More on Namibia

 We stayed at the Etosha Lodge just outside the National park.  With the long drive the day before and the early morning ride through a portion of the park, we came back and had a light lunch and took a nap.  After all, we were on R&R.  When we awakened from our chalet, we saw this animal outside our door and there were several of these animals walking freely though the grounds.  I believe these are an Impala that was relocated from South Africa.

As we walked up to take the afternoon game drive, we saw a group of banded mongoose in the grass.  They were thoroughly enjoying the grubs or whatever they were digging out of the grassy areas.

We saw many more giraffe this afternoon.  They are really such amazing creatures.

 The Kori Bustard is a very large bird that looks a lot like a Pterodactyl, I think.  We never saw these birds fly although they can.  The males weigh up to 18 kg (39+ lbs).  They may be the heaviest bird that can fly. 

The birds are very clever here.  They build their nests at the end of the branches with the opening over the open air so that the snakes cannot climb the trees and eat the eggs or young.

These birds build many nests on the same tree....so it looks like pom-poms at the end of the branches.  Quite amazing.....









I loved the Zebra with the young following the already pregnant mothers.  The herds were everywhere and not afraid of the game cars that travel thoughout the park.

The Oryx antelope is incredible.  A huge animal with the longest straight horns.  We always saw them in at least pairs.

We found the giraffe interesting to watch and one of the most unusual times to see them was when they cam to the water to drink.

The giraffe was as curious about us as we them.

The Damara Dik-dik....what a tiny little deer.  Small as a cat.

And a face...........

 like Bambi.......









This was the last day we had with the bushman guides.  The next day we were going to drive through the park by ourselves and stay on the outside of the park on the west side.  We were so enchanted by what we were seeing and experiencing......it was wonderful.