We arise early and pack the truck leaving our chalet empty.

(Our chalet in the foreground - Halali Rest Camp)

We stop at Reception but learn that only the camp site is actually available and that it will require a duplicate payment for accommodations (no refund for the unused portion of stay at our chalet). So we must move back in to our chalet which is being cleaned at this point.

We decide to drive to the Park’s western boundary (for self-guided visitors). On a scenic detour we are informed by other visitors of some lions just ahead.

(We spied this lion in the far distance after driving a few more kilometers -- Etosha National Park)

(We turned around to the south and saw that the lion was joining its pride under the small tree on the left - on the loop road south of the main east-west road, Etosha National Park)

(The pride under the tree: Etosha National Park)

We continue west and picnic at Okaukuejo. We push on further west through a notably more arid landscape. The underlying soil types alter the vegetation to a great degree. Little game here as drive toward Sprokieswoud (Ghost Tree Forest). Veldt fires - rising columns of smoke that look like cyclones appear to the west. Flames burn right down to the edge of the road.

Mindful of the time (and the lack of game) we turn around. We see Maribou storks. Taking a southern detour to escape some of the corrugated road between Okaukuejo and Halali we approach the Olifantsbad waterhole and watch a lone, skittish giraffe drink.

(Wary giraffe: Olifantsbad, Etosha National Park)

Just northeast of Olifantsbad a rhino right on the road!

(After dashing across the road just 4 meters ahead -- a black rhinoceros turns and coyly peeks at us, northeast of Olifantsbad)

(Calmly browsing: black rhino, northeast of Olifantsbad)

Dik-diks, duikers, impalas, and classic horizon to horizon vistas with giraffe in the distance.

(Gemsbok scratching a certain spot: Etosha National Park)

(The pattern of stripes is unique to each individual -- like a fingerprint: Etosha National Park)

Open veldt, beautiful skies, zebra, springbok, wildebeest, ostrich.

(Springbok enjoying shelter from the midday sun, Etosha National Park)

Back to Halali from the east: “Lost World” koppies of calciferous stone and exotic trees .

(Entrance to Halali Rest Camp looking from west to east: "Halali" is the bugle call signaling the end of a successful hunt)

Labels: Etosha National Park, Halali Rest Camp, Okaukuejo, Olifantsbad, Sprokieswoud

¶ 11:57 AM