DAY 1: CAPE TOWN – PALAPYE, BOTSWANA VIA JO’BURG
Okay so on thurs. aug 28th I spent the night at the Res. Hall with my friend Sarah & we got picked up by our tour group bright and early at 5am. We were actually fortunate because I think the first person picked up was at 415! So the group of about 40 of us made our way to Cape Town International Airport and caught at 615am flight to Johannesburg (Jo’burg). We were met at the airport in Jo’burg by our driver, Thedius and our chef, Kingston. From the airport we drove in our “overland vechicle”, we nicknamed it the Silly Mobile- to Botswana. It was around a 10-11 hour drive day- tough, but our truck, the Elephants- all seemed to get along great and had a first fun day getting to know one another and playing cards. There were 22 people and the 2 leaders, Monique & Dave, who are also students at UCT. Monique was also a CIEE orientation leader which was ironic because most of us, about 18 of us on the bus were from CIEE. Although I was a bit hesitant joining a group with SO many CIEE kids, it turns out we all ended up having a great time & I was able to meet and get to know other CIEE’ers who I haven’t really gotten a chance to know yet this semester.
Okay so on thurs. aug 28th I spent the night at the Res. Hall with my friend Sarah & we got picked up by our tour group bright and early at 5am. We were actually fortunate because I think the first person picked up was at 415! So the group of about 40 of us made our way to Cape Town International Airport and caught at 615am flight to Johannesburg (Jo’burg). We were met at the airport in Jo’burg by our driver, Thedius and our chef, Kingston. From the airport we drove in our “overland vechicle”, we nicknamed it the Silly Mobile- to Botswana. It was around a 10-11 hour drive day- tough, but our truck, the Elephants- all seemed to get along great and had a first fun day getting to know one another and playing cards. There were 22 people and the 2 leaders, Monique & Dave, who are also students at UCT. Monique was also a CIEE orientation leader which was ironic because most of us, about 18 of us on the bus were from CIEE. Although I was a bit hesitant joining a group with SO many CIEE kids, it turns out we all ended up having a great time & I was able to meet and get to know other CIEE’ers who I haven’t really gotten a chance to know yet this semester.
inside of the Silly Mobile
Nothing like playing some catch phrase while overlanding it in Africa!
this is Africa...So we crossed the Botswana boarder at around 6pm- and we saw our first official “African bush sunset”. HOLELY COW- it was amazing! We didn’t have any trouble at the Botswana boarder & were all still pretty shocked at the temperature difference. We left rain in Cape Town and when we arrived in Jo’burg it was already at least 80 degrees & only got hotter as the day of driving progressed. Even after the sun went down and we had yet another 2 hours before we got to our campsite- we still had the windows rolled up & we’re enjoying sitting in the dark, letting the hot air blow through our hair & talking. It’s incredible how much people open up when the lights are dimmed!
first sunset in the bush... crossing the boarder into Botswana!We finally arrived at our camp site around 815ish and were nice enough to have already prepared dinner for us. Because it was already dark and we were leaving bright and early at 630am the campsite also let us sleep in this big open dorm- it was a good way to end our first day together & we all were anxious to see what the next day would hold for us.
first night of the trip. all slept in a dorm, palapye, botswanaDAY 2: PALAYPE, BOTSWANA – MAUN, BOTSWANA
So on day 2 we had another day of travel- we woke up at 515 and packed everything back up and set out at 630 for Maun- which would be our base point before entering the Okavango Delta. We stopped for another breakfast at around 930-10ish and I’ll admit to you that it was the first time I peed out in the Bush! I was super anxious & nervous about doing it- but everything went well! Little did I know that this would be the first of MANY trips out to find a “pee-bush” and upon re-integrating myself back in Cape Town life I still sort of miss the freedom of the bush!
