April 2, 2010 - LHR to JNB to Kasane

Well, we struck off for Africa and got into Joburg without issue! Just as we thought we were going to board the flight to Kasane on Air Botswana we were told that it was cancelled. The agent gamely informed us that we were to fly to Gabrone instead. Once in Gabrone he told us we'd take a second flight to Kasane. In typical African style, there was no new boarding card issues, nor was there any real detail given about the second flight. We were told to board this plane and pick any seat we wanted. Once we got to Gabrone someone would tell us what to do. So - off we went, hoping our luggage was following!

So instead of landing at 1.30 we arrived around 3.30. Africa being Africa, the manager at Kubu Lodge knew the flight was late and was there when our Air Botswana flight landed. Knowing tourist, the manager knew all we'd want to do was get onto the Chobe River and start watching animals! So - we went directly from the airport to the boat for our sunset river cruise. As we stripped off our London clothes, the real world began to fade away....the journey was well underway.

There really is something special about cruising down the Chobe in the late afternoon sun. You can almost always be assured of seeing bathing ele's along with territorial hippos. Depending the time of year, any number of bird species will be on the river just waiting for you to take their pictures!

This time we were also treated to kudu eating dirt right at the water's edge. You may be wondering why such a majestic animal would be eating dirt on the banks of the Chobe...well there is magnesium in that there dirt and they know it and need it. So there he was munch, munch, munching away.

This time we are lucky to see a few 4 to 5 year old crocs and monitor lizards. All in all a great welcome into Botswana! And a good shake down cruise for our camera equipment.

By the time we docked the boat on the swollen river bank it was nearly dark. The van picked us up and whisked us away to Kubu Lodge where we got showers. After hours on international flights, domestic flights and the river...oh it felt so good.

The dinner that night may have been the worst dinner Chris had ever been treated to. We were meant to each under the stars a few hundred yards from the Chobe. Sounds romantic! As we sat for dinner, the lights on the table began to attract bugs of all description; who promptly staked their claims on the bread, did the back stroke in the water glasses and doubled as protein in the salad! Poor Chris was turning paler by the minute and wondering if he would survive a week of buggy rations! Luckily dinner was over quickly and off the bed the weary travellers went....

Enjoy!

Cheri & John

April 1, 2010 - Preparing for Botswana

Safari....when you hear that word what do you think of?

Animals, adventures, the bush, heat, bugs, tents....yes, a safari is all that and more! You may not know, but safari actually means journey. Each time you venture into the bush you are journeying to a place where you are confronting yourself, your boundaries, your fears and hopes and in the process you test yourself and learn a tremendous amount about yourself and the world around you. For us, each day in Africa is a gift as is each animal encounter we are treated to. It's best if you have no expectations at all, that way what ever you see will be a treat for you! This time was no different than the 8 previous times in this regard.

One must always remember Africa is Africa. It's a place where anything can happen on any given day....and often does. It's a place like no other.

It is probably obvious by now that we love safari because we love the journey. As we prepared to go back to that primal, soul-nourishing place we packed all the bits and pieces we thought we'd need and headed for Heathrow to begin this new leg of the journey. This time Chris (our 14 year old nephew) and his mother Mary made the trip with us.

Enjoy!

Cheri & John