"A boat trip on the river - 2" Chobe National Park Travelogue by Alain_Smeets

Chobe National Park Travel Guide: 102 reviews and 371 photos

Birds on a dead tree, Chobe (photo Thieu Kunnen)

The trips starts very relaxing over the calm water and I decide to go to the upper deck where the sun can burn is, but here you have the best view in the house. Jean and Thieu decide to sit at the lower deck close at the bar and that I noticed when we came back a shore. I could see it at the bill, they put everything on my name. But fair is fair they brought me some beers now and then also. We had drunk as much as all the others together, are we true Belgians then?

Crocodile on the shore

But now back to our trip, we move very slowly over the slow streaming water and in a sidearm we see a group of hippos quietly floating in the shallow water minding their own business. We pass them to search for more wildlife, it’s a very diverse population out here.

Crocodile on the shore (photo Thieu Kunnen)

When we are back on the river, we see another group of hippos. And look they have 2 or 3 little ones in their mids. We hope the boat can get a bit closer for a better view, but they see us while we try to get close to them. I think we are getting a bit to close.

Crocodile on the shore (photo Thieu Kunnen)

A big hippo plunged under water and the captain of our boat opens the throttle of the engine to maximum. We are wondering why he does that and we feel the boat picking up speed. We are creating more distance with the group of hippos ………………

Water buffalo, Chobe (photo Thieu Kunnen)

……………… and a few seconds later we see that big hippo emerging on the same spot where the boat was just moments before. He wanted to ram us, that big fat hippo. They are dangerous animals. Let that be a lesson, these are wild animals and if you get to close to them they will defend themselves.

Water buffalo, Chobe

We were talking about this in the group and were a bit surprised over the natural reaction of that hippo and were impressed by what just happen.

They are dangerous animals, so be careful.

A Impala comes for a drink (photo Thieu Kunnen)

The story continues on the next travelogue: A boat trip on the river - 3

Page Updated Aug 30, 2003
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Comments (11)

Jim_Eliason Jan 24, 2004 at 9:01 AM Report Abuse

Great Photos, I am headed to Kruger in March and hope to do as well in spotting wildlife as you did!
buket Jan 24, 2004 at 6:04 AM Report Abuse

Wow! Great pictures! It must be wonderful to have been there!!
myriam_c Nov 3, 2003 at 5:10 AM Report Abuse

I definitely want to see the BIG 5 again. Scenery in Bots looks totally different than in East Africa. Very nice page!!
sarawakgirl Oct 22, 2003 at 10:54 PM Report Abuse

Hi Alain.. great safari trip!
Sharon Sep 26, 2003 at 1:27 AM Report Abuse

I love those Elephants ! did you know how smart they are ? i think most people dont even know this fact ! Nice t-logues.
Bwana_Brown Aug 4, 2003 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

Alain, a great page on Chobe! It sounds like you had a great time on both the land and water parts of your excursions! Will you pay for my beers too if I come with you?
TempNomad Aug 4, 2003 at 12:43 PM Report Abuse

I'll stay out of the hippo path! :) Thanks for the photos...they're fabulous!
sachara Jul 21, 2003 at 2:33 PM Report Abuse

The Chobepark is marvellous. Good memories. Beautifull travelogues.
tini58de Jul 5, 2003 at 4:30 AM Report Abuse

There is nothing more exciting than seeing all these animals in their natural habitat! Wonderful pictures in your traivelogue, Alain!
Karolline Jul 3, 2003 at 3:30 AM Report Abuse

Looks like you had more than marvellous trip!! Greetings from Poland!;-)