I was on lunch duty today- and help the chefs (there were 2 trucks, so 2 chefs and 2 drivers) prepare tuna salad sandwiches! although I was a bit hesitant about not knowing what to expect food wise on this trip- i was even hoping to maybe lose a few lbs- but no that was surely not the case. The food was amazing! Kingston was such a nice guy & couldn’t have prepared more incredible meals. So after lunch we loaded back up & were on our way to Maun!
waiting to help start with lunch... Rachel, Lauren, me & Molly
making lunch.... yum!!
When we finally arrived in Maun- we first stopped at a ShopRite (a grocery store) to buy 5liters each of water- when we went into the Delta there would be no running. Then we got to the campsite and Sarah & I had no trouble setting up our tent!!! That night we had dinner and then all hung out at the bar- excited for the next day!
sarah & i after having no trouble putting up our tent!!!
sunset in Muan, BotswanaDAY 3- 5: OKAVANGO DELTA
So today we got up and packed all our stuff into backpacks- taking only that was essential for the next three days… and surprisingly I was able to fit all my baggage that I needed into my backpack! I’m pretty sure that was the best packing job I’ve ever done in my life! Then we boarded a different truck and drove the hour or so it took to get to the Delta. This drive was cool because we drove through really small, rural villages- and all the locals were outside mingling and would wave. Such a cool experience.
So today we got up and packed all our stuff into backpacks- taking only that was essential for the next three days… and surprisingly I was able to fit all my baggage that I needed into my backpack! I’m pretty sure that was the best packing job I’ve ever done in my life! Then we boarded a different truck and drove the hour or so it took to get to the Delta. This drive was cool because we drove through really small, rural villages- and all the locals were outside mingling and would wave. Such a cool experience.
waiting to start loading the truck to go to the Delta
little village we passed through to get to the Delta
We got to the Delta and were met by the locals who were going to row us in the makoro’s to our camp. Wilson- approached me and “picked” Sarah as his! So he helped us load all our stuff in his boat and off we were!!!
We floated along for about an hour or so- sooo peaceful- I couldn’t help but to close my eyes with the sound of the water splashing and the light breeze- SOOO peaceful.
We floated along for about an hour or so- sooo peaceful- I couldn’t help but to close my eyes with the sound of the water splashing and the light breeze- SOOO peaceful.
wilson loading all our stuff!
off we go to our campsite!Then after our swim time- we relaxed for a bit and then went out for an hour nature walk on one of the other little islands. We didn’t see any big animals- just birds- but it was so cool to go on our first game walk and the sunset was gorgegous!
That night we just hung out around the fire and played cards. We tried to play Mafia- somehow I was encouraged to be God- and I accidentally messed up the first round so the whole time I was trying to figure out how exactly the game could continue on without starting over. It was something like 23 of us playing. It was a bit hectic. Not to mention all the locals- who stayed and camped with us- were trying to learn and after my little screw-up only helped to reinforce their “crazy American” stereotype!
That night we just hung out around the fire and played cards. We tried to play Mafia- somehow I was encouraged to be God- and I accidentally messed up the first round so the whole time I was trying to figure out how exactly the game could continue on without starting over. It was something like 23 of us playing. It was a bit hectic. Not to mention all the locals- who stayed and camped with us- were trying to learn and after my little screw-up only helped to reinforce their “crazy American” stereotype!
area where we had our nature walk... so quiet!
nature walk/game walk group!
heading back to camp in the makoro
sunset # 1 in the DeltaThe next day we woke up at 530am to depart by 6 by makoro to go on our 4 hour game walk!!! SOOO incredible. On our makoro ride over to the island we would be walking around- I spotted our first animal of the day- a hippo!!! We also managed to see lots of zebras, water buffalo, impala, and an elephant from far away. We saw lots of foot prints- so knew that the animals were there! But we just had trouble seeing them.
zebra!
The game walk was for 4 hours so when we got back it was around 10 and Kingston had breakfast made for us!!! Then we all sort of relaxed and at around noon we headed over to the water hole again. It wasn’t as hot as the previous day so it didn’t feel as refreshing and it was a bit too chilly. I attempted to get some reading done in the sun but ended up falling asleep!
