Another First Timers Story of Going to Kasane
We think it is important to bring you first hand accounts of other travelers with first trips to the Chobe area. With that introduction, we bring you this blog by Sandra Bahbah, a writer for PerthNow, and Austalian publication (all article and photo rights to Sandra Bahbah and PerthNow):
LOST luggage, a lion’s kill and the creme de la creme of tents. This all unfolded in day one of my adventure around Botswana, so what more would my African holiday have in store for me? I have lived a fairly sheltered existence, having only ever ventured to Malaysia with family. The thought of travelling to Africa and on my own scared me silly.
After spending a few nights in the big city of Johannesburg in South Africa, which boasts a high crime rate, I realised Africa wasn’t as scary as I thought. As I flew into Victoria Falls airport from Johannesburg the loss of my luggage seemed a small price to pay for the wonderful experience of being in this great continent.
I also knew that my trusty escort to Chobe National Park in Botswana from Victoria Falls would help me out. Venturing from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Botswana was a fair trek (about two hours on a long straight road) but in that time I saw beautiful flora and fauna such as the native trees and shrubbery which sheltered people as they sat under trees basking in the sunny Sunday afternoon.
Arriving at Kasane airport in Botswana to meet my guide Meier I got the sense that the Batswana people were almost always happy. As time went on I realised my first instincts were correct. Ever helpful and full of information, Meier took me to Chobe National Park for an afternoon game drive – the best time of day to view the animals.
Initially, I was slightly disappointed as I didn’t see any animals. As we drove closer to the river I jumped for joy when I saw some Impala antelopes. They are referred to as the “McDonalds” of African animals. This is for two reasons; they have a black pattern in the shape of an M on their buttocks and they are the main animal eaten by the carnivorous animals. In essence, they are fast food.
I was slightly dismayed that these magnificent creatures were so easily dispensable but that is the way of the world, every animal for itself. One cannot begin to describe how expansive the Chobe is. It houses thousands upon thousands of animals and I was fortunate to see a number of them on the first day.
I was satisfied enough seeing some adorable baboons grooming each other. 20-minutes later though I realised there was so much more to be seen.
Lioness relaxing after feeding
We came across a lioness lazing next to a tree. Under the tree was her two-day old kill – a kudu, which is a type of antelope. It was a fairly revolting sight as the kudu was covered with flies. The animals do not harass the humans as they are used to being watched. It is only with mild curiosity that they watch us back. The most curious are the zebras who upon our arrival stared and stared. Three hours on – the animal lover in me was sated.
My guide and I took one last look at the glorious red sunset before heading off to Chobe Under Canvas, where I would be staying side-by-side with the animals.
The amount of work that needs to be done to run the small campsite is astounding. Chobe Under Canvas has to move every four days to another site in Chobe as the sites are rotated between different companies. This meant the tents, which included a comfortable queen bed and my very own toilet and shower, had to be pulled down and moved. The workers are all male for this reason; the sheer manual labour was tiresome for previous female workers.
Zebra siting
This really wasn’t just a camp, it was a luxury retreat in the middle of Chobe. As the only camper that evening I was completely spoilt. Greeted by the manager Skull I was given a drink to pass the time while my dinner was being prepared and was seated by the fire. Camping, for me, had never been so relaxing.
My hosts liked to feed me I realised when I was presented with a three-course meal on a well-set table under a small canopy. My guide Meier started our meal with a sweet corn soup and fresh bread rolls. For the main we were treated to well-spiced chicken breasts, baby potatoes and an array of vegetables. For dessert came a sponge-like cake covered in a lemon sauce. It was simple but full of flavour. What is amazing is all this food is cooked in a Dutch oven atop hot coals.
Food while on safari
After retiring to the fire it did not take long for my body to feel the exhaustion and I ventured to bed which had a hot water bottle waiting for me. I wondered then what exciting things I had to look forward to tomorrow. I was hoping a lot.
Addition articles by Sandra Bahbah Can be found at the following link: