...so close that I could switch from my telephoto to a wide 18 mmm that allowed a better perspective over the surroundings. You notice that the ground is covered with a layer of dungs that forms a carpet that confirms that the place is highly appraised by elephants.

Arriving a few minutes later at Savuti Safari Lodge the show was going on with a group of elephants sharing the Lodge waterhole with Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis).

Elephants are very common in the north of Botswana. The Chobe, Kwando-Linyanti and Okavango areas have one of Africa's strongest populations of Elephants. When the dry season progresses they gradually coalesce into larger herds and head to permanent sources, the rivers and the Delta, where, at this time, you can see huge herds of Elephants. They also gather at artificial waterholes that are set for them like here in Savuti. That the reason why safaris are particularly productive during dry season when mammals are easy to spot by waterholes.

Consequently, the tourist season peak occurs at this time of the year (July/August). But rainy season (December/March) has not to be underestimated. Animals are scarcer and more difficult to spot because they can hide in high grass. But on the other hand, animals are in good shape (not weakened by drought)and can be shot in elegant green landscape with a better light (that are key questions for a photographer). You can see the obvious difference in background colors between this photo taken in december while previous ones were taken in August.

OK, You must be prepared to more tracking and searching but that is part of the fun. You will finally get a lower animal density but roughly the same diversity. According to my personnal files and lists (oh god how many of them did I fill ?!) it appears that mammals variety is about the same for either season (30 to 35 species for a two weeks safari) while birds spotting is much more rewarding during rainy season (because of migratory species).

Not an Elephant attack but a male violently flapping his trunk and ears during his washing at a natural waterhole in Kwara area.

Sandbathing at Starling.

Smoking Elephant at Moremi.

Elephant cub after a mudbath at Moremi.