The afternoon was spent free to just hang out- Sarah and I attempted to go out in the makoro- after about 15 mins of trying to maneuver the boat and only managed to get us stuck in the reeds- I got fed up and Sarah managed to get us back safely to camp.
The afternoon was spent free to just hang out- Sarah and I attempted to go out in the makoro- after about 15 mins of trying to maneuver the boat and only managed to get us stuck in the reeds- I got fed up and Sarah managed to get us back safely to camp.
At around 545 we left camp and went to go watch the sunset at the hippo pool. There were about 3 hippos and im not going to lie- I got a bit freaked out when one came close to us!!! I was not wanting to go for a swim!
So we watched the sunset from there as well- such an amazing array of colors! As we were waiting and watching- Wilson and our nature/game walk guide, Brandon, made sarah and I these really cool necklaces out of reeds! It was soo cool!
So we watched the sunset from there as well- such an amazing array of colors! As we were waiting and watching- Wilson and our nature/game walk guide, Brandon, made sarah and I these really cool necklaces out of reeds! It was soo cool!
hippo pool
me at the hippo pool!.. we actually saw hippos but none of my photos were worthy enough to post on here!
sunset at the hippo pool
So after the sunset, we went back to camp and Kingston had a braai going (like a cookout) and we had a delicious dinner. After dinner we were spoiled with some amazing dancing and singing by our local guides and then it was our time. Haha lets see- we started out show by all of us singing “I’ve been working on the railroad” then sang/danced to the Hokey-Pokey, then to the YMCA, and I Will Survive, and finished off with the National Anthem. We all felt pretty lame with the songs we all knew but our local guides seemed to really enjoy it! Then after that, we still sat by the camp fire and some of the younger guides started telling rittles which only reinforced the “stupid American” stereotypes haha. No it actually was a lot of fun and it was cool to interact with them. They were all very shy at first (there were about 15 of them) but by the last day they seemed more comfortable.
As we were getting ready for bed our last night in the delta- we looked up to the sky and OMG I’VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A MASSIVE, CLEAR SKY. It was INCREDBILE. The milky way was super clear and seemed to extend on forever. We stood out behind our tents looking up to the sky for about 30 mins. Finally we decided that because the night was so clear and wasn’t too cold- that we’d all sleep out by the fire. Even though we were out in the wilderness and wild animals were free to roam- a few of the locals stayed up all night to keep the fire going and to make sure no animals came close.
So after the sunset, we went back to camp and Kingston had a braai going (like a cookout) and we had a delicious dinner. After dinner we were spoiled with some amazing dancing and singing by our local guides and then it was our time. Haha lets see- we started out show by all of us singing “I’ve been working on the railroad” then sang/danced to the Hokey-Pokey, then to the YMCA, and I Will Survive, and finished off with the National Anthem. We all felt pretty lame with the songs we all knew but our local guides seemed to really enjoy it! Then after that, we still sat by the camp fire and some of the younger guides started telling rittles which only reinforced the “stupid American” stereotypes haha. No it actually was a lot of fun and it was cool to interact with them. They were all very shy at first (there were about 15 of them) but by the last day they seemed more comfortable.As we were getting ready for bed our last night in the delta- we looked up to the sky and OMG I’VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A MASSIVE, CLEAR SKY. It was INCREDBILE. The milky way was super clear and seemed to extend on forever. We stood out behind our tents looking up to the sky for about 30 mins. Finally we decided that because the night was so clear and wasn’t too cold- that we’d all sleep out by the fire. Even though we were out in the wilderness and wild animals were free to roam- a few of the locals stayed up all night to keep the fire going and to make sure no animals came close.
So the next morning we had to pack everything up- and eventually made our way back in the makoro to the Delta’s edge. We were sad to say goodbye to Wilson and all the other locals and knew we were leaving as changed people. I don’t think I’ve ever been more dirty in my life and genuinely not even cared. I swear- the rest of our group saw me looking at my “finest” haha but it was sooo freeing to just not even have to worry about make-up or how gross your hair looked, or how dirty your feet or finger nails were.
