We travelled to Elephant Sands in Botswana with our Zimbabwean guide Kuda and 13-year-old Kidsetter in tow. What a location.
It is so deceiving, turning off the highway onto the dirt track, driving for some time wondering where are we going to end up? Well, into an Elephant oasis literally.
There are 20 luxurious tents positioned around a watering hole where elephants come down to have their daily drinks.
Much to my surprise, I assumed this was the activity we would be embarking on, sitting around the camp fire observing these magnificent creatures from nearby. But alas, our guide had arranged for another Game drive through Elephant Sands National Park with a driver named Kabo.
We drove into the wilderness and found Elephant after Elephant with their babies. Learning about the various attributes of these gentle giants.
Our Kidsetter was amazed to learn that they communicate through pounding the ground with their feet and sending vibrations up to 32 kilometres away to let the herd know they found water and to follow in their footsteps.
The sun set and it became dark quickly. We were driven further into the wilderness and much to our surprise our guide had arranged a traditional brie dinner for us. Simply wow. Our chef Kb had been busily preparing dinner unbeknownst to us whilst we were on the drive.
A stunning table had been set with lanterns and a warm fire for us to sit and observe the stars in the sky. It felt like we had just stepped into a luxury travel brochure. We sat and ate a delicious meal with Kabo and Kadu chatting about their safari tales.
Alas, after dinner, it was time to return to Elephant Sands lodge. Heading back to the lodge we managed to see an elusive huge Porcupine scurry away from the beaming head lights. We sat around the main campfire observing the elephants against the night sky.
In the morning, we ate breakfast at the main location which means we needed to cross the ‘elephant highway’ to and fro. At one point our Kidsetter was petrified I was going to be trampled by a wild elephant as I was too close for comfort almost on the elephant highway. Thankfully it was too interested in getting to the watering hole and having a drink. Phew !
Elephant Sands is a special place that will be etched into you from the moment you arrive. It has a deep special feeling that can only be plauble in life. Don’t overlook this once in a lifetime destination.
