On Safari in Botswana (11.05.08 - 14.05.08)

As you will have noticed we have had some time to upload pics of our adventures. I have spent all afternoon in the reception of our hotel doing this so I will finish updating our blog later as I want to join Jon, Dave and Michelle at the bar. I can also hear what sounds like lions roaring in the distance (although it could be elephants they sound surprisingly similar to the untrained ear) so I want to go and have a look.

Ok, finally updated the blog. Be warned it is an essay...

Our transfer to Botswana was an hour and a half late. I don't like getting up before 7am for no reason. The van took us to the border crossing at a point in the Zambezi river. I am not sure how we managed to float across in the tin can with nine of us + three extras and all our luggage, including Dave and Michelle's giant suitcases (you have never seen anything like them, they would fit a baby elephant in them and then some. I have not seen Michelle wear the same clothes twice yet and she changes about three times a day).

On the other side a jeep (sorry I stand corrected, Jon said it was a Land Crusier and they are apparently definately not the same thing) picked us up and took us to the Elephant Valley Lodge. This place is amazing. It is in the middle of the bush and we are staying in luxury tents with electric fencing around the compound to keep elephants and other unwanted animals out. Our shower in the tent is a tree they have stuck taps to. There is free internet and laundry and chocolates on the pillows every night – what luxury compared to Zambia. Jon and I aren't used to this. I told him not to get used to it. After Africa we are sharing dorm rooms – there wont be chocolates and turned down sheets! Even better yet there were salads and vegetables galore. I think I am in African heaven.

This place is aptly named. On the way we saw elephants on the side of the road. At the lodge just after we arrived we went down to the viewing area near the water hole and saw a herd of elephants applying suncream to themselves (spraying mud onto their backs as a skin protectant). They look like they are moving in slow motion. It is hard to believe animals so big can be so graceful.

At this place you go on a safari in the morning and in the evening each day. The first afternoon we drove to Chobe in the Land Cruiser. We saw so many animals up close – heaps more elephants, giraffes necking (literally), baboons in their hundreds, kudu, impala all different types of boks, pumbas (wart hogs), buffalo and lions feeding off the most vile smelling dead elephant. There was lots of dry retching involved! The sunset was awesome. We saw a line of elephants crossing the water trunks linked around the tail in front with the sun setting behind – post card stuff right before our eyes. Wait for it... I am now actually glad Jon bought an SLR. Although it hasn't stopped him trying to take over my camera too!

On the way back to the camp in the dark we literally became human windshields. Bugs everywhere (and they are really big over here). No one spoke or they would cop a mouthful of insects.

Dinner was great too. Tables and candlelight around the boma/ briie (like a bon fire) overlooking the waterhole where elephants were having their night cap. I can't wait to hear the animal sounds while I sleep, just as long as I don't have to use the whistle next to my bed. I don't want any spitting cobras (there was one here yesterday) of black mambas (I wish Jon hadn't told me about them) in my tent.