Nata Bird sanctuary and salt pans

 

9^th May

There was to be one excursion today to Nata bird life and saltpans, which wasn’t until 4 pm. So for the majority of the day, it was one of leisure. The group met for coffee midday, where Kobus gave us the history of the development of Africa, since the 1600's and how the Dutch, Germans and British, as well as the tribes, had shaped Africa. Today was also a good day to get washing done, and I was just about to fill the deep wash sink by the loos when I spied a notice for a laundry service. Okay, at reception I was told they could do it and I would get it returned before we left for our excursion at 4.pm. It was a no-brainer, a large bag of washing was given and the cost? 500 pula, about £2.50!

At 4 pm, we all gathered outside the reception for the excursion. 4 vehicles arrived, we piled into three of them, and a German group piled into the other. But there were more Germans booked than spaces for their vehicle, so after a lot of discussion, Kobus getting cross with the delay, and with three seats available in our 4X4, they had to join us. Kobus was not best pleased as the booking was for our group only!

We were a bit disappointed in this excursion. Many wilderbeasts, a few cranes and pelicans, but no flamingos at all! That’s what we had come to see in their vast numbers. Turns out, several years ago, the saltpans dried out completely for 3 years. The flamingos left and have never returned. One highlight was seeing an Ardwolf, one of the rarer sightings and one of our group in a different vehicle saw a snake. I have Andy's permission to use the photo.

800 year old Baobab tree

j

 

We stopped just before sunset, at a lookout, had a complimentary beer and then set off back to the site. 

 

Looking toward the setting sun and...

h

Away from the sun

By now, the temperature had dropped drastically, and Ian, with nothing but a T-shirt, and I, with a flimsy blouse, boy, were we cold on the way back! But that was nothing compared to what 9 of our group experienced in their 4X4. They broke down before exiting the bird sanctuary, the clutch went, and as the last vehicle, no one had realised. No radios either, so the driver had to phone the Nata Lodge to get one of our vehicles to turn around and fetch them back. They were frozen to the core when they returned. Goodness knows what happened to the broken-down vehicle. For all I know, it's still there! 

photo courtesy of Colin and Ann

 

That night we all went out to dinner. One of our group, Steve, had his birthday today, and Sheila had arranged a surprise birthday cake. She thought a cake would materialise, but instead it was a cheese cake, complete with a candle. Bringing it to him was the ladies that served us singing a traditional birthday song. It was brilliant, and the cheesecake went down very well. 

 

Tomorrow we leave this site and continue our journey South. We will have yet another fridge inspection and shoes and tyres disinfected.

Wild dogs...yes!

 

8^th May

Braai day, and today we feed the multitude. It is also a travelling day to get back to Nata again. Predicted travel time, 5 hours, and we also have one checkpoint to go through, so the meat has to be hidden. Luckily for us, Kobus has a big freezer box, and he offered to store our meat for the braai and ours too, so we can officially declare we have no meat in the fridge. With the prep for tonight’s feast in mind, George and Maureen, Jill and George and we set off a tad after 6.30 am. First stop for diesel, then head off in the direction of Francistown. Leaving the site we encountared 2 strays having a field day on a raided bin.

Wow, the road was full of stationary lorries in the opposite direction. It went on for miles! Goodness knows why. Many a time we had to get off the road just because another vehicle was approaching, but so glad it was not us that had to queue!

 

Is he waiting for a gap?

After about 2 hours, we stopped for a drink in a layby and got hemmed in by a lorry coming the opposite way. He stopped, got out, and just walked away.  Luckily, Ian had enough space to reverse, so we and our fellow motor homers could get out. 

 And not 10 minutes' drive later, we came across a pack of wild dogs. Wow, they are rare to be seen at the best of times, so how lucky were we!

 j

Just before the checkpoint, elephants were spotted. One was most definitely in musk, at its most dangerous, needless to say, we didn’t linger!

One big boy!

 The checkpoint went smoothly. Only George and Maureen’s fridge was checked. I engaged in conversation with the lady Police officer who was feeling very sorry for herself as she had the flu. Panadol and water were offered, which she readily accepted. Needless to say, neither Jills or our fridge was looked at. 

The last 60km of road works were in progress. God, I hate these roads!!!

How close????

Driving on the wrong side had a better road surface.

Oops got the turn wrong

Health and safety non-existent!

 After 5 hours, we pulled across the newly laid gravel road to enter Nata Lodge

 No sooner had we arrived than the braai food was prepared. Ian and George peeling a mountain of sweet potatoes, me on sweetcorn, trying to cut the sweetcorn kernels into three (impossible without a sharp knife!) Jill on kababs, Maureen on peppers and onions, and Andy on butternut squash. By 4 pm, the fire was lit, coals set alight on the braai half drum and pans placed on the open flame and cooking started. The group started to arrive in dribs and drabs, and by 7 pm, we had fed the lot! It was a raging success.

Man make fire!