Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls Wildlife Safari 18 th to 29 th June 2017 (12 days) Trip Report

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1 Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls Wildlife Safari 18 th to 29 th June 2017 (12 days) Trip Report Lion by André Bernon Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, André Bernon

2 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Tour Summary The wildlife haven that is Botswana definitely delivered on this mobile safari tour. We started in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. A memorable charter flight over the Delta gave us fantastic aerial views of this oasis, with the great expanse thereof only being really appreciated from the air. We visited Moremi, Khwai and the Chobe Parks and had many great sightings and memories to cherish. The roar of a huge male Lion, African Wild Dogs on the hunt, Leopard on a kill and another with tiny cubs, many African Elephants with small calves, Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Spotted Hyaena den with small pups, Aardwolf, Honey Badger and Bat-eared Foxes were just some of the mammalian highlights. Moving on to one of the Seven Wonders of the World Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-tunya as it is locally named (which means the smoke that thunders ) was another highlight, as we experienced the roar of the mighty Zambezi River tumbling down about 320 feet. A fantastic experience for all and memories made to cherish for a lifetime. We all had finally arrived in the landlocked country of Botswana and congregated at the Maun International Airport for our private charter flight into the famed Okavango Delta. Our Cessna Caravan gave us all window seats to enjoy the great spectacle which is the Delta, from the air. The great mass of water was astounding and we even managed to spot some African Elephant, Southern Lechwe and Hippopotamus, in the myriad of swampland and mopane scrub, from the air. Our short thirty-minute flight had us lining up the Xakanaxa runway and after a smooth landing, we were met by our local guide with "open-air" safari vehicle in tow. After a quick acquaintance, we all jumped in and made our way to our first "home" within the famed Moremi Game Reserve. Okavango Delta from the air by André Bernon Charter plane by André Bernon The Okavango and surroundings are considered to be one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa. The large Zambezi River used to make its way through this harsh landscape millennia ago; flowing into the Limpopo River basin. Due to the uplift of the Great Rift, the flow was cut off and thus created an inland "sea". After largely drying up, the area surrounding the Okavango Delta became rich in minerals and now produces fantastic grazing, with sweet grass abound. En route we saw tonnes of Smith's Bush Squirrels, many Impala, a few Greater Kudu and even an African Elephant which had decided to give us the "cold shoulder". The mopane scrub gave way to pristine woodland which mainly consisted of huge

3 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Mopani, Rain-tree and African Ebonies, with fantastic grass savanna in between. Great birds seen en route included Arnott's Chat, Bennett's Woodpecker, Southern Black Tit, the stunning Greater Blue-eared and Burchell's Starlings and many Southern Red-billed Hornbill. Driving into our mobile camp, we were greeted by the friendly smiles of our camp team who had erected a magnificent site for us, in the middle of the African bush. This was by no means camping, but rather "glamping" glamorous camping! Luxurious tents and fine dining African style, with our own personal chef who produced scrumptious and fresh meals in the African bush using only primitive techniques and fire. African sunset by André Bernon After making ourselves at home, we were whisked away on a short drive before sunset. A pan nearby was our first stop, and we immediately spotted a massive Goliath Heron in pursuit of something tasty. A stunning African Fish Eagle looked on in the perfect afternoon glow. African Jacanas jumped over the lilies and African Darters hunted for fish. Another small pond nearby was covered with green algae and we were surprised when a log turned into a massive, lone Hippopotamus bull. A family of Egyptian Geese looked on with small goslings in tow. We made our way back, witnessing some Red-billed and Swainson's Spurfowls with chicks too; arriving back at camp with a roaring campfire to enjoy. After a welcoming shower under the African stars, we settled down for a drink, watching the fire and chatting about our day s adventure and what tomorrow s plans would entail. A lovely dinner saw us retiring to bed for a good night s rest; listening to African Scops Owl before the early start the following day. Slaty Egret by Markus Lilje We woke to the roar of some big male Lions, and had a hearty breakfast before sunrise and our adventure began. Setting out to explore Moremi, we quickly found some new mammals in the form of Southern Lechwe, Giraffe and Plains Zebra on the open plains. Good bird sightings included the monotypic Hamerkop, an Okavango special the Slaty Egret, Meyer's Parrot, Brubru, African Grey Hornbill, Black-backed Puffback and even Pearlspotted Owlet. We picked up on some Lion spoor on a sandy track and went in hot pursuit. A nice surprise was finding two Honey Badgers who quickly disappeared unfortunately. A great sighting

