We drove to Chief Island in Maun, near the Okavango Delta. Much to our delight during the drive we observed a herd of Zebra migrating from the side of the road. What a sight !
We arrived at our lodge only to find there is a massive drought and the river that our lodge would normally overlook had literally dried up. Very sad for the animals.
We had scheduled a flight over the Okavango Delta and were quickly driven to the airport for our flight. It was a stunning way to capture the magnitude of the delta and the shear impact of the drought. We have watched many a documentary on the Delta and it looked nothing like it in real time due to the lack of water. We did see crocodiles busking in the sun with their mutually respected water predators the hippos.
We saw some elephants and zebras from afar. We had booked a 45 minute flight, however this was probably too long, as you only really need maximum 25 minutes. Also, the company we used is called Horizon Helicopters and they have no doors so you can take photos without the reflection of the windows. Be prepared though, it is exceptionally windy. Also only take Kidsetters that you know would be suitable in this situation as there is literally only a seat belt separating them from potential disaster.
Returning to our lodge we were greeted by the friendliest staff. I have fallen in love with a new African drink named ‘Amurla’. Similar to Bailey’s but better ! Watching the sunset with our drinks in hand and constant laughter of the staff it is easy to see why you can leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.
The following day we were driven to Morutsha River in Okavango Delta. We passed by elephants crossing the dirt roads. Upon arriving we witnessed the Morutsha tribe be issued their tourist for the day like a taxi rank only for Mokoro’s.
Admittedly our Kidsetter was more excited about this, than I. The thought of being in Okavango Delta on the same level as Hippo’s and crocodiles scared me half to death, thinking why am I putting our beloved Kidsetter in such danger? The question still prevails.
Our Kidsetter loved the experience, he was able to cruise the waters with his poler named Zigi getting very close to the hundreds of hippos that had migrated from the Chobe National Park. Thankfully we did not see any crocodiles however I knew that did not mean they didn’t see us. Our Kidsetter found Mokoro’s relaxing.
After an hour we stopped by the side of the Okavango Delta and headed out for a bush walk. Again, I was surprised that our guides Lucky and Zigi did not carry riffles given I knew lions were present as we saw their tracks. Thankfully no such encounters.
Our Kidsetter was fascinated to learn about the termite hills that are everywhere throughout Africa and how the tribes turn the old ant hills mud into houses. We enjoyed a packed lunch amongst the Okavango Delta wilderness and headed back in our Mokoro’s.
This time we passed about 200 hippos and they watched us intently, I was petrified as we witnessed 2 bull Hippo’s run and viciously attack each other in the water. My poler named ‘Lucky’ asked if I wanted to get closer to the herd of hippos as he could see the boys were about 10 metres away and we were roughly 20 metres, I told Lucky that I’m fine.
We learnt that Hippos’ cause they most amount of human deaths out of every other dangerous animal in Africa. Next thing I know 2 hippos appeared from no where far too close for comfort and stood up and watched us intently. Lucky advised they had picked up our scent. Great. Knowing they move super fast in water and if we had encroached on a hippo highway we were toast. Thankfully we returned unscathed.
