Botswana: Mokoro trail, a photo from North-West, North

Photographer's Note

"Copyright � � Attila Szili.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is probably the most famous, and certainly the most spectacular, floodplain in the world. The delta𠏋 floods are fed from the Angolan rains, which start in October and finish sometime in April and taking almost nine months from the source to the bottom end of the delta (Maun). During the peak of the flooding the delta𠏋 area can expand to over 16,000 square kilometres, shrinking to less than 9,000 square kilometres in the low period. The best period for game viewing in the delta is during the months of May-October, as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas.
The best time for birdwatching and enjoy the vegetation is during the rainy season, from November to April, as the migrant bird populations are
in the area and the plants are green and flowering. Safari activities by water are the primary speciality of the Okavango and the best way to explore the area is by walking or taking part of a mokoro trip. The mokoro is a native dug-out canoe, poled through the shallow waters of the Delta in almost total silence, which leaves the birds and the fauna undisturbed. Fortunately, vehicles are allowed only on the main islands.

I opted for a natural choice, for my stay in the area and decided for a camp located deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta and accessible by light aircraft only. The accommodation was in 3-man, 2.4m x 2.4m dome tent set on elevated wooden deck. It was a really exciting experience especially during the night, hearing the sounds of the local fauna. And not only, because during one night, our camp was "hardly" visited by two male elephants, glad of the fruits of the palmtrees, located all around our tent and some of them at only 4-5m. So they shook the trees all the night and from time to time checked carefully the steadiness of the tent with their trunk. Fortunately, with all the noises they made, my daughter of eight years didn't wake up and we remained in silence, almost without breathing for 4 hours(!!). Previously, we were adviced not to leave our tent if something like this happen, because is more dangerous than remain in it, but I didn't resist to have a look at. It was terrific to see two long tusks enlightened by the moon at about 5 metres from me.
The really most exciting experience I ever had!

parbo, leiju, Albrecht, albertopiubello, dospordostres, vincz, chrisnet, raftad, Buin, josepmarin, stego, Henryk_Bilor, paura, Deepforest, elmec, Gerrit, sufi, sam224, riclopes, jhm, syd1946, anavazao, Vato_Law, henrytf, john_c, MikiM, Graal, kermit350, Cricri, jaja1970, balatrek, TeresaT, Wanda1, Angshu, berek, Rosa_d_MonteLua, siolaw, John_F_Kennedy, hitesh, axiotea, teutza, sabyasachi1212, AiresSantos, Emile, prezntime, Didi, turkamerikali, miuky, emjleclercq, sanalytis, Mistral, rdiaz80, ribeiroantonio, PainDivine69 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jackart (6702) 2006-12-01 6:39

Hi Attila !

Excelent POV wonderful colors and sharpness. Reflections of sun and sky in the water looks great. Amazing picture

Regards

Lix (0) 2006-12-01 6:56

Hi Attila
wonderful shot, great!

Alessandro

[2]

parbo (11092) 2006-12-01 7:08

Hello Attila,

What an excited story. Your frame is more valuable after reading the notes. Boat designs, textures, floodplain tell us life must be compatible to the environment there. I like your highest position because it creates nice aerial view. Boats, reflections and color of water are really extraordinary. Boatmen add the life needed for your photo. Congratulations.

Friendly Regards,

Ertugrul

leiju (1697) 2006-12-01 7:24

That sounds like a lovely story! Exciting for sure!
Lovely POV you have chosen for this shot, giving us a glimpse not only into the detail of the barks but also the river and the lines the previous barks passing have left into the vegetation! It tells the whole sotry while our eyes remain busy roaming around avid for more detail. Excellent shot and absolutely wonderful story!
All the best and TFS!
Julia

Albrecht (11283) 2006-12-01 7:29

Hi Atilla
What an interesting and wonderful picture. Good note. Beautiful colours and light and POV.
grs.Albrecht

jarek (495) 2006-12-01 7:33

Hello Attila!

Wonderful colors, great contrasts! I like the way you've point yout camera, the point of view (it has no sky visible).
Regards,

Jarek.

albertopiubello (2623) 2006-12-01 7:39

Ma che bellezza!
E' il tipo di posto che mi attira di pi�!
Bellissima foto con una luce perfetta.
E la nota parla di una vera avventura africana.
Super come sempre!
Alberto

dospordostres (1170) 2006-12-01 8:41

Hi Attila,
Beautiful shot, with lovely colors and a great compo. I'm sure that your trip to the Okavango was absolutely marvelous. TFS

Daniel

raftad (585) 2006-12-01 10:01

Hi Attila,
Wonderful shot!, perfectly composed, vivid colors and wondeful details. An exciting experience indeed.
Thanks for sharing!
Rafael

Buin (42580) 2006-12-01 11:47

Hallo Attila!
This picture is at the same time interesting and most beautiful. The mirroring of the blue sky embedded in the green gras - wonderful! These dugout canoes give an outstanding contrast to the rest of the scenery. A really great picture, especially in combination with the note!
Greetings from Germany, still rather warm and sunny!
Frank

josepmarin (59385) 2006-12-01 13:22

Hi Attila,
Excellent scene, from a good high POV, which allows us to see her very well.
The canoes and both men in this flooded plain, with the sheens of the Sun, the reflections and the splendid colors form a great composition.
I like it, this is a great work.
Regards,
Josep

stego (24132) 2006-12-01 13:48

Congratulations, Attila, for another excelent photo and note.
The lighting and compo are fabulous, it's amazing how everything seems to be enhancing the man on the right.
TFS

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2006-12-01 13:48

Hi Attila,
Perfect composition, lighting and very good point of view. Excellent shot, magnificant colours... Great work!
Have a nice weekend.
Ahmet

Henryk_Bilor (20803) 2006-12-01 13:57

Hi Attila
Beautiful image. Great composition and colours. Lovely place.
Great adventure with elephants :).
Regards

kurekpit (401) 2006-12-01 14:50

Hi Attila
Lovely picture,superb saturation,great shot
Best regards,TFS

* Piotr *

paura (25802) 2006-12-01 16:19

Attila,
Fantastic shot here, friend. Excellent POV on this uncommon place. Very nice lighting.

Regards

Paulo

Deepforest (9260) 2006-12-01 17:28

Hi Attila,
beautiful photo from this famous place... I like the composition with the boats and the colours. Interesting contrast. Nice shot.
Best regards,
Andrzej

toto (0) 2006-12-01 17:45

tr鋊 belle photo de nature, d'eau, les barques et les gens qui partent sans doute travailler. La photo est superbe. Thomas

elmec (12210) 2006-12-01 17:58

Hello Attila!
Such a lovely scene! I like best the moment You catch! The people are so busy, they don't see You with camera!
Perfect composition!
Best regards!

bostankorkulugu (42866) 2006-12-01 18:47

what a great POV attila... great composition with the boats and superb light also... love it a lot...
cheers
korkut

AthaPan (0) 2006-12-01 18:58

Hi Attila

The thumbnail is a secret and when opening the secret is a positive surprise.

The high pow is all the money here and the compo of course.
Excellent work, well done

Athanasios

Gerrit (62042) 2006-12-01 20:34

Hi Attila,
beautiful shot. Great colourcomtrast and I like te way you show the boats scattered over the picture. You can see they are cut out of a treetrunk very well.
Regards, Gerrit

izmirli (3989) 2006-12-01 21:02

merhaba my friend attila
beautiful picture.beautiful light and colours.
very good interesting boats and composition.
well done my friend.
best regards.
g僡kan ak蓷kır.

sufi (9588) 2006-12-01 21:16

Merhaba Attila...
It's a perfect point of view and wonderful colors, my friend... The contrast between the blue and green are perfect too... The light and the clarity are incredible...
TFS...
Stal well..
Salim.

johnu (23) 2006-12-01 21:32 [Comment]

Show Comment

rosaline (0) 2006-12-02 3:31

Hi Attila
Very interesting story and no doubt an exciting experience. Good warm light greats this scene and your view point is superb as it takes advantage of the long shadows, deep blue colour and golden hues. Nice work and a great framing.
Aubrey

markstaples (15670) 2006-12-02 3:34

Hello Attila
A great POV which has led to good framing. Great light and natural colours. Very nice work.
Best wishes
Mark

sam224 (6215) 2006-12-02 3:40

A really well composed image: I like the scattered boats in the wetlands. They remind me of ancient times. The light reflecting in the water is a plus.
I like the glittering surface of it.
Thanks for sharing.

vincz (19113) 2006-12-02 3:51

Beuaitful picture with great colours and contrast. There is something with this mix of blue and green that works perfectly. I love what you did here, thanks for sharing such peacful vision with us.