4 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls nonetheless of this seldom seen and fearless mammal! We followed the spoor until we reached a deadend, as they had moved onto an island that was not accessible. Carrying on with our exploration, we found more of the swamp-loving Southern Lechwe, prehistoric Nile Crocodile and a couple of Giraffe with some calves practising geophagy feeding on minerals on the edge of a pan. A fast receding pan gave us good looks at how Saddle-billed and Yellow-billed Storks feed. The iconic Bateleur, Hooded Vulture, and Double-banded and Burchell's Sandgrouse were a nice surprise, and an African Skimmer showed off in flight amongst some hirundines in the form of the uncommon Grey-rumped Swallow and Banded Martin. We made our way back after a nice cup of coffee and biscuits, surrounded by Meves's Starlings; bumping into a huge African Buffalo bull running across the road, before reaching our camp for an early midday lunch. After filling our bellies, we had a siesta, post shower, and woke relaxed and ready for some afternoon tea and cake. Another adventure ensued, and before jumping onto our safari vehicle, we spotted a few African Elephants meandering along their normal route, right next to our camp! We watched these gentle giants on foot, only to notice the impressive Southern Ground Hornbill in hot pursuit. We quickly got wind of the male Lions that had been found near our camp! We made our way but got distracted by a large troop of Vervets, quickly followed by Southern Lechwe by Markus Lilje a massive troop of Chacma Baboons! We watched these comical creatures as they fed alongside a gang of Banded Mongoose and some Impala. We continued and later found two male Lions resting right next to the road! Knowing that dominant male Lions can sleep for up to twenty hours a day, we enjoyed the view as the one rolled over a few times, even sitting up to glare into our eyes, just a few metres from us. As the sun began to set, we had to make our way home and enjoyed a great beef fillet with the campfire roaring in the background. A quick search for the African Scops Owl above our heads gave us great views before some rest after a long and successful day in the African bush. Banded Mongoose by Cuan Rush We woke, once again to an early morning breakfast, before exploring a different section of Moremi. This time we made our way north-east, passing a journey of Giraffe, many herds of Impala and flock after flock of Helmeted Guineafowls. We enjoyed a quick rest-stop only to find some bats roosting under the thatch roof of the men's toilet! Some careful examination revealed them to be the odd-looking Egyptian Slit-faced Bat! A small flock of Knob-billed Duck were seen at a small watering hole, followed by a large flock of

5 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls the special Hartlaub's Babbler, accompanied by Jameson's Firefinch, Black-crowned Tchagra, Greybacked Camaroptera and Yellow-throated Petronia. We reached an area known as Paradise Pan and found fresh spoor of a large male Leopard. Following the spoor, we bumped into a large African Elephant, which gave us excellent views. Unfortunately, the Leopard spoor headed into a dense area, so we made our way deeper into the swamp after spotted a pair of Senegal Coucal. Upon reaching the swamp, we enjoyed the tiny African Pygmy Goose, followed by the massive Coppery-tailed Coucal. We stumbled upon a huge "bachelor" herd of Southern Lechwe, which consisted of only males. After a sighting of a Saddle-billed Stork and Capped Wheatear, we enjoyed some tea and coffee with swampland surrounding us and Southern Lechwe looking very confused at us and our antics. We managed views of both Chirping and Luapula Cisticolas here, which are both Okavango endemics, and we were also lucky to have brief glimpses of a rare Spotted-necked Giraffe by David Shackelford Otter! On our way back, we saw two majestic Greater Kudu bulls which were in their prime. We watched these large browsing antelope for some time before stopping to view a tower of Giraffe. Whilst viewing the Giraffe, a mixed species flock of birds came about, which consisted of Arnott's Chat, Crested Barbet, Cardinal Woodpecker, White-crested Helmetshrike and Common Scimitarbill. We meandered back for a tasty lunch before our well-deserved siesta and a sighting of a Bearded Woodpecker in camp. Our afternoon exploration had us heading south-west, to the third bridge area, and we managed to find Common Wildebeest, African Elephant showing us who is boss, Plains Zebra, Southern Lechwe, Giraffe, Vervet, Impala and Greater Kudu. Some Kittlitz's and White-fronted Plovers entertained us, as well as three young Nile Crocodiles warming themselves in the sun as ectotherms do. An African Marsh Harrier quartered the marsh. A Red-crested Korhaan gave us superb views as it fed and a Southern White-crowned Shrike was also new. We made our way back as the sun began to set and a special sighting of a rare Black Coucal was enjoyed as it crept through the sedges, and a Giraffe with a stunning sunset in the background made for an impressive view. A bush dinner under the stars was most welcome upon our return. We sat around the fire after dinner, noting our sightings for the day as we heard the loud call of the dominant male Leopard just down the road! A wonderful ending to another great day in Africa! Greater Kudu by Adam Riley The following morning started with a huge male Lion roaring within close proximity in a northerly direction. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading out well before sunrise. Our

6 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls bags were packed as we were shifting camp today, leaving Moremi for the game-abundant Khwai Community area north of Moremi Game Reserve. We had a lot in store before making our way there, as we started to track the Lions we had heard roaring a little while earlier. We searched the sandy roads for their spoor and eventually picked up on the spoor of two males. Some skilful tracking soon found us the same two males we had seen two days before. They lay down in the open, posing as they do, so majestically. The larger male was the dominant male for this area and he glowed in the morning rays as the sun rose above the tree-tops a truly magical sighting! He proceeded to grunt a few times and took to a roaring position. We waited in anticipation for some time before our efforts paid off and we were treated to the magnificent power of a male Lion s roar! It echoed down the valley and sent shivers down our spines! Truly remarkable, and a memory to treasure! We African Wild Dogs by Adam Riley moved onwards, after having this sighting to ourselves. We rounded a couple of corners only to find one of the world s rarest canids African Wild Dogs! We couldn't believe our luck as we watched a pack of seven as they interacted with one another after clearly devouring an Impala! We watched this pack for some time in the early morning sun as they made their way closer to our vehicle and off into the African landscape! An adrenaline pumping morning for sure! We drove on, letting the nerves settle after a bumper morning, getting looks at Western Banded Snake Eagle, Marico Sunbird, a group of Little Bee-eaters, Ashy Flycatcher, Swamp Boubou, Saddle-billed Stork, Slaty Egret, Rufous-bellied Heron and Bennett's Woodpecker. Southern Lechwe kept us company as we enjoyed some morning tea and coffee. Here, we also managed to spot a large Nile Crocodile sunning himself with a pod of Hippopotamus watching on from the water. We continued north to Khwai and were surprised to find a Greater Honeyguide that proceeded to "chatter" to us, clearly wanting to "guide" us through the African bush to a beehive! This became evident as we drove for many kilometres with him flying alongside us - "chattering" away. A Flapnecked Chameleon was found crossing the road and we watched it swaying from sideto-side in the wind, imitating a fallen leaf. Some time passed before a fresh python track was found crossing the road. Luckily, it was very fresh and we found the culprit, a South African Rock Python, approximately 2.5 metres in length! We enjoyed this rare sighting as it moved up a small Mopani tree, trying to make it to an adjoining tree. We entered the Khwai area and soon after doing Flap-necked Chameleon by Adam Riley

