“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?”……… Brian Jackman
Day 12
We were able to do one last drive in the morning and went to see the actual Deception Valley. When the South African settlers came to that area in 1904, they kept seeing water in the distance but it was actually a mirage – hence the name Deception Valley.
And on our way to the “airport”, we came across a couple lions munching on a kudu from a recent kill. A guy’s gotta eat!
Here we are in the “first class lounge” waiting for George to pick us up and fly us to Seronga in the Okanvango Delta for our last few days. I will never forget our time at Deception Valley Lodge. Our host Jacob was extremely knowledgable and passionate about the area, the animals and the people and he really made our time there special. JIm and I were both very grateful to have had an opportunity to spend some time in this unique environment.
After a quick hour flight (again – no bags necessary), we landed on another dirt landing strip and were met by Two-Boy and Pat from Kadizora Lodge – our final stop on our African Adventure. During peak season in the summer, the Okanvango Delta is flooded by water that comes from the highlands in Angola, as well as the rain (70% from Angola and 30% from the rains). We are in low season and there has been very little rain so there is not a lot of water right now. The area is still extremely interesting and we are very excited to be here.
We were welcomed to Kadizora with some songs and dance from the staff! What fun!
Always lots to see on a drive and we finished our first drive in the Delta with a bunch of hippos, gin and tonic sundowners and a spectacular African sunset at a “five star” location! And no, the sunset was NOT edited in any way!
Days 13 to 15
While on a morning drive, Two-Boy and Pat found a marvellous scene with numerous giraffes, zebras and impalas – all hanging out together in harmony. Giraffes have good eyesight AND a great vantage point to watch for predators while zebra cannot see as well but have a better sense of smell – together they make a great team.
While watching them, we heard a noise and a painted dog (endangered African wild dog) charged right past us. Before we knew it, the dogs were coming from every which way – we counted 7. They were definitely on the hunt! The giraffes, zebras and impalas all scattered and we were left with the dogs and they, unfortunately, were left with only us. These dogs are one of the most endangered species and we were very lucky to see them. Check out those markings on the legs!
We also found a cute little jackal hiding in the bushes.
A traditional mode of transportation in the Delta was the makoro canoe which was originally made from the sausage tree (that’s what they call it-never did get the actual name) but now they use fibreglass! If only sausage grew on trees – says the Ukrainian in me…..
Pat took us out on a makoro sunset cruise. It was so peaceful as we glided through the reeds, grasses and water. We rounded the corner and found about 30 hippos. Now it’s one thing to watch them safely from the land while sipping on a cold G & T. It’s quite another to be in this tiny canoe, sharing the same body of water, while one of them starts glaring and snorting at you. Once I realized Pat had a handle on things, my heart eventually stopped racing – well, sort of…..
We were also very fortunate to have a chance to visit Pat’s village. Seven hundred people live in this self-contained village. We stopped in to visit the primary class who were delightful! Pat was very proud of his village and particularly proud of the home he built. Inside, it’s abit of a bachelor pad right now but he is hoping to change that as soon as he can save enough money to get married!
Having our last sundowners with Pat and Two-Boy.
We very much enjoyed our time at Kadizora. We had rain most evenings and I loved the sound of the rain on the tent while sleeping in a very dry and luxurious bed. One more night of this!
Sadly, we have to say goodby to Africa for now and head back home. I want to thank both Moira and Kirsty from Goway Travel who helped us plan this wonderful itinerary – hopefully we weren’t the customers from hell! Anyone planning to go to Africa need not look further than the Africa team at Goway Travel. They are extremely knowledgable about the destination, have excellent relationships with their suppliers and can customize any itinerary.
Shakespere said “The eyes are the window to the soul”. I leave you with a few sweet “souls”. Thanks for joining us on this incredible journey!
