The bridge over Khwai

The journey between Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Area was a real thrill. We made two river crossings and at each crossing our guide had to help others to cross. This was due to the high water levels, but also the fact that people didn´t read signs when they choose which way to go. There were clear signs stating river crossing. Maybe they missed them and had other things to look while driving.

At the second crossing I took the opportunity to both record our crossing. I also made a video of the two cars that we helped getting over the river.

Video: Into the water

Video: Helping others

The second driver got a little lecture afterwards because he had did just the opposite of what he was told. Don´t shift gear, but that was exactly what he did and it didn´t go unnoticed.

We let them past us just after the crossing and that made for one of the more interesting side routes we took. It was vultures that led the way. They signal to each other by deploying their landing gear, that is their feet. When they are circling with their feet down, like when they are preparing to land, then you can expect they have found something of interest. This is the signal for others to follow, because they are stronger when the group is bigger.

Our guide saw this behavior just off the road and we headed straight out into the bush with the camp trailer behind us. There were many “mind the branches” before we came out into an open space by the water. There we found a lioness protecting a kill from previous night.

She had many Vultures as companion while the rest of her pride 40 meters away.

We didn´t stop for long and continued onwards to the new camping site. A great sighting and unfortunately we didn´t head back later that evening.

If you want to see more pictures from Khwai then check my Photo Album.

You find it here : Khwai Community Area 2011