Sello Motseta
24th January 2026
With a small staff complement of 2 employees, a self-driven local entrepreneur Safari Guide Akanyang Kelefang, who is the proprietor of AK 47 Kelefang Mobile Safari and Tours, is making trips inside the Chobe National Park a memorable and exhilarating experience.
His deep understanding and knowledge of the diverse and rich animal heritage within the Park makes Game Drives not only an aesthetically compelling exercise but provide an important foundational knowledge stream for those wanting a greater understanding of local wildlife species.
During the rainy season lion sightings are rare with water abundant and water channels multiplied.
Established in 1967 and covering vast swathes of land measuring an estimated 11,700 km, Kelefang is quick to assure a small contingent of local media the iconic Chobe National Park never disappoints.
The road is harsh with periodical bumps along the way but his early words of comfort prove prophetic with animal sightings aplenty in the 2 hour game excursion as the sun set.
We encounter a variety of animals including elephants, hippo, crocodiles, cape buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe and various bird species like Vultures, Brown Snake Eagle and African Data. There is an uncomfortable close encounter with a Bull Elephant we are told is mating.
“You can tell it is mating because of the strong smell of urine and the way their private parts protrude. They are very dangerous during this mating period,” said Kelefang. He said, “They will attack without warning if agitated or disturbed.”
The bull appeared restless whilst he watched the small herd closely and we were happy to drive away.
We also chanced upon a dead carcass of an elephant under a tree, Kelefang said died mid-January probably from the heat waves and is being slowly picked apart by wild animals. The lions have allegedly eaten the insides and the vultures and hyenas are expected to eat the remaining.
Elephant skin is allegedly 2.5cm thick and so apex predators are needed to initiate the feeding frenzy.
It reminded us of the balanced and enduring of the eco system that governs wildlife species.
