Our trainee tour leader, Colin Walsh, who set off on the 11th May 2013 on our Cape Town to Kenya (CTK41) tour shares his forth part of his adventure as leaves the Okavango Delta and heads North of Botswana to Zambia. Find out what happens when he arrives in Nata, Elephant Sands, his adventure on the Chobe River and what he gets up to in ‘the Adventure’ capital Livingstone, Zambia. Read more…
Day 16 – Elephant Sands, Botswana
Leaving the Okavango Delta and Maun we drive east to Nata taking the Northern Road to Elephant Sands camp. Mr Bombastic, our Acacia tour leader, had spoken about this campsite, and rated it as one of his favourite throughout the tour.
Elephant Sands did not disappoint, as only an hour into our stay there, totally unexpectedly, a massive male Elephant popped up just 10m from our camp. We were sure it actually wanted to walk straight through our camp, as this was their usual way to get to the waterhole just next to the pool. He was probably disappointed that he had to now make a slight detour around us, but we enjoyed every second as we watched the cheeky behaviour unfold in awe.
This elephant sighting was just the first of at least 15 Elephant to all pass through the same 2 trees, look at our camp for some 20 seconds, and then carry on their way around to the watering hole. It was such a great experience for all, as being this close to the giants of the land was something none of us could have imagined. Most of the passengers then went on a short game drive in the surrounding area, unfortunately not getting to see too many animals, but with the roads being extremely African, they all enjoyed the 4×4 experience by itself. I am sure this campsite will remain in the memories of all on Rufunsa.
Day 17 – Chobe National Park, kasane, Botswana
A short drive northwards got us to our next destination – Thebe River Lodge – and another of one of the highlights of our tour. The included activity for this destination was a Fish Eagle boat cruise on the mighty Chobe River. We needed to supply our own beverages for this, and after each chipping in a small amount, we were able to make a great punch which we could enjoy for the duration of the 3 hour cruise.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
None had expected what was about to come: Throughout the cruise, we must have seen a collection of over 400 animals; ranging from herds of Buffalo and Elephants, pods of Hippos and the odd crocodile basking in the sun, not to mention the hundreds of birds entering and exiting the expanse of the river. Being on the cruise, we were able to pull up to any of the herds and pods we wished, getting extremely close to Elephants, drinking from the banks, to crossing the river itself. We were able to get so close to the Hippos that we got to see more than just their ears and eyes this time. These 2 ton animals were all over and gave us every photo opportunity we wanted, from moving on land, to huge yawns, and even the surprising complete spring out of the water.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
For many these 3 hours was the best experience on tour, as we became pawns in the majesty of what is the African bush. After enjoying a great cruise, we were all were in good spirits and a few of us enjoyed the local human watering hole for a couple hours thereafter. The group has gelled together well, and much fun is being had.
Day 18 – 21 Livingstone – Victoria Falls, Zambia
Botswana came and went in a flash, more so because we all enjoyed it so much. We entered Zambia today after another border crossing went without any hitches. This brought us to another of Africa’s awe inspiring features: the Victoria Falls. We went straight to the falls upon arriving in Livingstone, and proceeded to take the walk just 50m from the river crashing over the 100m drop. The noise and spray produced by the water is just immense, defining the surrounding sound and soaking all in the area. We even got a view of the bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the famous Victoria Falls Bungee jump could be seen.
This would be sampled by a couple of us the next day. I did try it myself, something I had always wanted to do, but of course could never really get myself to achieve. Today was the day, and going with 2 others would make it easier. We were able to get a package deal, where we took the zip-line from Zambia into Zimbabwe across the gorge, followed by the famous 111m Bungee Jump, and the terrifying gorge swing. We were all in agreement, that the swing gave us more of a rush than the Bungee, even though they are both more than worth doing. We can still picture ourselves leaping off the bridge into a fall of nothingness, only to be cut short of hitting the water by 16m, and flung back up towards the bridge to do it another 6 times. This is a memory we will all cherish for the rest of our lives.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
We were in Livingstone for a couple days, and we made use of these by all doing various activities on offer; ranging from Walking with Lions, riding on Elephants, flying above the falls on a micro light and the famous White water rafting, which had been re-opened that day. Everyone got their necessary adventure kick to relieve any stress that had built up. Unfortunately this would be the end of the tour for some passengers, and the good-bye’s produced a solemn atmosphere around camp. Some carried on to Johannesburg, with others going back to their homes across the world. We are joined by another passenger, who will be with us all the way to Nairobi. For those of us still on Rufunsa, we reminisce about the days that have passed, but look forward to the coming 3 weeks, knowing that we are only half way through a tour that is changing our lives.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks to discover what he gets up to with the group as they head north of Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya where he finishes his tour.
Written by Colin Walsh