Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Rhino sanctuary

We spent a day at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana and were lucky enough to spot the young one of a giraffe. The lighting was perfect and they just paused from their grazing to look at us.
Their gait looks majestic. Unlike other animals when they walk, both the left legs move forward and then both the right.
Spotted many Rhinos (some very close) and they did not mind us clicking away. Reminded me of the movie Hatari which I saw in the early sixties.
For those of you who are not familiar with the movie, here is the famous song Baby Elephant from the movie.
Once again we were lucky to spot a young Rhino who tried to keep pace with her mother.
The blue wildebeest is a herbivore, feeding primarily on short grass. It moves about in herds and is famous for the Masai Mara migration.
This Eland stood staring at us for some time (as if posing for us) and then simply turned and walked off. Elands are supposed to be the biggest in the antelope family.
Spotted an ostrich far away taking in the morning sunlight.
The warthog digging the ground for food. When feeding, they bend their front foot and it looks like they are on their knees.
The greater kudu, a warthog and a Rhino in perfect harmony.
Having his morning fill.
Kori Bustard is the largest flying bird native to Africa, in fact the male may be the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The male attempts to breed with as many females as possible and then takes no part in the raising of the young ones. I could just manage to capture him as he took off (as seen in the video)
The crimson breasted shrike kept hopping around and I could not get a good shot of her.
We waited at the watering hole where most of the birds came to quench their thirst. I could not keep track of all the birds so I just panned my camera slowly along the edge and captured as much as I could.
The Helmeted guineafowl seems to be the biggest bird coming for water. Here you see it with a go-away bird. Had written about the "Go away" bird in the previuos blog.
Below you see the guineafowl with a golden breasted bunting.
There were some ring necked doves among other birds
The Blacksmith Lapwing (plover) made a dash in front of our vehicle.
A pair of southern yellow billed hornbills were busy feeding and not allowing any other birds anywhere close.
Even through the thicket one can see his curious eyes
The approximate location of the sanctuary in Botswana.

20 comments:

J. S. Vila said...

A very adventurer and beautiful travel in this African natural área, and reservatión park for this Wild animals.

Trees said...

This is like getting the lottery. Sighting so many animals. Fantastic!

Liz A. said...

What an amazing place.

Milind Bodas said...

Lovely!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy viewing and reading about a wide variety of animals and birds👌👌.... thanks for sharing "beautifully presented" 👍👍👏👏 - Judaline

Raj Sharma said...

Joe, very lucky that you could see the Rhinos. On our last trip to southern Africa, we could not spot any Rhinos.
Great pictures!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful animals and a great visit to the Sanctuary.
Great series of photos.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Amazing wildlife shots, Haddock!

Ed said...

You say majestic but I think a giraffe is a quite ungainly creature. Have you seen the new born one in the news that doesn't have spots? It is just completely the brown color that go around the "spots". Until I saw that news clip, I would have guessed the other way around.

I'm a bit younger probably so when I think rhino movies, I think of the scene out of Jim Carey and the Pet Detective where his undercover rhino fan malfunctions.

Beautiful pictures as always!

Jeanie said...

This looks like such a marvelous trip. Those animals are magnificent!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful captures and glad you are getting to enjoy the wild of Botswana.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Such beautiful animals, oh what a wonderful trip

Elephant's Child said...

What a privilege to see these birds and animals. Thank you for sharing your photos.

roentare said...

These rhinos look spectacular. So many angles to their shapes.

Anonymous said...

Superb!!!!

Anonymous said...

Awesome as usual
George Joseph

Lady M said...

Wow - cool trip and lots of beautiful birds.

A Casa Madeira said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
A Casa Madeira said...

Sorry that comment above was wrong.
I couldn't delete it.
But nice to discover your blog.
janicce.

Lisabella Russo said...

Wow, so many beautiful animals. Great photos!