Photo65Net (43144) 2006-12-02 3:57

Hi Attila,
Wow !
Very nice pic, you did outstanding job with this beautiful light.
Boats are nicely emphasized.
Very good pic,
JB.

chrisnet (23062) 2006-12-02 4:02

Hi Attila!
Very good POV here, I like much this framing with the boats in the foreground. The presence of the man is well seen, good light and colors, very well composed and done!
Best wishes
Christian

riclopes (35577) 2006-12-02 7:31

Hi Attila, what an exciting story. I would love to try that someday. And I imagine what it must be sleeping in such a place for your daughter of 8 years old...Your advantage POV gave a wonderful composition here. I love to see the mokoros spread around in contrast with the water and vegetation. Interesting to see the confortable seats that they are providing into these native canoes. Excellent shot!
Best wishes,
Ricardo

maki (0) 2006-12-02 7:38

Hi Attila,
Beautiful light and great using of perspective from the hill. I like the whole naturality of this scene with people doing their everyday work. Inspiring and artful composition,
regards,
maki

Paolo (41258) 2006-12-02 7:49

Ecco dove dovr� andare...me lo ero quasi dimenticato!
;)
bellissima foto, di un mio personalissimo sogno, l'Okawango � in cima alla mia lista dei viaggi...speriamo!
fantastico il POV, veramente perfetto per avere un risutlato cos� buono.
buon w.e.
ciao

Giorgio (11279) 2006-12-02 8:35

- Fantastique composition, excellent PoV, what colors also, very special mention, superb!
giorgio

jhm (211738) 2006-12-02 11:44

Hi Attila,

Many thanks for your interesting note.
The specially canoes have a excellent draft, what a green environment between the water vegetation, reflections of sun and sky in the water looks great, very well done!
Thanks for sharing.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

syd1946 (1167) 2006-12-02 12:04

Hello Attila,
This is an excellent image!The point you take the shot is just great.Colors and light are wonderfull.The boats and the fishermens gives a power to this fine composotion.My compliments my friend,
Thomas

anesugur (18789) 2006-12-02 13:42

Hi Attila,
This is a very spectacular and peaceful photo!
It's a fascinating mood and very good composition.
TFS and greetings. Uğur

anavazao (5592) 2006-12-02 15:54

wow great perspective my friend!
This is a wonderfully vibrant shot!
very nice landscape, POV,colors and composition a lot! Take care Ana:)

imrek (4) 2006-12-02 16:57

Hi Attila,
nice high pov and well exposed details, the colours palette is very good here...well done!!!
regards,
imre

Vato_Law (12732) 2006-12-02 18:10

Hello Attila,
Wonderful composition with beautiful light iluminating it, and the boats and mens perfectly positioned on it. The contrasting colours of grass and water result perfectly here. The notes completes the scene very well.
Cheers.
Paulo

henrytf (985) 2006-12-02 18:30

Hello Attila
The colours and the contrast of your photograph are extaordinary and so is the frightening adventure you had that night. It is very interesting to know in what way you travelled to bring back such pictures as this one.
Friendly
Henry

Graal (103040) 2006-12-03 2:38

J� napot Attila,
good POV, interesting scene and note, very nice colours and light. Well done photo.
Gr., Aleksander

kermit350 (9016) 2006-12-03 3:43

Hello Attila, a pretty point of view which immediately inserts to us in the image, this connotation grassy on large extent and the major blue which emerges from the vegetation very present on the course d'eau are more beautiful effect, the environment which you describe in your note is imposing for an image that I described as end of the world, sincerely ....................Hello Attila, un joli point de vue qui nous fait imm嶮iatement entrer dans l㠙mage, cette connotation herbeuse sur de grandes 彋endue et le bleu profond qui 幦erge de la v嶲彋ation tr鋊 pr廥ente sur le cours d'eau sont du plus bel effet, l𨬓nvironnement que tu d嶰ris dans ta note est grandiose pour une image que je qualifiais de bout du monde, bien amicalement

Cricri (176) 2006-12-03 8:10

Bonjour Attila,
Excellent POV, belle sc幯e sur cet endroit Afrique,
joli reflet du ciel dans l'eau qui donne un beau contraste avec la verdure, note int廨essante et un m獽ent particulier passer avec les 幨廧hants:-)
compliment
amiti廥
cricri

john_c (24666) 2006-12-03 11:09

Hi Attila,
Very effective colours and tones here with superb lighting. The little boats are well seen and dominate the scene, with the people warming the frame and enhancing. I also like the rich tone of the water and the reflections. Well captured with a most informative and interesting note, Attila.
John

jaja1970 (1304) 2006-12-03 16:23

Dear Attila,

Fantastic shot!
This is awesome picture.
I love POV and rich colors on your shot.
Very well done & TFS,

Javad.

balatrek (7455) 2006-12-03 16:43

Hi Attila,

Good perspective and fantastic saturation of the colours, I like the composition of the scene, the note is complete and interesting, good work friend and thanks to share.

