Day 3
Two hard days of driving brought us to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It’s the largest inland delta in the world! Essentially, at this location the Okavango River abruptly ends by seeping into the desert. There was an optional scenic flight providing aerial views of the delta – several people went but we decided to save our money. We hung out watching the coming and goings of the small international airport. After leaving, we had about four hours in the truck before actually getting into the delta.
Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, there were two 4 wheel drive pickups waiting for us. We unloaded from our truck, Jimi, and hopped in. They took us to a speedboat for a scenic ride to our camp. The delta reminded me of the Louisiana bayou. We wound our way through narrow channels among the grasses and saw lots of birds. We even stopped for a close-up view of a huge crocodile.
We arrived at our camp, Jumbo Junction, later than anticipated so we couldn’t do the planned canoe excursion. Instead, we relaxed and watched the sun set over the delta while the stereo played Niel Diamond. The camp already had tents set up for our stay making the evening the easiest and most relaxing so far. That night, we drifted off to sleep to the sound of trumpeting elephants.
Day 4
Before the sun had a chance to warm up, we were already out of bed and making our way through the reeds on semi-traditional dugout canoes the locals call a makoro. The fiberglass makoros were poled through the lagoon by a guide in each boat. Our guides on this Okavango Delta Safari were just local teens but they were extremely knowledgeable. Gliding our way though the reeds in silence, we could really appreciate all the beauty around us. We saw many small creatures that would normally be scared away by any noise. We were on our way to a neighboring island for a game walk to hopefully see the elephants we heard throughout the night.
Once on the island, our guide explained the different animal tracks we passed. He taught us how to identify which way an elephant is walking (there is a noticeable toe indent facing the direction of travel). Despite seeing many fresh tracks and evidence of activity, we were unable to find any elephants.
After the early morning, we came back to a huge breakfast spread from Nash (our cook). After eating, I was ready to take a nap so Sara and I had a siesta (she was also still not feeling well). It was the first time in quite a while where we could relax in the afternoon and we took full advantage.
That evening, we took another makoro ride – this time with the goal of seeing hippos and the sunset. While our guides pushed us through the shallow water and grasses, we couldn’t see much but could definitely hear something big up ahead. A moment later, the grasses parted and we burst into a large lagoon filled with hippos! They were so cute, every time they came up for air they would waggle their ears. After many minutes our guides had to pry us away or else we would have stayed all night!
Our guides took us to an island to watch the sunset. A couple times enroute we had to get out and walk through mud because the water wasn’t deep enough and the guides had forgotten the best route (rainy season is in summer so the water is receding now). The sunset made it worth all the messiness.
Back at the camp, we ate dinner around the campfire and got to know our camp mates better. Nash gave us some word games but none of us were intelligent enough to solve (how do you put 10 people into nine rooms with no sharing?). After the fun packed day, Sara and I were lulled to sleep by the hippos and elephants calling out to each other.
Day 5
We were treated to pancakes and fried eggs before our morning departure. We packed our things from the camp’s tent and piled into their truck. We would head north to be reunited with our regular ruck, Jimi, and continue our journey to Namibia.
Ant lion
Ant lion traps
Mokora selfie
Jumbo Junction - area where elephants cross the delta
Crocodile in the delta
Approaching the Hippo Lagoon
Jumbo Junction campsite
Jumbo Junction campsite
Steve beat me to the question about 10 people in 9 rooms. Is it hot or cold out there? Common sense would say hot, but everyone is dressed for cold, including Will!
The sun was quite warm but temperature wise it was pleasant, about 80 during the day and down to 50-60 at night.
So how do you put 10 people in nine rooms with no sharing?
“Ten people” is 9 characters long so one letter goes in each room/box.
Will wearing long pants? Whoa?