Day 11 Halali

Went to the waterhole last night - wasn't much to see wildlife wise but it is very pretty. Could see some movement in the shadows on the other side - it took us a while to figure out that it was a gaggle of geese. Had a jackal walking around our campsite while we were eating. Hot evening again - basically slept on top of the duvet until about 3ish then moved bottom half underneath the covers.
We were ready at around 6:30 this am so took a walk down to the waterhole (it's a long way, I might add!) - still not much happening down there.
Took to the road as the gates opened and had a brief sighting of a leopard in a tree.  Suspect he was same fellow as yesterday as this was in similar proximity. He shot up the tree, scanned the bush and scarpered down again.  Didn't even have time to lift the camera!
Came upon this little fellow at Chudop waterhole:

There was a herd of Eland there, as well, but they were further back into the bush.

Not too far on, there were 2 lions (Mr and Mrs) who, we are guessing, had had a very satisfying preceding evening.  They were looking very sated.  (....and the smile on her face was the smile of content ....).  Mrs Lion lifted her head briefly and then crashed out again.  He was very protective - hovering over her.  In the below pic you may just be able to make out a hint of her on the right of Mr.  This shot was captured in the only time he stood up in the hour that we watched and waited.

I cannot get over the constantly changing scenery in this place.  One minute your looking at a dry, dusty, white pan, then it's rolling fields of grass, next it's rocky and then, my pet hate:  Mopani.  I never seem to see much (anything?) in Mopani territory!  I cannot think what it's good for other than providing fodder for worms!!!  We spent about 30km on a bouncy road surrounded by the blasted stuff.  Right, glad I got THAT off my chest!

Etosha means "Great white place" - very aptly named on a number of levels.
 It was quite windy today - tends to stir up the dust quite a bit.  Bear in mind that the dust is whitish, at one stage the dust had settled on the bushes and it looked quite ghostly. 

Similarly, check out the "Elephantom".

Oh, this one's for you, Mum:

Halali rest camp is in Mopani territory.  Fortunately, the Mopani have been here for years and appear to get a reasonable water supply, as they are quite large and provide much needed, if somewhat dappled, shade.  (So they do have another use!).

And, last but not least, before I sign off for the night, we witnessed this springbok with a crown of thorns.  Does it say anywhere that the second coming HAS to be a human?