7 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls so, enjoyed a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree. We continued further along the Khwai River towards our campsite after a little "siesta" and a day sighting of an African Savanna Hare! Winding our way along the Khwai River and some adjoining channels, we enjoyed many sightings of old African Elephant bulls. Waterbuck, Plains Zebra, Common Warthog, Impala, Southern Lechwe and Hippopotamus were plentiful along this green river. We had a few Rufous-bellied Herons, Intermediate and Great Egrets, Long-toed Lapwing, Southern Whitecrowned Shrike, Bateleur, Tawny Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle and Saddle-billed and Marabou Storks, too. We arrived at our luxurious and ready-made camp with a spectacular African sunset in the background and Lions roaring in the distance too! After a warm shower and a warm meal, we retired for a welldeserved rest after a long and very successful day! African Elephant bull by Matthew Matthiessen After breakfast, we made our way out into the African bush. We immediately picked up on some Lion tracks but soon lost the spoor, as well as the spoor of a Leopard. We continued to a tributary of the Khwai River and were greeted by our Mokoro guides a primitive dug-out canoe that is used to traverse the shallow channels of the Okavango. We hopped in and enjoyed the skilful manoeuvring and agility that these Mokoros make possible. The peace and tranquillity were felt immediately as we glided effortlessly through the water. We managed to get really close to a pair of Hippopotamuses, which we dubbed "Romeo and Juliet". A whole host of birds were spotted, such as Rufous-bellied Heron, African Hawk- and African Fish Eagles, a pair of Little Sparrowhawk feeding and then mating, African Pygmy Goose and a surprise Little Bittern. Worth an extra mention were Malachite Kingfisher and Little Bee-eater that allowed us to get extremely close views! Mokoro trip by André Bernon We thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and continued on our safari vehicle through the Khwai area. We found a large herd of African Elephant leaving the mopane scrub and heading down to the Khwai River for a mid-morning drink. We watched these intelligent and extremely gentle giants as they ambled along, with many small babies in tow. A few large bulls were present and showed some interesting behaviour as they scrutinised the dung of some cows; taking the scent to their Jacobson's Organ on the roof of their

8 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls mouths using their trunks, to see when oestrus will be reached. Continuing, we bumped into the heaviest flying bird in the world, the Kori Bustard! We enjoyed watching a pair as they searched for their next meals. We got to camp after witnessing the cute gregarious Dwarf Mongoose as well as a new hornbill the Bradfield's. After lunch, we took to the shower before our "siesta" and watched some African Elephant bulls draw nearer to our camp, gracefully feeding off some camelthorn trees on the perimeter of our camp! Afternoon cake and tea were followed by a sunset drive where we managed to find a large patriarch African Elephant bull with his askaris. He tried to break down a huge branch before heading down to the Khwai for a drink. Two Hippopotamuses were found nearby, out of the water grazing which is not a usual daytime sighting. A group of Banded Mongoose scurried across an open field before we spotted a single Topi, a peculiar looking mammal indeed. A flock of Southern Pied Babblers was a treat before we made our way to Leopard Lagoon for fantastic sundowners. The sunset was just Spring Hare by Markus Lilje fantastic and what made it more special was our only Lesser Moorhen and some African Elephant on the edge of the pan just below the sunset. They proceeded to drink and then walked through the deep water, just below the sunset glow! Truly magical and etched into our memories forever. An African Barred Owlet called nearby, just before dark. Some skilful searching produced absolutely superb views of this little stunner! As darkness fell, we continued on our night drive and managed to have an exceptional sighting when a mature African Elephant bull was found ambling along the road towards us. We remained quiet and switched all lights off watching him calmly approach the vehicle and stroll past within metres was insanely spectacular! Another new mammal came in the form of the odd kangaroo-like Spring Hare a large rodent that hops on its large hind-legs. We also got good views of Western Barn Owl, as well as the diminutive Southern Lesser Galago hopping around with little effort and great energy. We got back to camp with a roaring fire and enjoyed a great dinner with apple crumble dessert cooked in the bush, listening to an elephant feeding just outside camp. Another early morning start saw us finding a big Hippopotamus bull out of the water on the road. Not long into our drive did we find a Lioness that had stolen a kill from a Leopardess. We watched the Lioness devour large chunks of meat off the Impala carcass before moving off. We followed her for a few minutes and were treated to fantastic close-up views as she walked Leopard by André Bernon

