Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls · 2017-11-20 · Trip Report – RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls 2017 3 Mopani, Rain-tree and African Ebonies, with fantastic grass savanna in between

Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls

Wildlife Safari 18th to 29th June 2017 (12 days)

Trip Report

Lion by André Bernon

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, André Bernon

Trip Report – RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls 2017 2

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.

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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.

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

Charter plane by André Bernon

Okavango Delta from the air by André Bernon


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.

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.

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 Pearl-

spotted 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

African sunset by André Bernon

Slaty Egret by Markus Lilje


nonetheless of this seldom seen and fearless mammal! We followed the spoor until we reached a dead-

end, 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

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.

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

Southern Lechwe by Markus Lilje

Banded Mongoose by Cuan Rush


the special Hartlaub's Babbler, accompanied by Jameson's Firefinch, Black-crowned Tchagra, Grey-

backed 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

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!

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

Giraffe by David Shackelford

Greater Kudu by Adam Riley


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

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 Flap-

necked Chameleon was found crossing the

road and we watched it swaying from side-

to-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

African Wild Dogs by Adam Riley

Flap-necked Chameleon by Adam Riley


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 White-

crowned 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 well-

deserved rest after a long and very

successful day!

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!

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

African Elephant bull by Matthew Matthiessen

Mokoro trip by André Bernon


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

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

Spring Hare by Markus Lilje

Leopard by André Bernon


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.

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 three-

month-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.

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

Mobile camp in Khwai by André Bernon

Leopard cub by Leon Fouche


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

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.

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

Kori Bustard by Adam Riley

Bateleur by Adam Riley


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 Double-

banded Coursers, many Burchell's Sandgrouse,

Violet-eared and Blue Waxbills, Scaly-

feathered Weaver and Chestnut-backed

Sparrowlarks! A great morning around the dry

Savuti Channel!

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 Brown-

crowned 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 White-

faced Owl and African Barred Owlet

entertained us before we found two huge male

Lions lying in the middle of the road. We

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

Aardwolf by André Bernon

Spotted Hyaena den by André Bernon


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

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 golden-

coloured 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

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.

Secretarybird by David Hoddinott

Nile Crocodile by André Bernon


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-oa-

tunya (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

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

Victoria Falls by André Bernon


Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Zimbabwe

Elephants Elephantidae

African Elephant Loxodonta africana

(1) Victoria Falls 29.6.

Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae

Vervet Chlorocebus pygerythrus


Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus


Mongooses Herpestidae

Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo

(1) 35 Victoria Falls 28.6.

Pigs Suidae

Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii


Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae

African Buffalo Syncerus caffer caffer


Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus


Two males were seen in the forest on the edge of the falls.

Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros


Giraffe, Okapi Giraffidae

Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis


Botswana

Elephants Elephantidae

African Elephant Loxodonta africana

(10) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, observed Khwai community area 21-24.6, observed Khwai River 21-23.6 and

observed Savuti 24-27.6.

Galagos Galagidae

Southern Lesser Galago Galago moholi

(2) 3 Khwai community area 22.6 and 1 Khwai community area 23.6.


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 19-21.6, Khwai community area 24.6 and Savuti 26.6.

Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus

(6) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, 1 heard Khwai community area 23.6, Khwai community area 24.6 and Chobe

River, Kasane 27.6.

Rabbits, Hares Leporidae

African Savanna Hare Lepus microtis

(1) 1 Khwai community area 21.6.

Springhares Pedetidae

Spring Hare Pedetes capensis


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 Thallomys paedulcus


Squirrels Sciuridae

Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi

(10) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, observed Khwai community area 21-24.6 and observed Savuti 24-27.6.

Cats Felidae

Wild Cat Felis silvestris

(1) 1 Savuti 24.6.

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 26.6.

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

26.6.

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!


Mongooses Herpestidae

Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata

(2) 1 Savuti 24.6 and 2 Savuti 25.6.

Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula

(5) Up to 20 Khwai community area 22-24.6, 2 Savuti 25.6 and 5 Savuti 26.6.

Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus

(1) 2 Savuti 24.6.

Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo

(4) 6 Xakanaxa 19.6, 10 Khwai community area 22.6, 5 Khwai community area 23.6 and 1 Savuti

27.6.

Hyaenas, Aardwolf Hyaenidae

Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta

(2) 9 Savuti 25.6 and 1 heard Savuti 26.6.

We had a great encounter of many at their den-site, including small pups.

Aardwolf Proteles cristata


We found this rare insectivore twice, probably the same individual.

Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae

Side-striped Jackal Canis adustus


We found an adult on our night excursion.

Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas

(3) 1 heard Xakanaxa 19.6, 5 Savuti 25.6 and 4 Savuti 26.6.

African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus

(2) 7 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 9 Savuti 26.6.

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 26.6.

We saw a small family group on the Savuti Marsh.

Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae

Spotted-necked Otter Lutra maculicollis

(1) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6.

Brief sightings were had at Paradise Pond.

Honey Badger Mellivora capensis


We were lucky to find a pair whilst tracking down some Lion spoor.

Zebras, Horse, Asses Equidae

Plains Zebra Equus quagga


(7) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, observed Khwai community area 21-24.6, Savuti 24.6, Chobe River, Kasane

27.6 and Savuti 27.6.

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


Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae

Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius capensis

(9) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, observed Khwai River 22-24.6, Savuti 25.6 and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae

Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus

(10) Xakanaxa 18-20.6, observed Khwai community area 21-23.6, observed Savuti 24-26.6 and Chobe

River, Kasane 27.6.

Common Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus

(7) Xakanaxa 20.6, observed Khwai community area 22-24.6 and observed Savuti 25-27.6.

Topi Damaliscus lunatus lunatus

(3) 3 Khwai community area 22.6, 2 Khwai community area 23.6 and 20 Savuti 26.6.

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 27.6.

Southern Lechwe Kobus leche

(7) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, 2 Khwai River 22.6, 2 Khwai River 23.6 and 3 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Gemsbok Oryx gazella

(1) 2 Savuti 24.6.

We were extremely lucky to find a pair of these near Savuti. A rare sighting in this part of the country.

Steenbok Raphicerus campestris campestris

(4) Up to 2 Savuti 24-27.6.

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 27.6.

Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros

(9) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and observed Savuti

24-26.6.

Giraffe, Okapi Giraffidae

Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis


Slit-faced Bats Nycteridae

Cape Long-eared Bat Nycteris thebaica


(2) 2 Xakanaxa 20.6, 2 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 1 Khwai community area 21.6.

Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae

Peters's Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus crypturus

(1) 1 heard Xakanaxa 19.6.

Birds (229 in total: 222 seen, 7 heard)

Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2017. IOC World Bird List (v 7.1).




Zimbabwe

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis niger


Guineafowl Numididae

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris


Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae

Hooded Vulture (EN) Necrosyrtes monachus


Pigeons and Doves Columbidae

Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola

(2) Victoria Falls 28.6 and Victoria Falls 29.6.

Turacos Musophagidae

Schalow's Turaco Tauraco schalowi


We were lucky to find a calling bird in the garden of Victoria Falls Hotel.

Swifts Apodidae

Little Swift Apus affinis


Kingfishers Alcedinidae

Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris

(2) 1 Victoria Falls 28.6 and 1 Victoria Falls 29.6.

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti



Bee-eaters Meropidae

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus


Hornbills Bucerotidae

Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator


African Barbets Lybiidae

Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus


Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii


Helmetshrikes and Allies Prionopidae

White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus


Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae

Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus similis


Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla


Tropical Boubou Laniarius major


Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae

Pied Crow Corvus albus

(2) 2 Victoria Falls 27.6 and 12 Victoria Falls 28.6.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae

Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor


Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris occidentalis


Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris


Swallows Hirundinidae

Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula



Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica


Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae

Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops nyasa


Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida


Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata


Starlings Sturnidae

Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis


Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio morio


Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae

Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata quadrivirgata


White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini heuglini

(2) 1 heard Victoria Falls 27.6 and 1 heard Victoria Falls 28.6.

