We spent two nights camping in the bush in the Okavango Delta - a freshwater wetland in northern Botswana. The delta is beautiful and pristine with clear water and an impressive concentration of wildlife. To get to the delta we rode for 3 hours in a 4 x 4 truck from Maun and were then transported for another 2 hours to our campsite by mokoro, a traditional canoe made from a sausage tree. A poler stands on the end of the mokoro and pushes it through the waterways with a long pole. It is very relaxing to slide by the reeds and water lilies. We passed a hippo but luckily no crocodiles. They also used the canoes to transport our cooking equipment and tents to the campsite. We were specifically instructed not to leave the campsite without being accompanied by a guide because of safety concerns with the animals.
Our polers and guides were from a nearby village called Ditshiping. They grew up in the area and are very knowledgeable of the land and plants and animals. We went on bush walks to look for animals. We also went swimming in the waters of the delta, which was fun until Andrea found a leach on her finger and then everyone wanted out.
This might happen to you if you ride in a mokoro.
Sunrise at our campsite
Early morning bush walk
GiraffeOn our final night, the polers entertained us with song and dance around the campfire. Afterward they asked us if we could sing them a song. The one song we could come up with between all our nationalities was Wonderwall by Oasis.
What an awesome trip! I'm glad I got to see your pictures!
ReplyDeleteI was in Dresden two New Years ago, and walking back to my apartment after the fireworks (private citizens can buy rocket-type fireworks in Germany, evidently) I passed a large group of very drunk Germans, *also* singing "Wonderwall" by Oasis. I guess it's the unofficial world anthem, at least for people 20-30 years old.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful stuff; I salute your courage respecting hippos, leeches, and hyperinflation.
(And hi: long time no see.)