Camelspotting in the Desert

While travelling through the desert last weekend, we saw cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, people, camels and even a dog who chased our vehicle. (His owners were walking across the plains towards the tracks and he was brooking no nonsense from us ! )

At one point we spotted a camel grazinga little way in the bush. He had his head hidden in the bush so while focussing on him, I whistled loudly. He looked up and I clicked!

Camel number one spotted !

A little further along we spotted a few more camels

I got out of the vehicle and played around with colour settings while snapping these camels

Now what does this women with a camera want?

Not too long after this, Grant pointed out a camel and her baby. She had last year's youngster with her (grazing behind her) and a brand new baby at her side. The babies always go to the other [off] side of the mother so I was blessed to get this photo

Immediately the baby melted behind mum. See the skin texture of the baby camel

Just you stay this side of me, lad  - F - A - R away from that lady!

We'll ignore her. Perhaps she'll disappear. Nope, she's still here.

I just love the way the baby peeks cheekily from behind mum!

OK Kid, we're outta here

And then Grant and I were off across the desert again, towards the highway

After lunch (which I posted about yesterday) we headed for home. It was the Eid weekend and the highway was buzzing with people travelling in every mode of transport, walking along the side of the road; in every village along the way there were large groups of people chatting and relaxing together while the children played in the wide open sandy veld; there were cars parked just off the road under a shady thorn tree, with the tailgate open and families were enjoying a picnic. This woman above must have been visiting her family for Eid and would wait on the side of the road for transport to take her back to her village.

 

On the outskirts of Khartoum, we saw many people walking in and away from the city. Relationships are very important to the Arab people and they spent the Eid weekend visiting families and friends

 

The Arabic for cow is Bqrh (Buggarah!)

The Arabic for goat is Māʻz (Maaz - although in the Sudan they are called Ganamarah)

Thanks again to all who visited my desert posts and commented. I have another desert post on Friday and the last one on Saturday. Then we're off to the desert again on Sunday! Whoo-hoo!