April 24

April 24

Okavango Delta,  Chobe National Park

What a day!  We took our 4x4 through a challenging,  soft sand single track route across the edge of the Okanvango Delta.  Elephants were the highlight.  Driving through soft sand on a rough single track route was a challenge.  Being on our own in the delta was a privilege. 

We broke camp around  730 am and proceeded north to the end of the pavement, then along a dirt road that lead to the park gate, which we reached around  10 am.  After checking in we proceeded along the park road, which suddenly became a single, sandy track.  Al put the 4x4 into four wheel drive low but we were soon stuck in deep, soft sand because he missed shifting gears fast enough.  The car was high centered on sand and the slow shift meant the car simply stopped dead in the deep sand.  After using some language we won't repeat, and backing up a fair distance, Al revved the engine and plowed ahead.  The car was "swimming" or "floating" through the sand, bouncing and jerking as Al steered vigorously.  Soon he mastered shifting more quickly and - though there were anxious moments - we were never truly stuck again.  

Soon after entering the park noticed large piles of scat on the track ahead and suddenly came upon a large bull elephant behind a tree very near the car.  He was flapping his ears in a way that indicated to us it was time to drive on.   We had several more sightings in the next few hours, then the amazing experience of watching about a dozen elephants - including young ones - splashing about in a water hole.  Wonderful!

Some other sightings during,our drive across the park included: a large,male ostrich walking, then taking flight, a secretary bird dashing across an open plain, some beautiful landscape.  

We were encouraged to stay overnight at the Savuti camp but had another priority: to meet Charlotte and Devon in Kasane.  So, on through the soft sand we plowed, for a total of 5 hours!  During this entire day in the park we only saw a few other vehicles.  We were truly alone in a wild and isolated environment. 

It felt odd when we reached pavement again, and odd to hear a beep beep indicating a text message was coming in from Charlotte.   For a few months we had been planned to meet in Kasane, Botswana on this specific day, and this day had finally arrived. 

 

At 5 pm we rolled up to the border control between Botswana and Zimbabwe and 5 minutes later Charlotte and Devon walked across to meet us.  What joy!  And what perfect timing! 

After lots of hugs and shared elation we drive a short distance to the Thebe River Lodge, set up camp and relaxed together over dinner at the lodge restaurant. 

Photos will be added....