Regards
Jos�

TeresaT (10806) 2006-12-03 17:50

Hello Attila,
This one is so beautiful.
The canoes in the midlle of all this green and the fantastic blue tones of the water.
The superb light...everything is perfect here.
regards
teresa

Scharan (14144) 2006-12-03 18:54

Ol� Attila
茭ima foto, cores maravilhosas, boa luz e uma composi誽o linda. Muito bonito o detalhe do homem na canoa. Parab幯s amigo.
Grande abra蔞,
Vera.

MIG13 (0) 2006-12-03 20:34

Hi, Attila! Nice to see Africa here, in such a great pic, showing a shadow-and-sun play. A great POV and a very good note! TFS! Greetings from Rio! Miguel.

Wanda1 (15142) 2006-12-03 22:40

Hi Attila,
A wonderful point of view from above. A nicely captured and composed shot with the men and their boats. The dark blue colour stands out really nicely against the green grass.
Your trip sounds amazing!.
Regards
Wanda

Rosa_d_MonteLua (1508) 2006-12-04 2:39

Hi Attila!
Really beautiful view with a fine POV, amazing colors (with perfect saturation and contrast), and good details. The color contrast created by the blue of the water, and the green grass, it𠏋 perfect.
I like the way you framed the picture.
TFS and have a nice week,
Rosa

siolaw (38294) 2006-12-04 4:03

Hi Atilla,
A great compo from nice high POV and nice daily life with men and canoes... superb textures and colors... a nice place to visit, it seems!
TFS
Laurent

berek (50518) 2006-12-04 4:11

Hi Attila,
good point of view for this daily life sense. very interesting place and working people my friend. have a nice weekend.
Burak
my overall evaluation -> ****

Angshu (56760) 2006-12-04 4:14

Hi Attila
I can only say WOW...amazing story in your note & your picture becomes more interesting after I'd read it. Your high POV helps us get a birds eye view of the elements, both natural & man made, & as in many if your earlier photographs, helped me see and learn something new about our planet. Thanks Attila..
Regards
Angshu

PixelTerror (0) 2006-12-04 4:53

Szia Attila,
Funny view as it seems just a tiny pond enclosed by (apparent) groud so there's no big point in getting the boat out ! The framing is great to focus on that !
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2006-12-04 6:02

I like the superb POV here. Are you climbing on a tree? Good sharpness lighting and contrast. The contrast between the deep blue water and the brown grass is really great.
Achim

hitesh (594) 2006-12-04 8:01

Hi Attila,
wonderful shot and lovely colours of the land and water.I like framing and the way light is claverly managed to get the lovely saturated colours.Tfs and regards,
Hitesh.

axiotea (21651) 2006-12-05 1:59

Hi Attila,
No crocodiles? :) What an experience, seeing wild elephant so close...I like the high POV showing the men and their mokoro, the light and the natural colors.
Cheers,
Marilyn

gilou530 (34) 2006-12-05 5:52

salut attila
une photo originale avec ces barque en formes de coquille de noix, belle lumi廨e et couleur naturelle.
amiti廥
gilbert

teutza (10590) 2006-12-05 13:16

HY Attila,
you amase me with every photo u post:)
a great one..i like the POV!!
thanks for the note too:)
teo

sabyasachi1212 (19779) 2006-12-05 23:01

Hi Attila,
Excellent composition, love the light shining off the water. I wonder how those boats will travel with all the marsh around. The boatmen add the requisite life to this photo.
With Greetings from India
Sabyasachi

AiresSantos (56155) 2006-12-07 6:21

Hi Attila,
Wonderful shot with a fantastic blue. I like your POV and how you framed the picture. Very nice contrast between colours and reflections.
Amazing picture my friend,
TFS and all the best
Aires

Emile (20352) 2006-12-08 23:19

Hola Attila.
I think that everything had been said about your amazing picture, one of your best posted in TE. Excellent shot.
Very well done.
TFS.

prezntime (3946) 2006-12-11 21:18

Greetings Attila.
A very fascinating shot here friend. The boats seem to appear out of nowhere. In other words, the grasses hide so much of the water, it is amazing to see so many little boats floating around in that lush environment. The brilliant blues peaking through the vibrant greens has an excellent effect on the whole shot. Looks like a wonderful experience.
Regards,
Chris.

