Africa - The Animals

One of the really cool things about traveling to Africa was seeing all of the animals that we usually only see in zoos or children's books and movies.

Before we were a mile from the airport, we saw 3 baboons cross the road in front of us.  Baboons!!!

This hornbill was hanging out in a tree outside our window the first morning we woke in Africa.

There were beautiful birds everywhere.

There were also some not so beautiful creatures...like the wildebeest. 

As we finished up our trip, we were thankful for the opportunity to travel through Etosha National Park.  We drove about six hours to get through it, and the animals we got to watch in their natural habitats were so magnificent!  

Springbok

Impala

Giraffes!!  I think they are some of the coolest animals on the planet, and clicked about 3 dozen pictures of them right away.  David had told me, "By the time we get a couple of hours into the park, you won't even get excited about them anymore - there's so many!" 

The excitement wore off some, and I quit taking pictures of every single one I saw, but I still think they are just awesome!

I love how they bend and position themselves to drink!

OK, last one...kind of.

The zebras were great too - my favorite colors!

I loved how these two kind of hugged.

There are SO many kinds of antelope in the park, and I have spent some time looking up pictures to help identify these, and most I'm positive what they are, but a few I just don't know.  This is one I don't know at all, but isn't it beautiful!?

One last giraffe picture, but the kudu in between the two is the main attraction.  It was massive.

Warthog family

Gemsbok Oryx

A rhino - it never got very close, but it was cool even at a distance!

The best part - this beautiful giant.  It was huge and majestic and a rare sight.  He walked right in front of our van as he crossed the road. 

Male lions sleep around 18-20 hours a day, so seeing one walking around was a special treat.

There is nothing like seeing these animals in their element.  God has made some amazing creatures!!