Olifantsbad (‘Elephants bath’ in Afrikaans) is a fairly remote waterhole in the Okaukuejo area. I love going to this part of Etosha because it is deep within the park’s mopane (Colophospermum mopane) forest. There’s usually something unusual that I spot here like eland, ratel or kudus. And the usual stuff like impala and lions. This trip has been unusual in the sense that I’ve seen lions nearly every time I’ve gone out. I can now recognize most of them in this area and usually just drive past any lions I see. And I must say some of the tourists have a very surprised look on their faces when I just look at the lions and do a drive by. However, I do stop when an interesting composition is possible or the light is just right. Here’s a small portfolio of the lions of Olifantsbad.
A lion (‘scarface’) waits near the Olifantsbad waterhole
The bold ‘scarface’ who sat on the road without any fear.
‘Scarface’ shaking his beautiful mane.
The collared male drinking at a puddle in the road
The collared male getting up after a drink
The collared male walking toward me.
A third male sits amidst the flowers.