9 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls toward our vehicle, with a stare that can only be explained when witnessed. We left her in peace and went in search of the Leopardess and quickly found a small adult female within minutes, heading back to her initial kill. Mobile camp in Khwai by André Bernon We watched as she investigated what remained and scouted the perimeter for any danger. She quickly grabbed a big piece of the carcass and scoured up a huge dead tree out in the open for all to see in the early morning sun! We spent at least a whole hour with this old yet small female (named Machada) who was missing her lower right canine. She fed on the Impala bits and fetched some more when she had finished what she was busy with. A truly magical experience so close and spectacular. She disappeared into the mopane scrub and this is when we left this magnificent creature in peace. Soon after, we enjoyed a sow Common Warthog with some young mud bathing and then scratching on a tree stump. A small drying pan was a sight to behold; the abundant fish supply within reach created a feeding frenzy for many Marabou Storks, Pink-backed Pelicans and much more. We stumbled across a large and lone African Buffalo bull nearby, who was not happy with our presence. A large herd of African Elephant bulls completed a fantastic morning, with four of the "Big 5"! The afternoon started off well when we spotted two juvenile Allen's Gallinules, an uncommon species to encounter this time of the year. We found a lot of general game and some great elephant sightings as they crossed the Khwai River. A young Bateleur was seen drinking here too. A pair of Topi presented themselves as well as Greater Kudu, the diminutive African Dwarf Mongoose, Smith's Bush Squirrel, Plains Zebra and Giraffe. The sun started lowering its height and some good spotting found us a minute Leopard cub lying in an exposed sandy section on the edge of some Mopani scrub. We watched at this tiny creature look around and noticed some movement in the tall grass next to it. We ventured closer and found the magotho female with her two threemonth-old cubs on a fully grown Impala ram kill! Quite a large kill for this little female! We enjoyed an hour with this family and were treated to fantastic views as they interacted and fed on the carcass! A Leopard day indeed. Leopard cub by Leon Fouche With adrenaline levels high, we enjoyed a quick sunset drink and continued in the evening. We returned to the kill after dark to find one small little cub high up in a tree. Not to disturb, we left the area and

10 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls figured the mother had placed the cub there in order to leave for a drink at the local waterhole. Some other spotlighting found us a little African Scops Owl, Spring Hare and the uncommon Side-striped Jackal! Near camp, we came across a Southern Lesser Galago that perched at eye-level, a few metres from our vehicle. It gave views for a few seconds before leaping an exceptionally long distance to the bush nearby. Another fantastic day in Africa was discussed and enjoyed around a campfire and a scrumptious dinner. Another travel day had arrived as we set out for the famed Savuti area within the Chobe Game Reserve. We left Khwai behind us but first decided to see what had happened to our Leopard family and their kill. We neared the area and heard the spurfowls alarming, giving away the presence of a predator. Luckily, all was safe with our much loved Leopard and cubs, with Spotted Hyaena spoor everywhere. We watched these Kori Bustard by Adam Riley magnificent creatures for a while before leaving them in peace. A small herd of elephants revealed the smallest little baby, a mere month old very wobbly on his feet and waving his trunk around like it was a toy. We watched this little guy for some time as he played around and twirled with joy. A really special and memorable display. After a brief coffee break, we moved on towards the Mobabe Gate of Chobe, where we had some lunch under the Mopani trees. Venturing further along the edge of the Mobabe Depression, we found some new birds, such as the cute Scaly-feathered Weaver, Violet-eared Waxbill, Green-winged Pytilia and Desert Cisticola. Many Kori Bustards were refreshing and a distant Secretarybird was new; as well as a Verreaux's Eagle-Owl on its nest! Giraffe and African Elephant were numerous and Tawny Eagles were also abundant. We did well with mammal sightings in the afternoon as we neared Savuti. The star was definitely a beautiful Wild Cat who watched us from the track for a minute or so, in daylight! Superb! The small Steenbok and both Slender and Yellow Mongooses were great new sightings, as well as the desert adapted Gemsbok or Oryx a super rare sighting for this region! We neared the bizarre Savuti Channel with its hills in the distance and found some roosting Southern White-faced Owls! We reached our magnificently placed and ready-made camp on the edge of the dry channel; settling down to a warm shower and great meal. Bateleur by Adam Riley The sound of Lion roars and Hyaena moans saw us waking up to a fresh morning and heading out after our ritualistic early morning breakfast in camp. We headed to the area where we heard the Lions and picked up on their spoor heading south-east. We followed

