Days 16-17: Chobe NP - lions!

The theory is that animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day so its another early start for the group as they head out on an early morning game drive in Chobe NP - home to a massive 64,000 elephants. Despite this number, its not uncommon not to see any at all, especially in the rainy season, so the group is pleased to see a big herd, as well as kudu (now they have seen everything they've eaten), tribes of baboons, many impala - and a huge highlight - a pride of lions with very small cubs.

Breakfast is very welcome (pancakes and all the toppings) and then we head to town for a few hours - and a KFC - before heading out on an evening game cruise down the river. Again, we are lucky - the elephants have come down to the river to play, fight and drink and we see nile monitor lizards, buffalo (so thats four of the Big 5 seen) and mongoose.

Everyone agrees that Chobe has been exceptionally good - so much so that most call it an early night, leaving a few hardcore souls to see the night in with a very competitive cards tournament.