The Final Chapter of Botswana
N'Pan & Elephant Sands
The Final Chapter of Botswana
The Botswana adventure came to its final chapter. We arrived at N'Pan — a landscape starkly different from the lush delta, arid and flat, surrounded by the raw reality of nature. Then on to Elephant Sands, where the elephants lived up to the name. This was the closing of an incredible journey.
We had landed in the back half of the Botswana adventure. The destination was N'Pan — a place I couldn't quite pronounce properly, but that didn't matter. We were here for two nights, and the landscape was strikingly different from everything we'd seen so far.
After the lush greenery of Chobe and the delta, N'Pan was arid. Flat. Dry. It was actually quite reminiscent of Etosha National Park in Namibia — a landscape I knew well from previous trips. And while the greenery was gone, the beauty remained. Different, but still beautiful.
We arrived at the gate, having already done some safari driving. Even got to shoot a bit of astrophotography the night before, which we hoped to do again if the clouds cooperated.
A Landscape of Contrasts
N'Pan was different. The wildlife tended to be a bit less active in the heat, but we still saw wonderful things. Bat-eared foxes, beautiful birds, and the ever-present reality of the circle of life. Surrounded by death, as it were. But such is the way of things in the wild.
Life is life, and it really does have a way of impacting how you look at the landscape and the wildlife within it. We were treated to some wonderful encounters, even if they centred around things being eaten. It was pretty wild. And quite smelly. But it was real.
Bat-eared foxes — a wonderful sighting in the arid plains of N'Pan.
Beautiful birds — even in the dry landscape.
So colourful, so beautiful.
The Lion Hunt
Word around the campfire was that there were fresh lion tracks in the area. They were following some buffalo, and we were going to chase them down.
There's something thrilling about tracking lions. We'd seen plenty of sleeping lions during the trip, but if we could find them standing up, moving, hunting — that would be a real treat. So we packed up, got organised, and headed out into the heat.
We inched our way along, scanning the bushes, listening to the drivers communicate over the radio. It's a wonderful pursuit. And then — we found them. Lions. And they were walking.
Lions on the move — a real treat after so many sleeping ones.
It was a pleasure to see them moving. The lazy lumps we'd become accustomed to were replaced by something more alive, more purposeful. We captured some fantastic photographs, and it was a fitting way to experience lions in their natural environment.
Moving through the tall grass — powerful, deliberate.
That look back — calm, knowing, in control.
The Camaraderie
One of the wonderful things about trips like this is the camaraderie between the group. Getting to hang out, chat, and tell stories of old. Everyone was having a good laugh, passing the time with card games, sharing meals, and just being together.
It's something I've always appreciated about these workshops. Yes, the photography is incredible. The wildlife is spectacular. But the people — the connections you make, the friendships that form — that's what stays with you long after the trip is over.
It was time to pack up and say goodbye to N'Pan. The trucks were being loaded, breakfast was being finished, and there was a good laugh in the air. What a beautiful camp we had here. Absolutely fantastic.
Elephant Sands
We made the journey to Elephant Sands, and it was living up to its namesake. The elephants were right there. Huge. Majestic. It was too dark to take any meaningful pictures by the time we arrived, but just seeing them was enough.
The drivers had done a lot for us — the driving was chunky, the heat was intense, and they navigated it all with patience and skill. Fair play to them. We settled in by the viewing area, chilled out, and relaxed.
Elephant Sands — living up to its name. They were right there.
I didn't take any pictures at Elephant Sands. I was tired, the light was fading, and sometimes it's enough just to be present. To watch. To soak it all in. I looked at the huge elephant in the fading light and thought — please don't look at me.
Reflections on Botswana
This was the last video from the Botswana series. And what a series it had been.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who was part of this adventure. It was such a pleasure to have met everyone, and I very much hope our paths shall cross again.
A magnificent shout out to the wonderful Sam and Opie, our drivers and guides. Without their knowledge and expertise, this kind of adventure just can't exist. And of course, all the crew of Kalahari Tours. It's absolutely fantastic.
Botswana, I absolutely love you. This has been a magic time.
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But for now, I'll see you all on the next one. Take it easy, everybody. Cheers.
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