So we left the delta and headed back to Maun to shower! 3 days of no shower! And had lunch before we loaded up the Silly Mobile and headed off again.
So we left the delta and headed back to Maun to shower! 3 days of no shower! And had lunch before we loaded up the Silly Mobile and headed off again.
wilson in his makoro!
heading back to meet the trucks
sooo dirty but what an expereince!
BYE WILSON!!!
BYE WILSON!!!
DAY 5: NATA, BOTSWANA
So after our nice warm showers we headed back on the road- another 5 hour drive to Nata, Botswana. After driving all afternoon- we finally got in around 8pm and had dinner and made sure to get a good nights sleep as we had to wake up early for our last major drive to Chobe National Park.
So after our nice warm showers we headed back on the road- another 5 hour drive to Nata, Botswana. After driving all afternoon- we finally got in around 8pm and had dinner and made sure to get a good nights sleep as we had to wake up early for our last major drive to Chobe National Park.
DAY 6: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
After another early morning and a long ride, we got in to our campsite around lunch time and were able to relax a bit before we headed out on the Zambezi for a sunset cruise. We stopped to pick up some wine before hand so it was relaxing to be out on the boat after a long day on the road and just to be able to kick back and enjoy the scenery. We saw a ton of animals- crocodile, baboons, zebra, a herd of elephant coming to the water- absolutely incredible- hippos, and some cool birds. That night after the cruise we just hung out at the campsite bar and managed to have fun.
After another early morning and a long ride, we got in to our campsite around lunch time and were able to relax a bit before we headed out on the Zambezi for a sunset cruise. We stopped to pick up some wine before hand so it was relaxing to be out on the boat after a long day on the road and just to be able to kick back and enjoy the scenery. We saw a ton of animals- crocodile, baboons, zebra, a herd of elephant coming to the water- absolutely incredible- hippos, and some cool birds. That night after the cruise we just hung out at the campsite bar and managed to have fun.
we called this the "flashing bird"
chobe has the largest elephant population in Africa... elephants coming to the water for a drink
the girls on the sunset cruise-raina, caitlin, melissa, me
lots of elephants!
sarah & i enjoying ourselves on the top deck
melissa & me
croc!
elephants in the distance & hippo!!
after the booze cruise back at camp:
DAY 7: EARLY CHOBE GAME DRIVE / CROSS BOARDER INTO ZAMBIA
So whosever’s idea it was to have an early game drive (and by early I mean a 530 departure time) the morning after the “booze cruise”…. Well thank you.
it was definitely an early morning- our picture is worth a thousand words- but we had a great time just being driven around. Our driver was super cool, and made sure to point out all the lion king animals. At one point he stops the truck short and goes “LOOK ZA-ZOO!” it was great.
So whosever’s idea it was to have an early game drive (and by early I mean a 530 departure time) the morning after the “booze cruise”…. Well thank you.
it was definitely an early morning- our picture is worth a thousand words- but we had a great time just being driven around. Our driver was super cool, and made sure to point out all the lion king animals. At one point he stops the truck short and goes “LOOK ZA-ZOO!” it was great.
everyone at their finest...
thought you'd all like this one of me....
nothing like a beautiful sunrise in Chobe National Park
impala
pretty watering hole... me, chantel & ashley
sad! dead elephant... our guide said it most likely died from a disease only a few days before... smelt HORRIBLE.
After a nice 3 hour game drive- we headed back to camp to pack up and got everything ready to cross the boarder in Zambia. There is only 1 ferry boat that goes across the River so we really had no idea how long it was going to take. Tourists, and especially American Tourists- somehow get to cut the day long line of trucks waiting to cross. So fortunately it only took us about and hour to get our trucks across and pass through passport control, etc.
DAY 8: WHITE WATER RAFTING DOWN THE ZAMBEZI (level 5 rapids)
I ended up going white water rafting (apparently the rapids at Vic Falls are the best in the world?) on Friday and then on Saturday I crossed the boarder into Zimbabwe and did the Lion Encounter and went to the market there.
