After dreaming of experiencing an African safari for years we finally made it happen. This adventure turned out to be a better experience than we ever hoped. We had the opportunity to see South Africa Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Seychelles. As a result, as I write this at 5 AM three days after returning home, I am still dreaming of Africa.
Africa gives you a glimpse into how much the world has to offer and also helps you appreciate what you already have. We sat just arm’s length away from giant elephants and a herd of buffalo. A full-grown leopard sat in a tree just feet away. There were countless zebra, kudu, wildebeest, and impala and we witnessed some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I have ever seen. We met many people who happily shared their stories and felt incredibly welcomed.
This trip was initially built around a great deal on airfare. Those flights had a long layover that had an opportunity to explore a new city. 9 hours in Doha, Qatar provided a beautiful bed, a local meal, and a great view.
Our Adventure
African Safari Stop One – Zimbabwe
We landed on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls and spent the day exploring the falls and crossing the bridge for a look from the Zambia side as well. It was the end of the wet season and the falls were roaring to create an incredible experience. We then met up with our tour group, a fantastic group of people who shared our love of travel.
The Ivory Lodge was our first “camp” and the fantastic staff introduced us to the African bush. The watering hole is the centerpiece of the view from the lodge and our “tent”. We spent hours in their bird blind with elephants and buffalo just a few feet from us.
On our game drive into Hwange National Park it took a while to find them but right before we stopped for lunch we came across a herd of 30-40 elephants coming to cool off in the water hole. Watching the social interactions of these giants never gets old.
African Safari Stop Two- Botswana
Chobe National Park delivered an up-close experience with elephants, hippos, giraffes, and an incredible diversity of birds while on a safari boat and later in open trucks. A local guide also took us on a quick trip by boat over to Namibia. This was a great side trip arranged by one of our fellow travelers.
Our African safari continued with a flight to the dirt airstrip next to our next camp, Mopiri Camp. We were introduced to the Okavango Delta. One of the very few inland river deltas, the Okavango creates an incredible ecosystem on the border of a giant desert. We explored the delta by boat and relaxed at camp and enjoyed their amazing food and service. The highlight of this trip was a night we spent even deeper in the delta at “fly camp”. While the tents did not have running water, the service was far above any camping I had ever done. We also explored the delta by mokoro—a great way to get closer to this magical place. The campfire conversation, the stars, and the noises of the wilderness were all the entertainment we needed.
We sat under more stars than I have ever seen, the Milky Way plainly visible and the Southern Cross constellation reminding us we were actually on the other side of the planet, we still felt at home.
Your Adventure
Why do we put off such magical experiences? It costs too much, the travel times are too long, it’s too dangerous, and you need shots. I wish we had not let that keep us away for so long.