11 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls the spoor until they went into a block. Whilst skirting around, we were surprised to find a young male heading back the way they had come. He walked straight towards us and proceeded to lead us to three larger males, a coalition of brothers that had tolerated this younger nomad. Some great interaction between a larger male and the youngster was great to see. He crept behind the youngster and pounced on him; a short scuffle broke loose and this was clearly a dominance-orientated feud. The four got up one at a time and headed to some thick apple-leaf shrub, disappearing as quickly as they'd arrived. We also found an African Elephant foraging for some baobab seeds and soon after, tried some for ourselves. Some great birds that were found included a melanistic Gabar Goshawk, more Bateleur and Tawny Eagles, Rufous-naped Lark, a pair of Doublebanded Coursers, many Burchell's Sandgrouse, Violet-eared and Blue Waxbills, Scalyfeathered Weaver and Chestnut-backed Sparrowlarks! A great morning around the dry Savuti Channel! Aardwolf by André Bernon The afternoon adventure saw us heading for the Savuti Marsh, into which the now dry channel occasionally runs. En route we found many Greater Kudu, Giraffe and even Tropical Boubou and Browncrowned Tchagra. We also stopped off at the "Bushman" Rock Painting site nearby and took a short walk to the art site in a small cliff face. We proceeded and watched a small herd of elephant in a small open plain. We reached the marsh and no sooner found about five Kori Bustard with a small predator-like mammal amongst them in the long grass. We lifted our binoculars and were pleasantly surprised to find an adult Aardwolf! An exceptional sighting of this insectivore in the afternoon. We watched in awe as it searched for food and continued with clear luck on our side. We headed over the "sand ridge" the prehistoric shoreline of an extinct inland sea and made our way west. We rounded a corner and found a large pack of Spotted Hyaena at their den-site! We neared and watched as some young pups, still black on the legs, came closer to investigate as the matriarch watched on. A beautiful ending to an exciting day. The great Savuti had the most exciting morning in store for us today. Lions and Spotted Hyaenas called near camp throughout the night. We had a quick breakfast and were out whilst it was still dark. A Southern Whitefaced Owl and African Barred Owlet entertained us before we found two huge male Lions lying in the middle of the road. We Spotted Hyaena den by André Bernon watched these guys for some time before hearing a Leopard calling nearby. We also got wind of a pack of African Wild Dogs nearby so made our way there; searching for the vociferous Leopard en route. We struck lucky with a gorgeous Leopardess rolling in some short grass. She was extremely relaxed and then

12 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls made her way to the front of the vehicle slowly and disappeared into the bush with angry spurfowls in tow. A mere five minutes away was where we found a pack of nine African Wild Dogs! We followed them for some time as they trotted alongside the dry channel, clearly on the hunt. It was great to see as they worked together to try and flush antelope out of the dense thicket. We lost them as they made a dash for the other side of the channel, and made our way onwards after a great sighting of one of the world s most endangered canids. We passed by the two male Lion once again and watched them make their way back to the centre of their territory. It wasn't long after before we found the rest of the "marsh pride". At least four females were seen in the distance on a sand ridge and a mother and 3 sub-adults were found on the edge of the marsh. We crept nearer and had them right next to us at a stage, taking in the sheer size of a one-year-old Lion! A fantastic morning indeed! We decided to head to a different section of Secretarybird by David Hoddinott the Savuti Marsh this afternoon and were surprised when we found a Caspian Plover in full breeding plumage! This was really odd as this is a migratory bird and should not be in the southern hemisphere at this time of the year. A small family of Bat-eared Foxes was a neat surprise as we found them laying on the edge of a termite mound. Their large ears were evident as they popped their heads up to look at us. We also saw many pairs of the goldencoloured Black-backed Jackals, Kori Bustard and a single Secretarybird! We stumbled across a single Temminck s Courser in the middle of the track and also found many Black-bellied Bustards and Northern Black Korhaans. We couldn t believe our eyes when we found Aardwolf again although probably the same individual as yesterday. The small family of Lion were visited where we found them this morning. We watched as the kids had a little playtime scuffle. The last day of our mobile safari adventure had unfortunately arrived, and we had to make our way north out of the Savuti area and through the Chobe Forest Reserve towards Kasane. We stopped for some hot drinks underneath a huge baobab and continued our way north and then east, arriving in the town of Kasane, on the shores of the Chobe River, before lunch. We said our goodbyes to our local guide and proceeded to board our boat for a trip down the Chobe. We saw a lot of wildlife and got really close to African Elephant, African Buffalo, Nile Nile Crocodile by André Bernon Crocodile, mating Nile Monitors, Common Warthog, Waterbuck and Chacma Baboons. Great bird sightings were of many African Skimmers, many Malachite Kingfishers, Purple Heron, Grey-headed Gull, African Marsh Harrier, White-crowned Lapwing and also White-fronted Bee-eater.

