Few bucketlist experiences are more iconic than taking an African safari. But adventure travelers are no longer confined to a tedious four-hour stretch in a Land Rover to explore the African Savanna. A variety of travel providers now guide travelers by hot air balloon, kayak, on foot or, as we were fortunate to experience, luxury riverboat cruise.
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We set sail (so to speak) down Africa’s Chobe River for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime safari experience aboard the Zambezi Queen. It’s home to one of the densest wildlife populations on the continent, in particular more than 120,000 wild African elephants.
Here we present a small sampling of photos that perfectly capture our time cruising the Okavango Delta and through Chobe National Park …
The Zambezi Queen Anchored in the Calm Waters of Botswana's Chobe River
A Lone Bird Sings for Me Aboard the Zambezi Queen
The “big get” (pun intended) in the Okavanga Delta region is the 120,000+ wild African elephants. If you can’t spot them here, you can’t spot them anywhere …
Two Elephant Bulls Sparring on the Bank of the Chobe River
Elephant + Moon Along the Chobe River
Elephant “Snorkeling” the Waters of the Chobe River
Elephants Along the Bank of the Chobe River
“Dumbo” Elephant Attempts (Unsuccessfully) to Fly Away
An Elephant Mother + Calf Along the Chobe River
Although there’s an awful lot more going on in and along the banks of the Chobe River than just elephants …
Baboon Mother Watches Over Her Young
Hippos Waiting to Strike in the Chobe River
Day Lillies Wide Open in the Afternoon Sun of the Chobe River
African Fish Eagle Waits Patiently for Prey Along the Chobe River
Boat Along the Bank of the Chobe River
Warthog Scavenges for Food on the Bank of the Chobe River
Kudu Females Grazing Along the Chobe River
A Lilac-breasted Roller Stares at Me Quizzically
Our Small Skiff Explores the Chobe River
It’s Not Just About the ‘Big 5’ … Two Butterflies Along the Chobe River
White-fronted Bee-eaters Along the Chobe River
Birds Along the Chobe River
An Alligator Attempts to Keep Cool in the Harsh African Sun
Natural Decay Along the Chobe River
Laundry Day on the Chobe River
And there’s even more to see once you step off the water and inside Botswana’s Chobe National Park …
Elephant Crossing in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Bird Launches from a Tree in Chobe National Park
Bow-legged Giraffe Bending Down in Chobe National Park
Sleepy Baby Elephant in Chobe National Park
Male Kudu Bending for a Drink in Chobe National Park
Giraffe Standing Tall in Chobe National Park
… and at the end of the day, some of the most spectacular sunsets we’ve ever seen …
All photos © Mike Richard.