We travelled via car to Botswana. We were almost refused entry as you must have your child’s birth certificate on you not only their passport.
Thankfully we passed immigration without any issues and our guide named Freedom drove us to our accommodation in an open aired safari truck. We stayed at the stunning Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge Kasane.
Situated on the banks of the might Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature and an incredible view of Chobe River, warthogs and velvet monkeys. This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa.
Our first activity was taking a cruise down the Chobe river with our guide Freedom. We saw crocodiles, hippos, water buffalo, impala, kuku, red lenchwe, bush pack, iguana water monitor lizard.
Our next activity was taking a Safari Game drive into Chobe National Park at dusk. We saw plentiful of wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe and ostriches as they roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park.
We returned to our lodge in time for our Kidsetter to have a swim and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Namibian flood plains as a backdrop.
The following morning we rose at 5:30am to be ready for our 5:45am morning Safari Game drive into Chobe National Park. Our Kidsetter was particularly excited about this game drive as many animals are active in the mornings.
Chobe National Park did not disappoint. We witnessed 4 lionesses with their cubs attempting to hunt water buffalo. Wow!
The male lion was watching from a far, relaxed and busking in the morning sun.
We watched as a baby elephant mock charged a bird sitting on it’s nest by the river. The bird was extremely vocal and spread it’s wings to say I’m not moving, you go around. The elephant actually moved aside for the bird and it’s chicks. Incredible.
We learnt that Impala and Chacma Baboons are friends and have evolved together. They look out for one another. The baboons eat a tick from the Impala’s fur and the baboons shake the leaves of the trees they climb so the Impala’s have enough to eat. They also both make warning sounds to alert each other of possible threats.
Returning to the lodge we were enjoying our view of the Chobe river from our balcony when suddenly many velvet monkey’s appeared. They are small in size but brazen and work in kahoots with each other unbeknownst to our Kidsetter and I. Before we knew it we were surrounded by 6 or 7 monkey’s trying to attack us, no doubt looking for food. We had to retreat into our room. We actually felt scared of they tiny creatures !
In the afternoon we enjoyed another Chobe river cruise. This time we watched a herd of elephants cross the river onto the Namibia side. I have to say, although the cruise was beautiful, I do think that Chobe National Park should limit the amount of boats on the water at once. The poor elephants were surrounded by boats whilst they were trying to cross.
Choebe National Park is an absolute natural wonder, with a surprise around every corner. A must for all Kidsetters alike.
