Kuifie in Africa, Khwai Tales; Allover the Watchtower, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa

The Khwai River area holds an abundance of wilderness and wildlife, nature and adventure.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Expression @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Anywhere I turned the corner, a new chapter had opened.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Impression @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Too many impressions to put our tales into long written exercises.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Open wetlands @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

The grassy wetlands are extremely popular by the herbivore kind.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Hartebeest @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

It doesn’t come as any surprise that fresh green grass is favored by hoofed animals, big and tall.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Lookers @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Zebras in particular are plentiful along the shores of the River Khwai.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Small herd @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

They move on and along in smaller herds as we moved amongst them.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Sepia @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Zebras are always skittish unless amongst one another.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Close-up @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Zimba’s coat takes the edge of an early escape which gives me an opportunity to portrait.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Oh Brother! @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

In fact, all animals are mesmerized by this turbo diesel zebra. My oh my.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Nervous @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Exceedingly big strong water buffalo are not sure of what to think about Zimba.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Hide to seek @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Is it…? It can’t be!? Which is a good thing.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Bushtrapped @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

At least they don’t see us as a threat. If they see us at all. Buffalo have poor eyesight.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Prime @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Visualize having a ton of muscle and horn running towards you. No thanks.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Moving @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Consistent though they move around us frequently to stop and double-check.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Ox pecking order @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Ox peckers are extremely fond of the buffalo menu, all-you-can-eat. Ticks, lice, worms, flies and mozzies.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Black and white @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Egrets often follow grazers to pick up escaping insects and frogs. Standing tall back on track, they opt for a picturesque adaptation.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Inside View @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Herbivores don’t get taller than these. It is believed that giraffes originated from the Okapi, which live in dense forests further up north.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Viewpoint @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

This lone giraffe bull stood still in front of us to regurgitate his breakfast.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Chew Chew @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

It is quite a sight to see this food elevator in action. Up and down we go.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Picker @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Giraffes are easily spooked as well, but not this morning. I made the most of this close upportunity. So did the oxpeckers.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Bucks Bunny @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Waterbucks kept in smaller groups and look enchanting in early morning sunlight.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Paralell @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Black and white suits just as well.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Waters edge @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Letchwe are specialized to escape in shallow waters from approaching dangers.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Roaming @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

The water makes it impossible to sneak up on prey.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Ready darling? @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Like all antelope, Letchwe has good hearing. And an acute sense of smell.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
After a while crocodile @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

Ambush hunters enjoyed a day out in the sun. The grasslands are kept short which will stand no cover.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Camouflage @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

And no likelihood of a hunter’s element. The element of surprise.

Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa
Unmoved @Khwai River, Okavango, Botswana, Africa

One might as well move on.

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