13 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls After enjoying a great cruise, we had to make our way to the border in order to get into Zimbabwe. A smooth transit saw us heading to one of the Seven Wonders of the World Victoria Falls or Musi-oatunya (the-smoke-that-thunders). We reached our luxury hotel as the sun decided to set a real contrast in comparison to what we had experienced so far. We had to get used to electricity, television, a flushing toilet, crisp white sheets and not hearing Lions roaring. After a glorious breakfast watching the spray above the falls, we strolled downhill towards the roaring thunder. Some new birds en route were Striped Kingfisher, Red-faced Cisticola and Red-winged Starling. We entered the Victoria Falls gate and enjoyed walking around the forest that had been created by the constant spray. The view of the falls was absolutely spectacular. The true power of the mighty Zambezi tumbling down a hundred metres is something that can only be understood by experiencing it. We also had great views of two male Bushbuck, Tropical Boubou, Holub s Golden Weaver, Yellow-breasted Apalis and Rock Martin. After some time enjoying the spectacle, and feeling the spray, we made our way back to the town for some lunch, with some shopping en route. Many opted for more shopping in town after lunch and the afternoon saw us heading to the historic Victoria Falls Hotel in order to experience this colonial hotel Victoria Falls by André Bernon and enjoy high tea complete with macaroons, scones, and cucumber and salmon sandwiches. We enjoyed a walk on the well-groomed lawns, taking in the view of the bridge and spray of the falls behind it. A new and extremely good bird was also seen here Schalow s Turaco alongside the noisy Trumpeter Hornbill. Some last minute shopping was had en route, dodging Banded Mongooses and Chacma Baboons in town. The final morning saw the entire team heading for an extra activity; the not-to-be-missed helicopter flip over the falls! This was thoroughly enjoyed, as one has the opportunity to witness the sheer size of the falls. A nice welcome was seeing African Elephant, a large herd of African Buffalo and even Giraffe from the air. Our adventure had unfortunately come to an end, as we had to make our way to the airport for our connecting flight to Johannesburg. A great ending to our fantastic African odyssey. Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner igoterra. Mammals (39 in total: 38 seen, 1 heard) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the

14 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Zimbabwe African Elephant (1) Victoria Falls Elephants Elephantidae Loxodonta africana Vervet (1) Victoria Falls Chacma Baboon (1) Victoria Falls Banded Mongoose (1) 35 Victoria Falls Common Warthog (1) Victoria Falls Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Chlorocebus pygerythrus Papio ursinus Mongooses Herpestidae Pigs Suidae Mungos mungo Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii African Buffalo (1) Victoria Falls Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Syncerus caffer caffer Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus (1) 2 Victoria Falls Two males were seen in the forest on the edge of the falls. Greater Kudu (1) Victoria Falls Giraffe (1) Victoria Falls Tragelaphus strepsiceros Giraffe, Okapi Giraffidae Botswana Giraffa camelopardalis Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxodonta africana (10) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area , observed Khwai River and observed Savuti Galagos Galagidae Southern Lesser Galago Galago moholi (2) 3 Khwai community area 22.6 and 1 Khwai community area 23.6.

15 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Our last view was fantastic as a single individual perched within meters of us on the side of our safari vehicle. Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Vervet Chlorocebus pygerythrus (5) Xakanaxa , Khwai community area 24.6 and Savuti Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus (6) Xakanaxa , 1 heard Khwai community area 23.6, Khwai community area 24.6 and Chobe River, Kasane African Savanna Hare (1) 1 Khwai community area Rabbits, Hares Leporidae Lepus microtis Springhares Pedetidae Spring Hare Pedetes capensis (2) 3 Khwai community area 22.6 and 2 Khwai community area A few of these odd nocturnal mammals were seen on our night excursions in Khwai. True Mice and Rats, Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae Acacia Rat (1) 1 Khwai community area Thallomys paedulcus Squirrels Sciuridae Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi (10) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti Cats Felidae Wild Cat Felis silvestris (1) 1 Savuti An individual was seen alongside the Mababe Depression just after midday!.it was seen in the road and proceeded to watch us, startled, for a good 30 seconds. Lion Panthera leo leo (5) 2 Xakanaxa 19.6, 2 Xakanaxa 21.6, 1 Khwai community area 23.6, 4 Savuti 25.6 and 1 heard Khwai community area We had many sightings of these great beasts including a roaring male - close to the vehicle. Leopard Panthera pardus pardus (4) 1 heard Xakanaxa 20.6, 4 Khwai community area 23.6, 2 Khwai community area 24.6 and 1 Savuti Exceptional encounters of females. The first sighting had us watch a female go back to her kill after a Lioness had stolen it; we continued to watch her for over an hour, feeding off the remains in a tree. Another great experience was watching another female with two three-month-old cubs on an adult Impala ram kill!

16 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Yellow Mongoose (2) 1 Savuti 24.6 and 2 Savuti Mongooses Herpestidae Cynictis penicillata Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula (5) Up to 20 Khwai community area , 2 Savuti 25.6 and 5 Savuti Slender Mongoose (1) 2 Savuti Herpestes sanguineus Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo (4) 6 Xakanaxa 19.6, 10 Khwai community area 22.6, 5 Khwai community area 23.6 and 1 Savuti Hyaenas, Aardwolf Hyaenidae Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta (2) 9 Savuti 25.6 and 1 heard Savuti We had a great encounter of many at their den-site, including small pups. Aardwolf Proteles cristata (2) 1 Savuti 25.6 and 1 Savuti We found this rare insectivore twice, probably the same individual. Side-striped Jackal (1) 1 Khwai community area We found an adult on our night excursion. Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae Canis adustus Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas (3) 1 heard Xakanaxa 19.6, 5 Savuti 25.6 and 4 Savuti African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus (2) 7 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 9 Savuti We saw two packs. The first sighting was a small pack on a freshly devoured kill. The second sighting was when we followed them whilst they were on the hunt. Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis megalotis (1) 4 Savuti We saw a small family group on the Savuti Marsh. Spotted-necked Otter (1) 1 Xakanaxa Brief sightings were had at Paradise Pond. Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae Lutra maculicollis Honey Badger Mellivora capensis (1) 2 Xakanaxa We were lucky to find a pair whilst tracking down some Lion spoor. Plains Zebra Zebras, Horse, Asses Equidae Equus quagga