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris


White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala


Weavers and Allies Ploceidae

Holub's Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops


Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala rendalli


Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis


Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp



Botswana

Ostrich Struthionidae

Common Ostrich Struthio camelus australis


Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata

(6) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai River 23.6, Khwai River 24.6 and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis niger

(8) Xakanaxa 18-20.6, observed Khwai River 21-24.6 and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos

(5) Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, Khwai River 22.6, Khwai River 23.6 and Chobe River, Kasane

27.6.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca


African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus

(2) 3 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 3 Khwai River 21.6.

Seen on Paradise Pan and on our Makoro trip.

Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata undulata

(3) Up to 2 Xakanaxa 18-20.6.

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 27.6.

Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota


Guineafowl Numididae

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris


Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae

Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui coqui

(1) 7 Savuti 24.6.

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 25-27.6.

Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus

(10) Up to 1 Xakanaxa 18-21.6, observed Khwai community area 22-24.6 and observed Savuti 25-

27.6.

Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii



Storks Ciconiidae

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis

(7) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai River 22.6, Khwai River 24.6 and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus lamelligerus

(2) 3 Khwai River 23.6 and 80 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

(6) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai River 22.6 and Khwai River 23.6.

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer

(3) Up to 80 Khwai community area 21-23.6.

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae

African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus


Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

(3) 7 Xakanaxa 20.6, 1 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 1 Khwai community area 22.6.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

(2) 20 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 12 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

African Spoonbill Platalea alba


Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus payesii

(1) 1 Khwai River 22.6.

We flushed a bird on our Mokoro trip.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax


Striated Heron Butorides striata atricapilla


Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

(3) 2 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris

(4) 3 Xakanaxa 21.6 and up to 12 Khwai River 22-24.6.

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

(1) 3 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea


Goliath Heron Ardea goliath


Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea


Great Egret Ardea alba melanorhynchos



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 27.6.

Slaty Egret (VU) Egretta vinaceigula


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 27.6.

Hamerkop Scopidae

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta umbretta

(6) Xakanaxa 18-20.6 and observed Khwai River 21-23.6.

Pelicans Pelecanidae

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus

(3) Up to 3 Khwai community area 22-24.6.

We found some roosting birds, obviously on the move.

Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens


A receding pan held many of these in a frantic feeding frenzy.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae

Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus

(5) Xakanaxa 18-21.6 and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Anhingas Anhingidae

African Darter Anhinga rufa rufa


Secretarybird Sagittariidae

Secretarybird (VU) Sagittarius serpentarius


This iconic species was seen well when it perched on top of a small acacia on the edge of the Savuti

Marsh.

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus

(4) Up to 8 Savuti 24-27.6.

Hooded Vulture (EN) Necrosyrtes monachus

(2) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6 and 1 Khwai community area 22.6.

White-backed Vulture (NT) Gyps africanus

(5) 15 Xakanaxa 19.6, up to 8 Khwai community area 22-24.6 and 8 Savuti 25.6.


White-headed Vulture (VU) Trigonoceps occipitalis


Lappet-faced Vulture (VU) Torgos tracheliotos tracheliotos


Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis


Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus

(6) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and Savuti 27.6.

Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens


Bateleur (NT) Terathopius ecaudatus


Martial Eagle (NT) Polemaetus bellicosus

(1) 1 Savuti 27.6.

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax rapax

(8) Xakanaxa 18.6, observed Khwai community area 21-23.6 and observed Savuti 24-27.6.

African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster

(3) 2 Xakanaxa 21.6, 2 Khwai community area 22.6, 1 Khwai River 22.6 and 1 Savuti 24.6.

Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar gabar


Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates mechowi


Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus minullus


A pair was seen along a tributary, feeding and mating.

African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus

(2) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 Xakanaxa 21.6.

African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer


Bustards Otididae

Kori Bustard (NT) Ardeotis kori kori

(6) Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and observed Savuti 24-27.6.

Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista

(4) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and up to 12 Savuti 24-26.6.

Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides


Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster


Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae

African Rail Rallus caerulescens



Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra

(4) 2 Xakanaxa 20.6, 2 Xakanaxa 21.6, 5 Khwai River 22.6 and 1 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni

(2) 2 Khwai River 23.6 and 1 Khwai River 24.6.

Only sub-adults were seen.

Lesser Moorhen Paragallinula angulata


Thick-knees Burhinidae

Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus vermiculatus


Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis

(6) Up to 1 Khwai community area 21-24.6, Savuti 25.6 and Savuti 26.6.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus


Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae

Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris leucopterus

(5) Up to 1 Xakanaxa 19-21.6, 2 Khwai River 24.6 and 20 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus

(10) Xakanaxa 18-20.6, observed Khwai community area 21-24.6, Savuti 25.6, Savuti 26.6 and Chobe

River, Kasane 27.6.

White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps


Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus

(9) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and observed Savuti

24-27.6.

African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus lateralis


Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius

(1) 20 Xakanaxa 20.6.

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris


White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus


Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus

(1) 1 Savuti 26.6.

Jacanas Jacanidae


African Jacana Actophilornis africanus


Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae

Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii aridus

(1) 1 Savuti 26.6.

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus

(1) 2 Savuti 25.6.

Bronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus


Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae

African Skimmer (NT) Rynchops flavirostris


Many pairs were seen very well on our boat trip.

Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus poiocephalus


Sandgrouse Pteroclidae

Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus

(9) Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, observed Khwai community area 21-23.6 and observed Savuti 24-

27.6.

Burchell's Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli

(6) Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, Khwai community area 23.6, Khwai community area 24.6, Savuti


Pigeons and Doves Columbidae

Rock Dove Columba livia

(1) 20 Xakanaxa 18.6.

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

(5) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6, 2 Xakanaxa 20.6, 5 Khwai community area 22.6, 15 Khwai community area 23.6

and 2 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola


Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis

(6) Xakanaxa 20.6, Khwai community area 21.6, Khwai community area 22.6, Savuti 23.6, Savuti 24.6

and Savuti 26.6.

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos


Namaqua Dove Oena capensis capensis

(5) 10 Xakanaxa 20.6, 6 Xakanaxa 21.6 and up to 1 Savuti 25-27.6.

African Green Pigeon Treron calvus



Turacos Musophagidae

Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor

(8) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai community area 21.6, Khwai community area 23.6, Khwai community

area 24.6, observed Savuti 24-27.6 and Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Cuckoos Cuculidae

Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis flecki

(9) Xakanaxa 18.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, Xakanaxa 21.6, observed Khwai community area 21-24.6 and


Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus cupreicaudus

(5) 15 Xakanaxa 20.6, 1 heard Xakanaxa 21.6 and up to 2 Khwai River 22-24.6.

Black Coucal Centropus grillii


Barn-Owls Tytonidae

Western Barn Owl Tyto alba poensis

(2) 1 Khwai community area 22.6 and 1 heard Savuti 26.6.

Owls Strigidae

African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis senegalensis

(6) Up to 1 Xakanaxa 18-21.6, 1 heard Khwai community area 22.6 and 1 Khwai community area

23.6.

Southern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis granti


Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus


Our first sighting was of a bird on the nest, followed by a pair on an exposed branch calling.

Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum licua

(9) Up to 1 Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai community area 21.6, Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai

community area 24.6 and up to 1 Savuti 24-27.6.

African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense

(5) Up to 1 Khwai community area 22-24.6, 1 heard Savuti 25.6 and 1 Savuti 26.6.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae

Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis


Swifts Apodidae

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus


Mousebirds Coliidae


Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus


Rollers Coraciidae

Purple Roller Coracias naevius mosambicus

(3) 1 Khwai community area 21.6, 1 Khwai community area 24.6, 3 Savuti 24.6 and 1 Chobe River,

Kasane 27.6.

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus caudatus


Kingfishers Alcedinidae

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti

(2) 1 heard Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 heard Xakanaxa 21.6.

Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus cristatus

(2) 2 Khwai River 22.6 and 6 Chobe River, Kasane 27.6.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rudis


Bee-eaters Meropidae

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus

(5) 3 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Khwai community area 21.6, 1 Khwai community area 22.6, 12 Savuti 24.6

and 10 Savuti 27.6.

