Fourth of July weekend in the Okavango Delta.
Ever since I saw a photo of people on a boat watching elephants bathing in a river I’ve wanted to visit the Okavango Delta.
When planning my trip to Namibia, I realized I would be close to Botswana. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity and decided to make a go of visiting the area after I left Windhoek. Close on the heels of planning Namibia I began to plan Botswana.
I never did get to see elephants bathing. The water was lower than might be expected the week I was visiting, and I hadn’t booked a lodge by a permanent water source. That said, it was still an incredible experience, and it was amazing seeing game in a completely new environment.
We also got lucky on a few of our drives. One morning, we tracked lions after having slept out away from camp under the stars; another morning we spent an hour with a pack of hyena playing in cool morning air. Finally, my last dawn broke with the delta covered in mist. There’s nothing more magical than driving through clouds in search of wild animals.
4 July – 7 July 2024
1.
An introduction to the Okavango Delta.
Gao meets me at 0800 to take me to the airport. He leads me into the terminal to make sure I connect with a representative of the camp at which I’ll be staying. He needn’t have worried.
2.
Morning lions and afternoon mokoro.
It’s cold. I’m up before the wake up call, in slippers and a hoodie. I welcome the hot water that’s brought to me in a thermos and cup my hands around the mug as I drink.
3.
Tracking lions, a bush lunch, and hippos at sundown.
Last night I slept under the stars on a raised deck. Lions called to each other throughout the night, low thrums carrying across the savanna.
4.
Playful hyenas, a walking safari, and a fishing expedition.
In the morning we pick up Elleni. She’ll be my guide for a walking safari. I’m looking forward to getting out of the vehicle and logging some steps.
5.
Last day in the Delta.
I say my goodbyes to the family from New York. Dani tells me that they’ll be heading to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls the day after and we talk about maybe reconnecting there.