17 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls (7) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area , Savuti 24.6, Chobe River, Kasane 27.6 and Savuti Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii (6) Xakanaxa 20.6, Xakanaxa 21.6, Khwai community area 23.6, Khwai community area 24.6, Savuti 26.6 and Savuti Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius capensis (9) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River , Savuti 25.6 and Chobe River, Kasane Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus (10) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area , observed Savuti and Chobe River, Kasane Common Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus (7) Xakanaxa 20.6, observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti Topi Damaliscus lunatus lunatus (3) 3 Khwai community area 22.6, 2 Khwai community area 23.6 and 20 Savuti Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus (5) 2 Xakanaxa 19.6, 10 Xakanaxa 21.6, 25 Khwai community area 22.6, 10 Khwai community area 23.6 and 2 Chobe River, Kasane Southern Lechwe Kobus leche (7) Xakanaxa , 2 Khwai River 22.6, 2 Khwai River 23.6 and 3 Chobe River, Kasane Gemsbok Oryx gazella (1) 2 Savuti We were extremely lucky to find a pair of these near Savuti. A rare sighting in this part of the country. Steenbok (4) Up to 2 Savuti Raphicerus campestris campestris African Buffalo Syncerus caffer caffer (5) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Khwai community area 23.6, 10 Savuti 25.6, 1 Savuti 26.6 and 25 Chobe River, Kasane Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros (9) Xakanaxa , Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and observed Savuti Giraffe, Okapi Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis (9) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti Cape Long-eared Bat Slit-faced Bats Nycteridae Nycteris thebaica

18 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls (2) 2 Xakanaxa 20.6, 2 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 1 Khwai community area Peters's Epauletted Fruit Bat (1) 1 heard Xakanaxa Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae Birds (229 in total: 222 seen, 7 heard) Epomophorus crypturus Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds) IOC World Bird List (v 7.1). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Zimbabwe Spur-winged Goose (1) Victoria Falls Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae Plectropterus gambensis niger Helmeted Guineafowl (1) Victoria Falls Hooded Vulture (EN) (1) 1 Victoria Falls Guineafowl Numididae Numida meleagris Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Necrosyrtes monachus Ring-necked Dove (2) Victoria Falls 28.6 and Victoria Falls Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Streptopelia capicola Turacos Musophagidae Schalow's Turaco Tauraco schalowi (1) 1 Victoria Falls We were lucky to find a calling bird in the garden of Victoria Falls Hotel. Little Swift (1) 20 Victoria Falls Swifts Apodidae Apus affinis Kingfishers Alcedinidae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris (2) 1 Victoria Falls 28.6 and 1 Victoria Falls Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti

19 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls (1) 1 Victoria Falls Little Bee-eater (1) Victoria Falls Trumpeter Hornbill (1) 15 Victoria Falls Black-collared Barbet (1) 2 Victoria Falls Crested Barbet (1) 1 Victoria Falls Bee-eaters Meropidae Merops pusillus Hornbills Bucerotidae Bycanistes bucinator African Barbets Lybiidae Lybius torquatus Trachyphonus vaillantii Helmetshrikes and Allies Prionopidae White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus (1) Victoria Falls Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus similis (1) 1 Victoria Falls Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla (1) Victoria Falls Tropical Boubou Laniarius major (1) 2 Victoria Falls Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Pied Crow Corvus albus (2) 2 Victoria Falls 27.6 and 12 Victoria Falls Dark-capped Bulbul (1) Victoria Falls Yellow-bellied Greenbul (1) 2 Victoria Falls Terrestrial Brownbul (1) 3 Victoria Falls Rock Martin Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Swallows Hirundinidae Pycnonotus tricolor Chlorocichla flaviventris occidentalis Phyllastrephus terrestris Ptyonoprogne fuligula

20 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls (1) 2 Victoria Falls Lesser Striped Swallow (1) Victoria Falls Red-faced Cisticola (1) 1 Victoria Falls Yellow-breasted Apalis (1) 3 Victoria Falls Grey-backed Camaroptera (1) 3 Victoria Falls Burchell's Starling (1) Victoria Falls Red-winged Starling (1) 6 Victoria Falls Cecropis abyssinica Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae Starlings Sturnidae Cisticola erythrops nyasa Apalis flavida Camaroptera brevicaudata Lamprotornis australis Onychognathus morio morio Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata quadrivirgata (1) 1 Victoria Falls White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini heuglini (2) 1 heard Victoria Falls 27.6 and 1 heard Victoria Falls Collared Sunbird (1) 4 Victoria Falls White-bellied Sunbird (1) 7 Victoria Falls Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Hedydipna collaris Cinnyris talatala Holub's Golden Weaver (1) 4 Victoria Falls Red-billed Firefinch (1) 2 Victoria Falls Blue Waxbill (1) Victoria Falls African Pied Wagtail Weavers and Allies Ploceidae Ploceus xanthops Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae Lagonosticta senegala rendalli Uraeginthus angolensis Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae Motacilla aguimp

