|
  | |  |
Camping under the stars - all 5 of them
Entry 6 of 20 | show all | print this entry |
|
Our safari was always going to be one of the highlights of our trip and it certainly did not disappoint. It was a great experience to take a step away from modern conveniences and relax into nature. 'How's the serenity?' springs to mind. We were camping (and i humour myself when I say 'camping') in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
The delta is described as the jewel of the Kalahari - it's a tranquil and isolated oasis set in the desert. Bostwana is a wealthy nation - it retains a respectful regard for the land which has proven to be successful for the nation's economy and wealth. More than 70% of the population are employed in the tourism industry.
The first stop of our eight day adventure was Xigera camp. We flew in on a plane no bigger than my Rav 4 and came head to head with a giraffe on the side of the runway. This was to be the start of a gizzilion photos.
We were greeted by our guide Jonny and taken to our campsite. Our tent was a five star canvas experience. It included an indoor/outdoor shower, ensuite with toilet, fresh sheets on our comfortable bed, private verandah overlooking the flood plain....we were hardly 'slumming it'. I can't recall my camping days as a child ever being this comfortable. A horn was placed strategically on the bedside table for emergencies. I asked the guide if a Gin and Tonic nightcap was considered an emergency to which he surprisingly replied 'NO'.
Our first afternoon was spent on a mokoro (similar to a dugout canoe).
As our guide expertly guided us thru the waterway, I took my shoes off and enjoyed the peacefulness of the bush. I recalled my mum saying 'Whatever you do, don't go on one of those canoes. Hippo's can tip over the boat'. If only she could see me now. We stopped off for sundowners before heading back to camp. We fell asleep to hyenas and hippos making hyena and hippo noises. Not sure what the correct term for that is but they were noisey buggers.
Early starts are essential on safari - our days started at 5:30. I wondered if I had signed up for bootcamp ? There were two activities scheduled every day - and in between we ate and drank. A LOT. Our first morning was an organised drive. I guess I had no expectations on what animals we would see but I began to quickly realise that you don't always go home with the showbag. You can drive for hours and see nothing. It's the unknown that makes it interesting and sometimes tedious. Nature serves up something different everyday. Unfortunately there is no guaranteed checklist to be ticked off.
Xigera camp is a water camp - it's not particularly famous for game watching. We saw giraffes, a lone male elephant, hyenas feeding on a zebra carcus, a stunning array of birds (never considered myself an avid birdwatcher but the variety was amazing), zebras and crocs. We also went on a motorised boat ride thru the rising waters of the delta which gave us a different perspective of the bush. Our last night was a candlelit dinner under the stars - we were treated to a traditional African bbq which included singing, dancing, eating and drinking. We sat down to a long dining table which seated around 30 people. Steve and I
were chosen as King and Queen of the camp. My duty as Queen, included serving the King the first plate of food. Steve lapped up every minute of it. And to top the night off I saw my first shooting star.
After spending three nights in Xigera , we were on our way to Duba Plains. On our arrival, we found out that we had just missed a spectacular kill. A pride of lionesses had killed a buffalo. The other guests at the camp had watched the whole ordeal, saying it was both emotional and exhausting. Fortunately, we got to witness the interaction of the lions after the kill which was fascinating - it helped having a local guide that had grown up in the area. I was impressed with the detail of his knowledge and my lack thereof.
My scariest moment was having a lioness walk no more than two arms lenghth away from me. I stopped breathing and all i could think was 'Shit ! Is it still hungry ? Will it bite?'. .. although i think i say that about Maltese Terriers when I go for a walk in Centennial Park ! Valentines Day was a highlight - we had a private candlelit dinner complete with our own waiter on the pool deck overlooking the delta which Steve had pre-arranged. Very romantic - although we later found out there were hyenas watching us in the distance.
Our six nights on safari was one of the best experiences of my life. It gave me a little taste of Africa and I can't wait to go back. My only advice to anyone - go five star !
|
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries from Botswana or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
2 votes 
