Okavango Delta, Botswana
August 2008
Lizl and Mark Carlsen, the lodge managers at Xugana, couldn’t resist the chance to see the lions on Palm Island. But on this day, the journey was as magical as the destination.
They cruised on a boat through a narrow channel lined with papyrus and reeds. Xugana guides travel these channels every day, showing guests the bounty of the Okavango Delta: African fish eagles soaring overhead, malachite kingfishers darting from reed to reed, the African jacanas walking on lily pads as if walking on water, earning them the affectionate nickname “Jesus birds.”
But on this day, around the corner was a bigger surprise. A bull elephant ambled alongside the channel, and Lizl caught him in all his massive grandeur.
They found the elephant in musth, (ready to mate), and as they boated toward him, it looked as if he move into their pathway in the channel. So they waited for him to pass, but he changed direction. 
Mark and Lizl were left marveling at how you can set out to see one thing in Africa and, before you reach your destination, something equally magnificent shows up along the way.The bull elephant “stood there long enough to pose for the photograph,” Lizl said, adding with a laugh, “the award-winning photograph.”
And, yes, Mark and Lizl got to see the lions as well. As they say in their hometowns of South Africa, it was a “lekker” day. In other words: A fine day.-- Maria Henson, volunteer
Delta and Desert Safaris
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