Luxury Camping

The past week has flown by. It was a long long drive from the Okavango Delta up to the Chobe National Park, with us trapped in the back of the bus as we drove over every pothole possible along the way. As soon as we arrived we jumped into an open topped jeep and headed out for an overnight adventure in Chobe.

Once in the park we were headed directly to the campsite passing the “waterfront” along the way. The parked was packed out with animals coming for a drink and brush their teeth before heading off to bed. Herds of elephants were present, with lots of baby elephants in amongst them. I’ll actually admit they were pretty cute. Because we were in a smaller vehicle than normal we could get closer and got some wicked photos (I hope, still need to develop the film). We found a herd of 100-200 Water Buffalo along the way with heaps of calves. Due to bad eyesight they just stare, but there are so many its a bit unnerving. As dark hit, we got a bit lost and were bouncing along trails in the dark to find out campsite with hundreds of hungry lions in the shrubs waiting for their moment. The campsite was cool, this one was a “luxury” excursion, so no putting up tents, mattress stretchers, duvets and linen to sleep on. Also with real plates for dinner, table clothes and napkins. The toilet facility was basic and a bit scary seeing a few eyes reflecting back at you from the torch light. A cool night in the wilderness. The next morning was an early drive, spotting more elephants, giraffe, warthogs, bok’s, water buffalo and a particularly aggressive teenage elephant tearing down trees. We returned to camp, showered then headed out on a river cruise with everyone.

The cruise was really good. Promoted as a booze cruise as we brought a chilly bin of alcohol. It started off loud but quickly quietened down as we spotted heaps of animals. Watching from the water is a completely different experience as you don’t interrupt the animals, just cruising in stealth mode. We saw a group of elephants coming to drink with another baby one copying the parents in the group. Further along a herd of about 60 buffalo moved in as one to come an drink. Definitely using the safety in number theories. Then we drifted further into the river to spot some yawning hippos and crocodiles. Not sure why they are so tired as they just sit there. Finally we drifted into the sunset ready for another day.