To get into the Delta it’s a pretty long and bumpy ride unless you’re flying in on a private jet (real option); it’s about four hours over half of which is unpaved. Because we were coming in the rainy season the roads were riddled with small to rather large lakes of water through which our hardy jeeps had to drive.
They were also riddled with this lion – a rare sighting during the rainy season though you wouldn’t know it to look at him as he relaxes on the road:
There is a joke about many of the roads around here and in Livingstone that only drunk drivers drive straight. After much swerving, bouncing, and splashing we arrived at our campsite to enjoy a lovely sit-down dinner. Safari begun! We all slept two to a tent with comfy bedrolls that convinced me that my parents had been stingy on the camping mattresses when I was a child. We didn’t get to enjoy the sleep for long though because our first game drive began around 6AM the next morning. A game drive is exactly what it sounds like – you drive around looking for animals. And despite the rainy season not being prime-animal spotting time, we saw plenty! Unfortunately, my camera died early on in our Okavango trip. Luckily, our friend Sophie has generously allowed me to steal her photos and, even luckier, her camera is superior to mine. Here is just a small sample of the animals we saw:
In addition to driving we also went on what is known as a mokoro ride. A mokoro is a small canoe that was used in Botswana long before motor boats arrived on the scene (although we also got to ride one of those so that we might safely venture into hippo-inhabited waters). The canoes were traditionally made from a single tree trunk, but ours were modern and therefore some form of plastic. The Delta has a number of small channels that run through the long, bamboo-like grass and it was through these waterways that our guide poled. A Botswana gondola ride, if you will!
In total we were in the Delta for two full days and three nights before we had to return to UB, classes, and “real life.” And while things continue to go well here in Gabs, I freely admit that it was hard to leave this grassland haven of elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys (baby monkeys!) and more. Fortunately for me, my parents arrived Friday night for their own trip to the Delta and to visit their wandering daughter. Perhaps after this week they can confirm my evaluation of the Delta as a fantastic safari experience!
I literally gasped out loud when I saw these pictures. That Lion!
ReplyDeleteAnd the monkey!!! Can you bring one home for me?
You're basically a safari expert now you know. Jealous but as always I miss you terribly. :)
Ahh! I'm so glad you got to see the Okavango Delta! I don't know if you remember, but I did a presentation on it for my environmental justice class last semester. Some rather interesting politics going on there.
ReplyDeleteThose hippos may be deadly but they look adorable with just their ears sticking out above the water! Also, I love you/your friend's picture of the water lilies, fits in well with my love of flower pictures!
Hope you're enjoying seeing your parents, I can't count all the ways I'm envious of you!
A
Wonderful entry, Kaija! I love all of the pictures...I, too, must steal some of Sophie's. Love the closeup of the little monkey in the tree. Hope your parents are enjoying themselves there!
ReplyDeleteThis part of your trip was my life-long dream. I'm so glad part of my family is getting the experience. The pitures are fantastic. Love you, Oma
ReplyDeleteTHE ELEPHANTSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! :D hahaha
ReplyDeleteand i would also like you to bring me home a baby monkey. :) thanks
no pics with mom and dad?
What amazing pictures!! I love the first one of the zebra and the buffalo crossing especially. You're too cool for school, Ms Bergen, clearly you should just take up residence as a safari guide.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photos! We miss you here in the office, but I know with the fabulous experiences you are having, there is no time to miss us! It is good to see that you are having a great experience. Wishing you lots more in the next few months.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Terri
My jealousy is a fiery, fiery, burning fire.
ReplyDeleteMemories and more memories! The Okavango Delta was one of our best experiences and will be for you as well. Going to a zoo will no longer have the appeal it once had, in fact, it is almost depressing. And what a thrill not expecting to see a cheetah and then... here it is! Thanks for sharing stories and pictures.
ReplyDeleteSeraina and Johannes
We can now testify that all Kaija has been writing about is most certainly true: the bugs, the unique food, the gorgeous people, the incredible flora and fauna, the breath taking sunsets and vistas, the people packed white Combi's, her wonderful friends, etc. etc. It was so good to spend some time with her in this special place. She is living the dream, and doing it well!
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