Botyburps

BURP 8

Mwandi view another lovely tented chalet on poles on the river banks.  Beautiful sun set on the river.

Chobe Big Five 

Chalet on the river banks – 2 nights. First night sunset cruise.  We took a river cruise on the Chobe around Sedudu Island.  Hippos, elephants swimming, crocodiles, water monitors, etc. But honesty there have been so many different animals, locations and accommodation that memories are starting to merge and become hard to keep a track of; and we still have over 2 weeks to go!

Kitchen closed -only guests- Nandos ordered for 7pm. Return from sunset cruise at 6.30 only to find cell phone missing. Immediately returned to river boat (10km) but closed and locked!! Returned to chalet to find phone hidden inside backpack and Nandos waiting! Not happy.  James in very bad books 🙁😅 for a little while.

Next day, crossed to Zimbabwe and were driven 80 km through game park, antelopes, zebras on road side and elephants crossing. Gruesome stories from our driver of night time collisions with elephants on road.  Impressive views of Victoria Falls, got very wet from spray. Best coffees are had at Rainforest Cafe (most ‘coffee’ is instant). Cappuccinos were served with a shot of amoretto and a glass of iced water.  Heard story of Cecil Rhodes developing rail line from Cape Town and planning bridge to cross Zambezi and town developing at this spot. No fences around the town to keep wild animals out. Decided to visit Victoria Falls Hotel for a G&T (hotel is very British colonial style).  

Only 2km from Victoria Falls park entrance but a hot afternoon, narrow road with no real footpaths through a small dip with vegetation on either side.  We walked on left side of road when a local said cross over as there was an elephant coming! We did and kept walking.  An elephant emerged maybe 20m away with ears flapping – a sign of ‘don’t mess with me’. We got some hasty photos and moved on (I stayed between Joy and the elephant). Such a lovely careful husband 💕

It then crossed the road and cars all stopped for it.  When we were a safe distance away we turned back and several more elephants crossed, finally a large bull followed.  Apparently this was a rare event to happen in daytime in the town centre.

Had bush antelope wandering very close to chalet in the evening. 

Up early (5am) for dawn bush game drive – more antelope, giraffe, elephants (up very close this time 10m!! – at least we were in a vehicle this time.  BUT, we found a pride of lions – 4 adult females and 3 cubs, got with 5m and followed them along the road, along with several other tourist vehicles also lion spotting.

Now in Senyati Bush camp.  Solid walls on the chalet as it is right on a waterhole that is popular for animal and bird viewing in the evening, from an elevated bar and restaurant 20m away.  This is the most expensive place we have stayed ($250/night) but I think that is to keep it exclusive.  The facilities are basic, similar to what you would imagine for an African Top 10 holiday park. Oh no, not more elephants!! 

Turns out the first animals were Gnus. They have moved on now so that is the end of the gnus, and now for the weather! 🤣