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Published: February 14th 2008
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Note: This entry was not written by Mike Bebernes, though he did take all of the pictures.
So after four incredible days scouting out the 'Big 5' at Kruger National Park, Mike and I were brought back to Jo'burg for about 8 hours until the next morning when we were picked at 6 AM to head to Botswana! It was a riveting day of 13 hours in the mini-bus where we arrived in Francistown to set up camp. Welcome to Roughing It 101. So I'll be the first to admit that I have only been camping once, but after this ten day experience I laugh at people who take longer than 2 minutes to put up a tent. The first night we set up camp with only the car's headlights as light and of course the batteries in our flashlight were dead so when the car got turned off we were on to using our iPods to get around.
Bright and early at 5 AM the next day we headed off to Livingston Zambia to view the majestic Victoria Falls. Mike and I differ on which was better, Victoria or Igauzu, and it's hard to compare them because they
On the Road Again
Somewhere Botswana, toilet break are both so different. But I will say that when you get a view of the mile long waterfalls it is just as stunning. The spray from the falls absolutely drenches you, you can't see, you're afraid to take pictures because you don't want to get your camera wet, you can't tell if it's rainwater or spit running down your face, but it's all irrelevant because you are that close to one of the world's tallest waterfalls. That night we were taken on a 'Sunset' cruise of The Mighty Zambezi River. Alright let's just be honest here...it was a booze cruise and there was a lot of it. Unfortunately, the cruise actually docked before sunset even happened, but we were feeling pretty good on cheap wine so it didn't matter. You learn really quickly how things in Africa really work.
The next day Mike went bunjee jumping!!! He jumped off the bridge between the Zambia and Zimbabwe border and it is considered one of the highest jumps in the world. The bridge was a mere 110 meters (330 feets) high and when Mike suggested that we go tantem all I could do was laugh and say "You're pretty." However,
Macorro Ride
Surprise, Jenny's asleep Mike got the last laugh because when he jumped I was in charge of recording the event. No problem. Turn the camera on, I can see Mike, he jumps, I'm nervous for him, complete. Oh wait...I forgot to hit the record button. Remember when we were in Costa Rica and I had several of those 'that girl' moments? Well that was another jewel. Luckily our trusty guide Garrit caught the jump on tape and actaully pushed the record button.
So the next day, big suprise, we are up at 5 AM to head to Kasane, Botswana. We arrive at our campsite which is pretty much an open area of mud, and set up camp. There was an optional activity we could participate in to take another sunset cruise around the Chobe National Park ( no booze included). However the fact that Mike and I are going broke at a rapid pace dictates so much of our lives. So we said nay to the river cruise and helped our guide prepare these mouth-watering steaks and braai bread for dinner.
Another 5 AM morning and we are off to the Chobe National Park for another game drive. We were really
Delta Camp
"Don't go to the bathroom alone at night. You will die" lucky because while in Kruger we saw so many animals. However, it becomes a double edge sword because so much of touring Africa includes game drives and hunting for the Big 5 that Mike and I were becoming a big jaded of the experience. I know that sounds so awful to say but when you experience and elephant walking down the road next to your car, or have lion cubs biting at your pant leg, it's hard to compete with that when you see two miniscule ears of a hippo 50 feet away. Maybe I would be more keen on the whole drive it I wasn't forced to get up at 4 AM.
So now comes the best part. After leaving Kasane we headed to Maun to head out to the Okovanogo Delta. The whole trip Mike and I we pretty much along for the ride not sure of where we were headed until we get there. But we were blown away with the two day camping trip on an island in the Delta. There is the Macoro Village that is supported almost 100% by tourism and the jobs are created by the polers that steer these canoes out
to the islands. In the morning we had to take a two hour macoro ride (macoro being a canoe basically) to the area we were staying at. The ride was so peaceful. Think a combination of the Notebook scene with all the geese and the Little Mermaid scene of Kiss the Girl. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The only sounds to be heard were that of the poles going in and out of the water. It was a pity that I was only able to stay awake for 10 minutes, but the 10 minutes I saw were spectacular. So we arrive at our island, set up camp, and then are informed that about 10 meters into the brush this is a hole....which is the communal toilet. Welcome to the bush! The days we passed playing our favorite card game 'Shithead' and we even taught Voice one of the local villagers how to play. After two days of 4 hour long hikes through the brush, no showers, and pooping in a hole, we were disgusting to say the least. If I may I'll paint you a picture. Think of the t.v. ads of the kids in Africa who have flies
Another ridiculous African sunset
There's one like this every night all over thier face, pee on their sandals from having to squat and missing the hole, and longing for just a bite of a Bar One chocolate bar. But it really was an amazing experience. I promise.
After the Delta we were off to a Rhino Sanctuary which was going to be our last day of the trip before we had to head back to Jo'burg. We had an amazing sunset game drive through the park where we saw a bunch of rhinos! I know. I was suprised too. After that we celebrated our last night by going to eat at the restaurant, which is huge for us. We were the only Americans on the trip and had talked up the dessert S'mores because no one had heard of them. We had it all planned that we our last night we were going to have a fire and make these delicious treats. However, in Botswana either there was a shortage of marshmellows or they haven't made it this far East but either way we couldn't find them. We ended up having a fire sans S'mores, but it was still just as nice. That's obviously a lie, but it was
Elephants
They just hang out on the side of the road, the fences are to keep them out, not in cool.
So now we are back in Jo'burg and are finally going to leave the most danergous city in the world for good! We are off to Mozambique, which is the country right about South Africa on the eastern coast. Wish us luck because we don't have the required Visa to get into the country, and we were told that we might get kicked off the bus when we try and get them at the border. So hopefull next time we chat we will have gotten there.
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Yay you're alive! Not that I had any doubts...though that elephant on the side of the road looks like it could turn a person into roadkill. Is Mike wearing a hairband in that last photo? Hilarious.