13=14 September Chobe, Botswana etc.

13/14 September

We got up early and said goodbye to Kevin, and made it to the Ngoma border post before it opened at 7 am. Leaving Namibia was quick and efficient though the staff were not too friendly.

We then drove over the border and through the Chobe valley to the other side where the Botswana post was. Our stuff was searched and a bag of apples was confiscated. The lady then asked if we would like to buy souvenirs, and we lied that we would like to take a look when we return back to Namibia – who knows? Maybe she would have caused trouble. We had to step on a mat, and drive our car through a puddle of disinfectant before being allowed through.

In Botswana, the turn off to Chobe National Park was immediately to the left, and the tarmac turned straight into a sand road. We let some air out of our tires. The road followed the Chobe river and we were in awe at the vast herds of zebra spreading out in the valley below us. We had a few other cool sightings before reaching our lodge, the Chobe Game Lodge. Most importantly – we’ve finally seen crocodiles (the hidden enemy), about 10 of them lazing on the banks (separately). I understand why we weren’t allowed to swim anywhere now.

The ladies at the front desk were surprised to see us as most guests are flown in on a plane, but we were given a nice welcome with drinks and an explanation of the lodge before being shown our room. I cannot tell you how nice it is to sit on a proper bed, have a proper shower and use an indoor toilet. We fell really pampered here; the food is delicious, the staff is extremely helpful and for once we are being driven on our safari instead of driving ourselves.

The building is really cool. We were afraid it would be some big complex bustling with people, but it is beautifully set in the river banks and almost impossible to see from the river.

Our guide is named Letty, and she takes us and 6 others out. 2 huge fat ladies from the UK who have been on many wildlife holidays – including to Antarctica!, an Australian couple (dad and him have an immediate connection due to shared love of motorbikes), and a couple from Peru who have missed 2 out of 3 activities so far. Last night we took out a boat, this morning we went out in a jeep, and earlier today we again went out in a boat. On the drive we managed to see a pride of lion with a cubs, so its been a success.

We have two more drives to go on, tonight and tomorrow morning, but our planning our departure to Linyanti. We thought we might have to buy fuel cans as our car is guzzling petrol but all advice we’ve had says we should be fine. Tomorrow its back to camping!

There are a few animals walking the grounds here that are fairly tame and we managed to stroke a bushbuck – though it didn’t seem to be enjoying it.

I am so in awe of the friendliness and service of the staff here. I think it is them that have given this lodge’s spot in the world’s top 500 hotels. They always say hello as you walk past, the waiter always introduces himself and asks if we’ve enjoyed our day and regularly comes to make conversation. A supervisor came and asked us if everything was alright; his name was Lexy, but he said we could replace the ‘L’ with an ‘S’.

During dinner a lot of the kitchen and waiting staff came out and began to sing those a capella African songs. It is absolutely beautiful.

We had another drive this evening and saw a vast herd of buffalo and watched some interesting baboon behavior. Finally we found the lions again but they were far off in the bush.

Tomorrow morning we have one last drive before we head off into the wilds.

I’m going to stop posting pictures as the connection here is even slower than before. Just know I have thousands of pictures and videos to share once I get a good internet connection.