This is the third part of our blog as we travel through the countries on our Desert Tracker – DTR19 tour. Today’s post includes Botswana and Zambia:
Botswana
As we left Namibia we continued into Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Botswana gained independence in 1966 from Great Britain and to its surprise, discovered diamonds soon after and as a result; Botswana witnesses a relatively high standard of living. A large country but home to a small population, Botswana amasses beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. Bragging rights here can be attributed to none other than the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Loading Mokoros, Botswana style canoes; we packed our tents, bags, all the food and supplies necessary and head for an overnight stay on one of the delta’s islands.
Manoeuvring through high reeds, a skilled “poler “pushes the way through the vast delta, and if you’re lucky, you might cross paths with the mighty hippos of the delta. At the camp, you will get to relax Botswana style; or if you’re up for it, try your hand at poling one of the Mokoros yourself- it’s harder than it looks! After dinner, the group shares songs, games, riddles and dances with the locals who helped us to the island, demonstrating Botswana hospitality and friendliness. At Maun, the gateway to the Okavango delta you will also have the opportunity to board a helicopter or plane to view the delta from above, taking in its truly massive presence. In addition, horseback safaris are available. And if none of that suits you, there’s a nice pool and volleyball court to pass the day at the campsite!
Image by: Michelle Lewis
Moving from the Okavango Delta, Acacia spent a night at the remarkable Elephant Sands camp. This camp is situated in an open game area with no fences or barriers between you and the elephants that swarm the sweet waterhole. Here you can spend hours by the pool, bar, or fire pit just feet away from wild elephants for an up close and personal elephant encounter unlike anywhere else. If you wait long enough, wild dogs and leopards have been known to visit the water hole as well. This is and was the closest we ever got to wild animals on the entire trip- a highlight for sure!
A final destination in Botswana was along the banks of the Chobe river, a tributary of the Zambezi River. Here we took a river cruise on which we were able to spot the largest concentration of wildlife of the entire journey as elephants, crocodiles, hippos, could be spotted in every direction along with Kudu, antelope and a variation of birds, along the shores. Of the 19 days on the truck, if you added up all the elephants we saw along the way, we saw more on the one river cruise on the Chobe River; not to mention ending the cruise with a jaw dropping sunset over beautiful Botswana that will forever remain in my memory as one of the most beautiful ever.
Zambia
After the incredible diversity of Namibia and beauty of Botswana, Zambia was a place of rest for some at the beautiful Waterfront camp on the Zambezi River; for others, it was an adventure hotspot. Whether white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter rides, village tours, elephant safaris, lion walks, cultural tours, or just relaxing suits you’re fancy, this all can be arranged from the small town of Livingstone. Most notably, however, Zambia is known for Victoria Falls – One of the largest in the world. you are able to view the falls from above as water surges down with intense ferocity, soaking every layer of your existence (if you’re keen to visit its edges). An afternoon spent at the falls passes by quickly as you view the jaw dropping force of water cutting between the lands. And if you find the time, you can also cross into Zimbabwe to view the falls from another perspective.
A unique feature of Zambia was the exchanges possible in the market. Have some jewellery you don’t need? Extra socks? Clothing you can’t fit in your bag anymore? The Zambians at the local curio market are eager to take all these items off of you in exchange for their handmade crafts- plus some extra Kwatcha of course! This was an exciting opportunity to not only try your hand at bargaining with the locals, but something I had never experienced before in the market. It was nice to trade off things that were no longer of use to you, but sought after by others! It also served as a great way to meet and interact with the locals who are eager to exchange conversation and smiles as well.
If you’re in for adventure and are keen to visit Southern Africa, Desert Tracker is a highly recommended option for overlanding in Africa. Acacia offers the ability to see Africa’s highlights in a way that, in my opinion, would not have been possible within the same time frame and budget any other way. Sharing the experience with other keen travellers on the truck adds to the dynamic and participating in meal preparation and cleaning adds a sense of reward and accountability as well. The staff are knowledgeable, personable, and will not let you down, rest assured! Over-landing through southern Africa was an incredible experience and I wouldn’t do it any other way! Acacia all the way!
Written and images by: Kyle & Chelsey Acierno