21 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls (1) 2 Victoria Falls Common Ostrich (2) 2 Savuti 25.6 and 4 Savuti Botswana Ostrich Struthionidae Struthio camelus australis Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata (6) Xakanaxa , Khwai River 23.6, Khwai River 24.6 and Chobe River, Kasane Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis niger (8) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos (5) Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, Khwai River 22.6, Khwai River 23.6 and Chobe River, Kasane Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca (8) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane African Pygmy Goose (2) 3 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 3 Khwai River Seen on Paradise Pan and on our Makoro trip. Yellow-billed Duck (3) Up to 2 Xakanaxa Nettapus auritus Anas undulata undulata Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha (4) 2 Xakanaxa 20.6, 7 Khwai River 23.6, 2 Khwai River 24.6 and 1 Chobe River, Kasane Hottentot Teal (2) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 2 Khwai River Anas hottentota Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris (10) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui coqui (1) 7 Savuti We found a covey near the Mababe Depression, crossing the road. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena (6) 1 heard Xakanaxa 19.6, 2 Khwai community area 23.6, 5 Khwai community area 24.6 and up to 3 Savuti Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus (10) Up to 1 Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii (10) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti

22 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Storks Ciconiidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis (7) Xakanaxa , Khwai River 22.6, Khwai River 24.6 and Chobe River, Kasane African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus lamelligerus (2) 3 Khwai River 23.6 and 80 Chobe River, Kasane Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis (6) Xakanaxa , Khwai River 22.6 and Khwai River Marabou Stork (3) Up to 80 Khwai community area Leptoptilos crumenifer Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus (5) Xakanaxa , Khwai River 21.6 and Khwai River Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash (3) 7 Xakanaxa 20.6, 1 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 1 Khwai community area Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (2) 20 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 12 Chobe River, Kasane African Spoonbill Platalea alba (2) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 8 Chobe River, Kasane Little Bittern (1) 1 Khwai River We flushed a bird on our Mokoro trip. Black-crowned Night Heron (1) 2 Xakanaxa Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Ixobrychus minutus payesii Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax Striated Heron Butorides striata atricapilla (8) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (3) 2 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 Chobe River, Kasane Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris (4) 3 Xakanaxa 21.6 and up to 12 Khwai River Western Cattle Egret (1) 3 Chobe River, Kasane Bubulcus ibis Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea (7) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane Goliath Heron (3) Up to 1 Xakanaxa Ardea goliath Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea (2) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 Chobe River, Kasane Great Egret Ardea alba melanorhynchos (8) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

23 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls Our best sighting was of a bird along the Khwai River, eventually swallowing a small Sharp-toothed Catfish. Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia brachyrhyncha (3) 1 Khwai River 21.6, 1 Khwai River 23.6 and 1 Chobe River, Kasane Slaty Egret (VU) Egretta vinaceigula (5) Xakanaxa , Khwai River 22.6 and Khwai River This Okavango special was seen extremely well. Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (3) 12 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Khwai River 23.6 and 2 Chobe River, Kasane Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta umbretta (6) Xakanaxa and observed Khwai River Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (3) Up to 3 Khwai community area We found some roosting birds, obviously on the move. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens (1) 12 Khwai community area A receding pan held many of these in a frantic feeding frenzy. Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus (5) Xakanaxa and Chobe River, Kasane Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa rufa (8) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane Secretarybird Sagittariidae Secretarybird (VU) Sagittarius serpentarius (2) 1 Savuti 24.6 and 1 Savuti This iconic species was seen well when it perched on top of a small acacia on the edge of the Savuti Marsh. Black-winged Kite (4) Up to 8 Savuti Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Elanus caeruleus caeruleus Hooded Vulture (EN) Necrosyrtes monachus (2) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 1 Khwai community area White-backed Vulture (NT) Gyps africanus (5) 15 Xakanaxa 19.6, up to 8 Khwai community area and 8 Savuti 25.6.

24 Trip Report RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls White-headed Vulture (VU) (2) 1 Savuti 25.6 and 1 Savuti Trigonoceps occipitalis Lappet-faced Vulture (VU) Torgos tracheliotos tracheliotos (2) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 1 Khwai community area Black-chested Snake Eagle (1) 1 Chobe River, Kasane Circaetus pectoralis Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus (6) Xakanaxa , Khwai community area 23.6 and Savuti Western Banded Snake Eagle (1) 1 Xakanaxa Circaetus cinerascens Bateleur (NT) Terathopius ecaudatus (10) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti Martial Eagle (NT) (1) 1 Savuti Polemaetus bellicosus Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax rapax (8) Xakanaxa 18.6, observed Khwai community area and observed Savuti African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster (3) 2 Xakanaxa 21.6, 2 Khwai community area 22.6, 1 Khwai River 22.6 and 1 Savuti Gabar Goshawk (2) 4 Savuti 25.6 and 1 Savuti Dark Chanting Goshawk (1) 2 Chobe River, Kasane Micronisus gabar gabar Melierax metabates mechowi Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus minullus (1) 2 Khwai River A pair was seen along a tributary, feeding and mating. African Marsh Harrier (2) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 Xakanaxa Circus ranivorus African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer (8) Xakanaxa , observed Khwai River and Chobe River, Kasane Bustards Otididae Kori Bustard (NT) Ardeotis kori kori (6) Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and observed Savuti Red-crested Korhaan (4) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and up to 12 Savuti Northern Black Korhaan (2) 4 Savuti 25.6 and 2 Savuti Black-bellied Bustard (2) 1 Savuti 24.6 and 3 Savuti Lophotis ruficrista Afrotis afraoides Lissotis melanogaster African Rail Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Rallus caerulescens