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus


White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides


Hoopoes Upupidae

African Hoopoe Upupa africana

(7) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai community area 23.6, Savuti 26.6 and Savuti 27.6.

Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills Phoeniculidae

Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus

(5) Xakanaxa 18.6, Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 21.6, Khwai community area 22.6 and Khwai

community area 23.6.

A family was observed well in our camp at Magotho.

Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas


Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae

Southern Ground Hornbill (VU) Bucorvus leadbeateri

(3) 4 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 heard Xakanaxa 20.6 and 4 Savuti 24.6.

Our best sighting was had when a group of birds followed a few elephants through the perimeter of our


camp.

Hornbills Bucerotidae

Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris


Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas leucomelas

(9) Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, observed Khwai community area 21-23.6 and observed Savuti 24-

27.6.

Bradfield's Hornbill Lophoceros bradfieldi

(5) Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 24.6 and observed Savuti 25-27.6.

African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus epirhinus


African Barbets Lybiidae

Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas

(1) 1 Savuti 26.6.

Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus

(2) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 heard Xakanaxa 21.6.

Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii

(3) 2 Xakanaxa 18.6, 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 2 Xakanaxa 21.6.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae

Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus regulus

(1) 1 heard Savuti 25.6.

Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator

(2) 1 Khwai community area 21.6, 1 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 1 heard Savuti 27.6.

We had a great interaction when a bird followed us for many miles as it chattered away, trying to

"guide" us to some honey!

Woodpeckers Picidae

Bennett's Woodpecker Campethera bennettii

(4) 2 Xakanaxa 18.6, 3 Xakanaxa 20.6, 2 Xakanaxa 21.6 and 1 Khwai community area 22.6.

Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni

(1) 1 heard Khwai community area 22.6.

Bearded Woodpecker Chloropicus namaquus

(3) 1 Xakanaxa 20.6, 1 heard Khwai community area 22.6 and 1 Savuti 27.6.

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens


Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae

Dickinson's Kestrel Falco dickinsoni

(3) 1 Khwai community area 23.6, 1 Savuti 25.6 and 2 Savuti 26.6.


Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus biarmicus


On our river cruise, we had a bird harassing all the waterfowl.

African & New World Parrots Psittacidae

Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri

(8) Xakanaxa 18-21.6, observed Khwai community area 22-24.6 and Savuti 27.6.

Refreshingly common.

Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae

Chinspot Batis Batis molitor


Helmetshrikes and Allies Prionopidae

White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus

(5) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai community area 24.6, Savuti 24.6 and Savuti 27.6.

Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae

Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis


Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus


Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla

(5) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai community area 21.6, Khwai community area 22.6 and Savuti 25.6.

Tropical Boubou Laniarius major

(1) 1 Savuti 25.6.

Swamp Boubou Laniarius bicolor sticturus

(3) 2 Xakanaxa 21.6, 1 Khwai community area 24.6 and 1 Savuti 26.6.

Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus

(1) 3 Savuti 26.6.

Brubru Nilaus afer

(3) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Xakanaxa 20.6 and 1 Savuti 24.6.

Shrikes Laniidae

Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus


Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens

(7) Xakanaxa 20.6, Xakanaxa 21.6, Khwai community area 21.6, Khwai community area 22.6 and


Old World Orioles Oriolidae

African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus



Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus


Drongos Dicruridae

Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis


Chickadees and Tits Paridae

Southern Black Tit Melaniparus niger

(6) Up to 1 Xakanaxa 18-21.6, Khwai community area 22.6 and Khwai community area 24.6.

Larks Alaudidae

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis


Fawn-colored Lark Calendulauda africanoides


Seen singing in the Chobe Forest Reserve.

Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana

(3) 1 Xakanaxa 19.6, 2 Savuti 25.6 and 5 Savuti 26.6.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae

African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans nigricans


Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor


Savuti 27.6.

Swallows Hirundinidae

Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga griseopyga


Banded Martin Riparia cincta


Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica


Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii smithii


Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica

(6) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6 and Savuti 25.6.

Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis monteiri



Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae

Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens

(4) 1 heard Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Xakanaxa 21.6, 1 Khwai community area 23.6 and 2 Savuti 25.6.

Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae

Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala


Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae

Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana

(5) Khwai community area 21.6, Khwai community area 23.6, Khwai community area 24.6, Savuti


Luapula Cisticola Cisticola luapula


Chirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens arundicola


Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus

(3) Up to 40 Savuti 24-26.6.

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava

(6) Xakanaxa 20.6, Xakanaxa 21.6 and observed Savuti 24-27.6.

Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata


Stierling's Wren-Warbler Calamonastes stierlingi


Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae

Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii


Hartlaub's Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii


Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor

(3) 5 Khwai community area 22.6, 20 Savuti 25.6 and 25 Savuti 26.6.

Old World Warblers Sylviidae

Chestnut-vented Warbler Sylvia subcoerulea

(1) 2 Savuti 26.6.

Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies Zosteropidae

African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis


Starlings Sturnidae


Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus nordmanni

(6) Xakanaxa 18.6, Xakanaxa 20.6, Xakanaxa 21.6 and observed Savuti 25-27.6.

Meves's Starling Lamprotornis mevesii

(6) Xakanaxa 19-21.6 and observed Khwai community area 22-24.6.

Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis


Oxpeckers Buphagidae

Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus africanus

(3) 4 Xakanaxa 19.6, 1 Khwai community area 24.6 and 1 Savuti 25.6.

Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorynchus

(7) Xakanaxa 19-21.6, Khwai community area 22.6, Khwai community area 23.6, Savuti 26.6 and

Savuti 27.6.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae

Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa


Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae

White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys


Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina


Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis


Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens


African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus


Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora

(1) 1 Savuti 26.6.

Arnott's Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti arnotti


Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris


Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis


Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis mariquensis


White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala



Old World Sparrows Passeridae

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali

(2) 2 Khwai community area 22.6 and 2 Savuti 26.6.

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus


Yellow-throated Petronia Gymnoris superciliaris


Weavers and Allies Ploceidae

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger niger



Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons


Holub's Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops


Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius cabanisii


Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus

(1) 40 Xakanaxa 18.6.

Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps rubriceps


Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea

(10) Up to 1 Xakanaxa 18-20.6, observed Khwai community area 21-24.6 and observed Savuti 25-

27.6.

Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae

Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba melba

(1) 1 Savuti 24.6.

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala rendalli

(2) 12 Khwai community area 23.6 and 10 Savuti 24.6.

Jameson's Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia


Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis


Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus


Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild


Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos erythronotos


(1) 6 Savuti 26.6.

Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis


Indigobirds Viduidae

Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia


Seen only in non-breeding plumage.

Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis


African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp


African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus

(5) Xakanaxa 19.6, Xakanaxa 20.6 and observed Savuti 25-27.6.

Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys


Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae

Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris


Reptiles (6 in total: 6 seen)




Zimbabwe

Skinks Scincidae

African Striped Skink Trachylepis striata wahlbergi


Botswana

Chameleons Chamaeleonidae

Flap-neck Chameleon Chamaeleo dilepis


We managed to find one of these great little creatures crossing the track.

Skinks Scincidae

African Five-lined Skink Trachylepis quinquetaeniata



Monitor Lizards Varanidae

Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus


We saw a mating pair with some intruding males!

Pythonidae Pythonidae

Southern African Python Python natalensis


Crocodiles and relatives Crocodylidae

Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus cowiei


Amphibians (1 in total: 0 seen, 1 heard)




Botswana

True frogs Ranidae

Striped Stream Frog Strongylopus fasciatus

(3) 1 heard Xakanaxa 20.6, 1 heard Khwai River 22.6 and 1 heard Khwai community area 23.6.

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c/o Summit Trust Mauritius Limited, Labourdonnais Village,

Mapou, Mauritius

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Documents

Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls · 2017-11-20 · Trip Report – RWT - Botswana & Victoria Falls 2017 3 Mopani, Rain-tree and African Ebonies, with fantastic grass savanna in between