On December 23rd, we left civilization and entered the Botswanan wilderness in a dugout canoe, called a "mokoro." Our guide, Kapinga, used a long wooden pole to maneuver us smoothly through the Okavango Delta, tall reeds parting to allow our passage. White and purple water lilies sprang up through the clear water and a myriad of birds flew among the reeds.
After two hours of being poled along, we found a dry campsite. Over the next 2 days, we swam in the cool Delta water, learned how to pole the mokoros as the locals do, and took part in 2 long game walks (on foot!) through the nearby savannah and woodlands. We saw lots of wildlife, the most incredible of which was a herd of water buffalo (a member of the "Big 5").
The cultural experience was equally as amazing as the natural one. We sat around a campfire deep in the forest, rain pounding down, as our Botswanan polers began to sing and dance, creating an ancient rhythm and harmony. This is the experience that Mike and I have always dreamed about...
We are currently in Chobe National Park (Botswana), and this morning we went on a safari game drive where we had a close encounter with 8 lions. Tomorrow morning we'll travel to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
After two hours of being poled along, we found a dry campsite. Over the next 2 days, we swam in the cool Delta water, learned how to pole the mokoros as the locals do, and took part in 2 long game walks (on foot!) through the nearby savannah and woodlands. We saw lots of wildlife, the most incredible of which was a herd of water buffalo (a member of the "Big 5").
The cultural experience was equally as amazing as the natural one. We sat around a campfire deep in the forest, rain pounding down, as our Botswanan polers began to sing and dance, creating an ancient rhythm and harmony. This is the experience that Mike and I have always dreamed about...
We are currently in Chobe National Park (Botswana), and this morning we went on a safari game drive where we had a close encounter with 8 lions. Tomorrow morning we'll travel to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
3 comments:
5 cheetas, 9 lions, a black rhino, and no photos. You guys are still sitting in DC, aren't you.
I can only imagine what Victoria Falls will be like in person. I know it'll be better than what I imagine it to look like.
Happy Holidays!!!!! :-)
-Gabe
So did you learn any more about hydrology of the region?? What makes it the world's largest freshwater delta? Where does all the water go?
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