Our first destination in Botswana was the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. We had made a reservation to stay at a Sunday Pan Campsite, but we were unable to arrive at the gate before closing time. Mid April is a low time in the season for visitors, so we had no problem acquiring a reservation/permit the next day. There were several admonitions before we entered through the Matswere Entrance Gate.
On the way we saw many beautiful Helmeted Guineafowl. Their head gear is such a pretty blue color.
SF
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is nearly 1/10 of Botswana. Fortunately, signs were available to help guide us to our campsite.
Nearing our campground, we started seeing many odd nests again.
The White-browed Sparrow Weaver birds were the occupants of the nests. They flew in and out of their nests and swooped around us nearly incessantly.
Each campsite is for one group. We had plenty of space to find a shady spot.
No water or ablution block is provided at the campsites; only a pit toilet and a campfire ring. It is much like going to Burning Man. A visitor carries everything that is needed in with them, virtually nothing is left, and everything is carried out.
Cape Glossy Starlings are hard to capture standing still, but this one was a frequent visitor to our campsite.
After lunch we explored part of our surroundings, a vast grassland area. We saw herds of springbok that are similar to impalas.
The unusual looking gemsbok with the huge straight horns were a 'new to us' antelope that lived in the reserve.
Giraffe were also present, but there seemed to be fewer of them than in South Africa.
We saw several ostriches who were curious to see us, but also were very shy. They really do not want to stand still while I try to photograph them.
Since there was no main water source nearby, it was fairly bug free and warm when we set up camp for the night. The wood we had purchased for a fire was better than our charcoal and extremely long lasting. The guys had bought steaks for their "braai". I made vegetable kabobs.
This was our first Kalahari Sunset. We had some trepidation before getting into our tents about our overnight after hearing stories about lions wandering through camps, territorial roars and battles, and who knows what else. However, we have no great story to relate. It was a quiet, calm night.
Attempting to get an early start, we ate breakfast after being on the road a while. Our wonderful refrigerator is on the left, and a blue propane tank and stove is anchored on the right. Perfect for a muesli, yogurt, fruit, marula jam and bread, and instant coffee breakfast.
We found a striking Northern Black Kohaan wandering among the antelope and ostriches. It is a relative of the bustard birds.
We also saw a shy Black-backed Jackal.
The ever elusive lions continued to evade us. We did see lion tracks though.
The elephants left tracks for us, too.
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