It was another long drive of about 5 hours. It’s interesting because no matter the distance, it always takes 5-6 hours. Do not trust what Google Maps tells you.
We crossed back into Botswana via the Kazungula border crossing, this time taking less than an hour to cross. Botswana seems to have far fewer entry requirements especially relating to vehicles. We topped up the tank one last time and pulled into Chobe Marina Lodge emptying our luggage from the truck for the final time. Tomorrow the truck will get picked up and I will not have to do any more driving until we head to Malawi. Hallelujah!
We had two nights again at the lodge with our same rooms as previously and within minutes of getting to our rooms Joyce received photos and videos from Kristina showing the crazy Vervet monkey action on their balcony.
Later in the afternoon I was given a slingshot to protect the the bar from the marauding simians while the bartender left to get some supplies.
The late afternoon and evening was spent taking in the views and ambiance of the lodge, having a great dinner and then heading back to our rooms for a well deserved sleep.
The next day was a bit of a sleep-in day and we spent it wandering the main drag of Kasane for a short time (it was close to 33 deg outside) checking out the many artisan booths that lined the road and then a little lunch and relaxation before heading out at 3:00 pm on a fantastic private game drive into Chobe National Park.
There has been an extended drought in Zambia which has greatly affected the water levels of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers in Botswana.
Because of this the riverside landscape of the Chobe had changed dramatically creating large swaths of land where once the river flowed. I believe more animals have been drawn out into the open (I don’t know if this is a good thing) due to the increased grazing opportunities and the sights were spectacular. Elephant by the hundreds, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Impala, a huge variety of birdlife and the list goes on. Nature seems to adapt.
We made it back to lodge around 6:00 pm, cleaned off the dust, hit the bar for refreshments and a light dinner and let the time we spent in Chobe sink in.
We experienced a small portion of Chobe National Park however our base in Kasane allowed us to to see this amazing place from both the river and the land and it gave us a a wonderful perspective of the wildlife that still thrives in this part of Africa. An experience to remember for a lifetime!
Next up, back to Johannesburg for an overnighter then on to the Timbavati Private Game reserve in the greater Kruger region in northern South Africa.