually tromping Cape buffalo, not a typical sight. Quickly Susan spotted the reason for their fast movement: at least five pairs of yellow ears running through the grass. Our first lion chase in Botswana!!! Tapiwa immediately drove closer along the riverbank so we could get a better view of the excitement. Unfortunately the hunt was very brief and the lionesses soon gave up their breakfast quest. But then the felines walked towards us and rested on the opposite of the river, so we were quite pleased to get a few photographs.
Still longing for the buffalo that got away 
I can see you, but this grass makes me almost invisible. 
Hanging Out With the Safari Vehicles – We were lucky to see a young male leopard three days in a row during our Chobe safari, always in the same area of the park. The first day he was walking along the road just before sunset and the next two mornings he lounged below or in shady branches right beside the road. Tourists in many other vehicles noticed him too, so he was well photographed!
I’ll just quickly slink across the road. 
Why are all these vehicles following me? 
If I don’t look at the tourists maybe they won’t notice me. 
Using my tongue to get rid of annoying flies takes so much less energy than flicking my tail or lifting a paw. 
It’s hard to be incognito with such a beautiful tail. 
Just trying to look like a friendly house cat. 
Is it nap time yet? 
It would be much easier to sleep if camera shutters weren’t so noisy.
Inquisitive Nocturnal Visitors – Seeing a honey badger is not a common occurrence, so we were thrilled to observe this type of critter both nights at our campsite. And the second night two honey badgers visited us! These weasels, also known as ratels, were quite intrigued with the candle luminaries made with plastic bags that defined the edge of our camping area and the burned out campfire. During the night they persistently investigated the kitchen area, even after being scared away by our camp staff. We later learned that honey badgers are not picky eaters and will readily eat mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, plants, fruit, eggs, roots, and leftovers from supper!
Several times during the middle of the second night we heard the omnivores walking quickly across the sand next to our tent and even scratching on our canvas tent walls with their long claws. Fortunately they were not able to get into our tent because honey badgers have a reputation for being mean and ferocious. Plus they have a skunk-like gland at the base of their tail that secretes a stinky liquid when the animals are in distress. They sometimes even act aggressively towards hyenas, lions, leopards, and porcupines, all creatures much braver, stronger, and smarter than us in the African bush.