Pornography in Etosha

Etosha's the huge National Park in the north of Namibia. We spent three days there, going on safaris early in the morning and shortly before sunset. Unlike other parks in Botswana or South Africa, Etosha is really dry. The best chance to spot interesting things is to go directly to one of the (artificial) water points spread all over the Park.

On the first morning, we were about to leave one of these ponds when a herd of 20 thirsty elephants passed by to freshen up. Great. I had never seen an elephant (apart in those gloomy circus) and here there were 20 meters away from me. But let me come to the point. I guess you're waiting for the connection with this entry's title. Here it is. An hour later, we meet by chance a couple of sleepy lions. 5 meters away. Very impressive. Even though we were all gently seated inside the truck, to see the male roaring in our direction had something forbidding. 15 minutes, 264 pics, and a few videos later, we were about to leave this couple and let it sleep peacefully. When Frantz shouted at Rea. Stop it. Now. "They should copulate in 5 minutes"... Burst of laughter. Soon, I start the bets. They won't do it. This guide simply has an extravagant imagination. You've already guessed: 5 minutes later, the female stands up. Male follows. Pics (see the fantastic one below by Robert Dalaudière). Videos. 7 secs. Doesn't seem that impressive for human standards. Except if I recall this happens 150 times every half an hour.



During night time, a water point adjacent to the camping was illuminated. That was even better than during the day. Rhinos, giraffes, elephants, ... succeed. Until that couple of male elephants. Alone after the rhino had left the scene. One of the guys didn't seem very thirsty. He was moving all the time, going backwards, turning around itself. Dulcet. And here comes the (gay) parade. The elephants start to snarl the trunks. Crossing tusks. Convinced that things were going pretty well, one starts to mount his companion. No way. Not tonight. People are laughing discreetly. Time to go to bed. Tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is another safari.

Etosha is a fantastic park. Huge and wild. And sometimes pretty hot too.