South African Nile Crocodile

Although the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) has not officially been broken down into subspecies, a number of subspecies have been proposed based on variations in appearance and size. I get the sense that when the IUCN reviews this issue next, the breakdown will occur. 

This is a map of the distribution of the Nile crocodile, found here. 

This is the first croc we saw, laying in very shallow water in the middle of the river.  We got quite close and I went up to the bow of the boat for a good look. 

A close head-shot.

A close shot of the amazing skin. 

Based on the proposed subspecies, it appears that Nile crocodiles we saw four years ago would be Kenyan Nile crocodiles (C. n. pauciscutatus) and those we just saw in the Okavanga Delta of Botswana would be South African Nile crocodiles (C. n. corviei). 

This croc was on the bank and flashing its pearly whites. 

A view of its skin in nicer light. 

Quite an array of teeth. Fun to see how the mouth is shaped to accommodate them. 

This croc has slipped into the water. 

We were guests at Kadizora Camp and went on a motorboat ride down a river. We saw quite a few crocodiles and got very close to several of them, the boat nudging up within yards of where they were sunning themselves. That boat ride was one of the very most fun experiences we've ever had. 

They open their mouths when they are hot and it is an impressive display. 

Our boat going up to get closer to this croc.