Beautiful Botswana............

Although Abu Camp is mostly for the elephant experience, there is plenty going on where elephants are not directly involved.  

Being on the Okavango Delta, water is omnipresent, and with water come crocodiles, hippos, water fowl, birds of every description, and beautiful flowers........even in Winter.

The colorful and friendly Crested Barbet joined us for breakfast at camp........

........then we headed out on the drive.

Around 11 o'clock Newman, our charming Bushman ranger, served us 'elevenses', bush tea with fresh scones and strawberry jam. They really hit the spot as you can see from Bob's grin........

.....and we were on our way to view everything Botswana had to offer on a sunny day. Yes, the Winter sky is that blue with nary a cloud ever.

The beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller - everybody loves this colorful small bird 

Bob being measured against a termite mound - they are built to huge proportions by those tiny insects.

We found a Spotted Hyena den - the babies were sunbathing in the grass.

 The brilliance of the tiny Malachite Kingfisher.

Huge herds of Impala - usually one male with his harem.

 Two sleek young males still in the 'boys club' but definitely looking for girlfriends!

The elegant male Saddle-billed Stork.

The very handsome Roan Antelope - he has to be my favorite.

That same day we took the afternoon boat trip on the delta with Newman...........

He was so gracious and made each of us a waterlily necklace. Newman is an awesome man and we felt blessed to have him as our guide.  Although he'd retired, he returned to work because he didn't feel comfortable as a 'townie' and wanted to continue working in the bush surrounded by nature which he loves so much.

At last I'm able to capture birds in flight.......some of the time! My new camera allows that if I can get it all together! Learning to use an SLR on this trip was an experience - thankfully tips from Paula and Kim on where to set that ISO helped a lot!

This white beauty is the Great Egret.

Of course the afternoon ended up with 'sundowners' on the water.........what could have been any better than ending a perfect day this way!

Next day we were off again.....and yes, that was a tiny plane! Now you know why we only get to take one soft duffel and a small carryon per person.

Heading to Zimbabwe.....................

.................and this pic is for blog friend Sarah in Texas so she can see the special gift she gave me for the 2010 safari got to visit Africa yet again!

Abu Camp was awesome.............and I'll always remember Cathy (above) with great affection. 

Botswana is a wonderful country, be sure to visit if you ever have the chance.