Day 8

The morning drive in a different direction – to the Gomoti river. Because it was a long drive, we had to get up at 5:30 instead of the usual 6 am. On the way, we stopped by the same dead elephant hoping to see some hyenas. There were three there scavenging together with vultures, and jackals. The hyena kept the other two away. We then drove to the Gomoti river. The vegetation is quite different from the dry areas. We saw a family of 3 hippos emerging from the water, some buffalos, giraffes, elephants, zebras taking a dry bath in the dirt. We also came across another dead elephant. This one was covered with hundreds and hundreds of vultures fighting among themselves.` We then stopped for a picnic lunch which turned out to be quite elaborate. From there to the airstrip and waited for the helicopter – it has 4 seats and 4 doors. The pilot took off all 4 doors and laid them in the grass. The 30 minute chopper ride was amazing. We flew over the delta wetlands and saw all kinds of animals. On the way back to camp we got stuck in the sand and had to jack up the truck and put branches under one wheel to dig ourselves out. Got back to camp at 4, just in time for high tea.