maximage (15537) 2006-12-16 7:49

Bonjour Attila,
Superbe image comme d'habitude!
Les couleurs sont magiques et sublimes.
La note tr鋊 int廨essante.
Amiti廥.
max

Didi (61589) 2006-12-22 13:58

Djambo Bwana Attila
Nice back lights on this composition.
Your frame is very interesting on this scene.
Very nice place for treking.
Cheers

turkamerikali (3291) 2006-12-23 12:20

Hi Attila,
Awesome photo my friend.
I like your pov,lighting,colors,different looking boats,reflections,focus,sharpness,framing,note and composition.TFS
Merry Christmas:)
Chris Tolga Pehlivan

coco (30439) 2006-12-26 15:56

Hi Attila.
Is nice find a photo like this one in TE. Is a beautiful moment and a beautiful capture.
You were lucky being there in the right moment. And also because you catch this pretty moment, with the men, the boats, the green and the reflections over the water with this gorgeus light.

Regards.

miuky (3335) 2006-12-29 4:50

:)
my I disturb with my little, 'exellent'?...:))
regards, m.

t0mmm1 (5442) 2006-12-29 17:14

Ciao Attila,
bellissima e carica di colori la foto. Il riflesso del cielo e sole nell'acqua sono veramente magici.
Auguro a te e tutta la tua famiglia un felice anno nuovo.
Tomi

mesutilgim (0) 2006-12-30 12:30

Hi Attila !
Wonderfull capture, very good compo, pow and nice colors.
Thanks for sharing and happy new year !
MESUT ILGIM

emjleclercq (15778) 2006-12-30 18:44

A excellent framing and a beautifull blue for the water. The pirogues are also bautifull in their simplicity.

All the best,

Emmanuel

xavshot (69835) 2006-12-31 9:04

Bonjour Attila
j'ai rat� pas mal de tes photos et je m'arr皻e sur celle-ci qui je trouve est excellente dans son cadrage. Le POV en plong嶪 et le contraste des couleurs sont magnifiques. Beau travail.
Je te souhaite une bonne ann嶪 2007.
amicalement
Xavier

sanalytis (1634) 2007-01-13 9:16

Hi Attila,

Simply excellent. The composition is perfect, I love the colors in the image and the way the boats contrast against the warm colored background and the blue waters of the delta.

Spiros

knowdebu (964) 2007-01-16 13:08

hi Attila,
beautiful capture.thanks for sharing your experience.
regds
debabrata

Mistral (15416) 2007-02-08 16:11

Ciao Attila,
superba composizione della zona del delta, belli i colori ed i riflessi nell'acqua... Ero li' quindici anni fa... Grazie per il flashback!
La tue note sono eccellenti, come al solito!
Un sorriso
Luca
PS: credo che il Pakistan nelle montagne non sia poi cos� pericoloso... sto ancora vagliando comunque...

MichaelTrezzi (3374) 2007-02-22 15:59

Hi Attila, perfect colors and beuatiful reflection in the water. Again one of the pics fro a different World - vanishing Africa. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Michael

pablominto (53746) 2007-03-08 1:12

Hello Attila,
A well composed image that is telling the story well!
Strong vivid colours and fine details, backlight adds contrast and atmosphere...
Many interesting details to explore!
Greetings,
Pablo -
...

rdiaz80 (319) 2007-04-21 11:33

This is insanely an amazing balance of color. Very nice time of the day. Simple subjects but very interesting.

bruce_wayne (1507) 2007-04-28 8:47

Vedere la tua galleria � come viaggiare...
questa foto � stupenda con quel blu intenso, pastoso e i riflessi bellissimi. COmposizione semplice ma incredibilmente bella! Complimenti!!!

Jgirl (31) 2007-06-09 5:11

Hi!

This shot is great- the lighting and brilliant colours really make it. I especially love that blue- blue not being a colour most people associate with Africa.

Well done!

ribeiroantonio (22730) 2007-10-21 19:45

Looking at your photo the place looks pretty much the same where we (my wife and I) spent three nights on elevated dome tents. Fortunately (may be not as it would be very interesting to see those monsters in action!!!) we were not confronted with such situation but we were made aware of it by the camp manager.
Your photo is very nice and I wish I could have one as good as yours. Well done.
I will be posting shortly some shots from the Delta.
Antonio

joolsb (336) 2008-05-22 7:05 [Comment]