May 7th
Two safaris were on the cards today. First, a game drive in Chobe National Park and then a river cruise late afternoon.
The game drive meeting place was at the site, and we were all ready for 6.45 am. Boy, was it cold today. 6 degrees, and there was Ian just in a T-shirt and shorts. OMG, does he have no blood in his veins? Today was a definite coat day, and we were all given blankets by the drivers. The drive to the reserve took about 20 minutes, and those blankets were needed as the natural air conditioning couldn’t be turned off! Open trucks you see! As soon as we entered the park and the vehicles slowed right down, the warmth of the rising sun was felt…loverrly.
Not much was seen at first. Loads of impala about and plenty of birds. The drive took us to the River Chobe, the longest river in Africa, and a few small crocodiles were seen. No elephants, giraffes, or zebras, a bit disappointing really. But then a call to say a female lioness was lying in the undergrowth, so it was a mad dash and bumpy ride to where she had been seen.
It always amazes me that, as near as we could get, about 3 metres, the big cats don’t seem to mind. Great for viewing, but I do wonder if it affects them in some way. Leaving her to enjoy her catnap, we stopped for tea and coffee at a picnic area. Before we arrived, a car was spotted with several people outside putting a table up and setting out chairs. Our driver made a beeline for him, saying he was in a dangerous area with the lioness so close, and to clear everything up at once and follow to go to the stopping place. I don’t think he took much notice because he never arrived. Maybe that cat had got her lunch early that day!
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| The stop for refreshments at the picnic area |
After 3 hours, we exited the reserve.
This is some of what we saw on the game drive. More on my web album.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CwvQWkTZe1XM24Tg8
As soon as we arrived back at the site, we went out shopping. Tomorrow is our turn for the Braai. Two motorhomes went, Ian drove ours with George in the front and Jill and me in the back. Not a bad ride sitting on those seats. Anyway, Simon took his with Andy in the front seat and Maureen in the back, and Karen stayed behind. A mountain of food bought, Chicken for Andie's stew, more chicken for our kababs, cheese, halomi for the vegetarian skewers, crackers, grapes, toms, onions, sweet potatoes, peppers, sweetcorn and don't forget the foil to wrap them in. All in all, the bill total was 2165 pula, about £120. The lady at the till split it 4 ways, which helped immensely.
A very quick turnaround when we got back because we had to be ready for the cruise at 2.15. Made it with 45 minutes to spare!
The cruise started at a hotel about a 15-minute drive away. We were ushered onto the boat, a complimentary drink was given, the bar was open for more and payment was made by local currency. Crikey, a beer and a Coke came to over £7!
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| Don't fell a tree...make a hole for it instead! |
Once back, we had another quick change to get to the buffet provided by the site. I must say the food was delicious, lamb stew, fish, lamb chops, rice and chips. We asked for a bottle of red wine to go with the meal, unfortunately, the only bottle they had was given to Annette and Malc! We made do with the last remaining white. Having stayed and chatted for a while as one does, we noticed that everyone appeared to have left. No bill had been forthcoming, so how were we to pay the bill? Ian saw one of the waitresses and dashed after her, only to be told we had to pay in the morning. Trying to explain that was difficult because we would be leaving by 6.30 she just shrugged her shoulders, got into her car and drove away! Really??? Couldness knows what the owner will say when she has to tell him. No doubt she will bend the truth, and we will get the blame. We await to find out!!!
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