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Overland Safari 2 – Botswana

The Botswana Diary …

Day 15: Waking at 5.30am, we jumped on a safari 4×4 and drove into Chobe National Park. The game drive however had started before we entered the gates. Just as the sun was coming up we were lucky to see some beautiful elephants on the side of the main road. There are no fences surrounding Chobe so the animals can wander through the neighbouring village if they feel like it… Quite amazing to see these huge animals wandering the streets.

5.30am and this lovely creature crossed the road on our way to Chobe NP

5.30am and this lovely creature crossed the road on our way to Chobe NP

By 6am we had entered the gates and spent the next 3.5 hours in hope of seeing more cats. However it wasn’t to be. Not that we are complaining as there were plenty of hippos in Chobe River, so many impala and warthog, banded mongoose, chapma baboons, ground squirrels, giraffe, crocodiles, buffalo and plenty of different bird species. At this point everyone was probably too spoilt because although this is a huge amount of wildlife in one morning, we had really hoped to see Lions or Leopards (N.B there are no rhinos in Chobe NP).

Pumba's are everywhere in Chobe...

Pumba's are everywhere in Chobe...

A basking Nile Crocodile. They are the only species of crocodile found in the entire continent of Africa including Islands like Madagascar...

A basking Nile Crocodile. They are the only species of crocodile found in the entire continent of Africa including Islands like Madagascar...

With a few hours spare in the middle of the day, we ventured into town to get Internet services and grab a coffee. We found Chobe River Lodge and settled in for a few hours. This place has definitely been noted down as a place to stay when we come back to Botswana one day – it’s definitely what our English friends call ‘lush’.

Chobe Lodge is great for nice drink on the river and internet access...

Chobe Lodge is great for nice drink on Chobe river and internet access...

That afternoon we all jumped on a Cruise boat that took us down the Chobe River. Within minutes we were sitting beside a huge pod of Hippos while herds of Elephant bathed by the side.

Although a rather severe warning... this is what you wait for to photograph

Although a rather severe warning... this is what you wait for to photograph

Young female mud wallowing on the banks of the mighty Chobe River

Young female mud wallowing on the banks of the mighty Chobe River

This was truly an incredible view. Crocodiles lay quietly on the river bank. About 2 hours into the cruise we spotted a leopard hiding in a bush. We watched it emerge from the bush and walk down to the waters edge for a drink. Our guide on the cruise said that he rarely sees these elusive cats so openly. Leopards are more often found sleeping in trees during the day. Amazing!

Leopard reveals itself from shrub cover.

Leopard reveals itself from shrub cover.

Easily our best leopard moment!!!

Easily our best leopard moment!!!

Very satified about the Chobe game cruise we headed back as the sun set…

An amazing scene to finish our cruise on Chobe River...

An beautiful scene to finish our cruise on Chobe River...

Day 16: Today we made our way from Thebe to Maun, a long drive of about 600km, so it was another early start. By late afternoon we arrived at Delta Rain Campsite. We spent the next 4 nights in Maun. The plan for two of these nights was to travel into a bush camp in the Okavango Delta. This bush camp included walks through the delta and Mokoro Rides and was considered an optional extra that cost $140usd per person. As we had stayed in the Delta in 2007, we decided to find an upgrade in Maun and relax for these two days.

A quick stop for lunch on the way to Maun...

A quick stop for lunch on the way to Maun...

Day 17 – 18: All of our travelling companions decided to do the Delta so they departed this morning at 7am. We checked in at Maun Lodge – into our own very cute chalet. The Lodge had a nice swimming pool and bar area as well as The Boma Restaurant. We could not have been happier here. While we thought about doing a horse ride, we ended up doing very little and just enjoyed our two nights out of the tent.

Our cute family chalet at Maun Lodge

Our cute family chalet at Maun Lodge

The Boma Restaurant...

The Boma Restaurant...

A relaxing few days spent by the pool...

A relaxing few days spent by the pool...

Day 19: We met back up with the ATC Crew after their delta experience. Their two days in the Delta had been pretty quiet and they were quite disappointed by the fact that there wasn’t much wildlife to see. Apart from a walk and Mokoro Ride, they spent most of their time at the Bush Camp trying to fill in time with books and games. It may have just been the time of year but if you are considering visiting the Delta, we would definitely recommend booking a lodge. While they can be expensive, it’s a luxurious way to see the Delta and when you aren’t wandering around, you can sit by a pool or enjoy other activities offered by the lodges.

For a few more pics of Botswana, please see our gallery:

Hot Air Ballooning, Cappadocia

Tigers in India
MADAGASCAR VOLUNTEERING
GORILLA TREKKING
Ace Way to See Photos:Click
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