White water rafting was amazing- so much fun to be down in “no mans land” and just floating along. It was a long day out on the water – we were all pretty beat by the time we got back to camp. 
Our last little driving trip was from the boarder to our campsite in Vic Falls. We got in around 3ish and were briefed by the people at the campsite all the activities that would be available for us to do over the next 2 days.
ZAMBIA HERE WE ARE!
after crossing on the ferry
bridge connecting zambia & zimbabwe
the following shots are of Victoria Falls from the Zambia side:
everyone was giving me a hard time about taking such a "creeper" photo but i thought this father/son picture was so cute!
DAY 8: WHITE WATER RAFTING DOWN THE ZAMBEZI (level 5 rapids)
I ended up going white water rafting (apparently the rapids at Vic Falls are the best in the world?) on Friday and then on Saturday I crossed the boarder into Zimbabwe and did the Lion Encounter and went to the market there.
White water rafting was amazing- so much fun to be down in “no mans land” and just floating along. It was a long day out on the water – we were all pretty beat by the time we got back to camp.
start of the day- look at all of us in our boats!
having a blast!
here's the sequence of the only time we lost people on a rapid!...
heading in....
what a ride!
such an pretty day! 
yah... i rafted that... view of the zambezi from
ashley, me & ruth
molly, sarah, me & lauren
DAY 9: LION ENCOUNTER IN ZIMBABWE & MARKET, VIC. FALLS FROM ZIM SIDE
The next day a group of us went into Zim. And had fun seein gth elions so up close and getting to pet them and walk with them. After that we headed to the market where you could basically trade ANYTHING for some sort of African cool memorabilia thing. When I say anything, I mean anything. I traded the socks on my feet, some wash cloths, a hair tie, a pen, and a plastic spoon- for 2 bracelets, a necklace and a 1billion dollar Zim note. As fun as it was to bargain- it was also heartbreaking to see how desperate these people really were for just the basic necessities. As we were leaving I was able to give the kids a few extra granola bars and a bottle of water that I had- and to see the look on their faces, as if I was a saint or something. It definitely put things more into perspective and was hard to see.
The next day a group of us went into Zim. And had fun seein gth elions so up close and getting to pet them and walk with them. After that we headed to the market where you could basically trade ANYTHING for some sort of African cool memorabilia thing. When I say anything, I mean anything. I traded the socks on my feet, some wash cloths, a hair tie, a pen, and a plastic spoon- for 2 bracelets, a necklace and a 1billion dollar Zim note. As fun as it was to bargain- it was also heartbreaking to see how desperate these people really were for just the basic necessities. As we were leaving I was able to give the kids a few extra granola bars and a bottle of water that I had- and to see the look on their faces, as if I was a saint or something. It definitely put things more into perspective and was hard to see.
yah... i rafted that... view of the zambezi from nomansland... crossing the bridge between zambia & zimbabwe
unfortunately there was still dew on my lens from the falls!
little baboon we saw sitting on the trash can... these animals are sooo creepy looking... they'll just stop what they are doing and stare at you and watch until you leave...
Zim. market
the following shots are of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side
ashley, me & ruthAs this was our last night of the trip, we had one final sunset “booze cruise” on the Zambezi. This cruise was open bar- and need I say that people took advantage of the open bar on the boat. Even our main leader seemed to have a few extra drinks to sort of celebrate the ending of a great trip.
molly, sarah, me & lauren last sunset of the trip :(
DAY 10: AIRPORT TRANSFER- HEADING HOME TO CAPE TOWN
The next day we all slept in and had to pack up camp one last time. We were all very sad about this but managed to get everything done in time to make it to the airport for our 2pm flight. We had to fly back to Jo’burg and then had a connector to Cape Town. We ended up getting back to Cape Town around 9 and I was home and in bed by 11! I was exhausted.
Okay – well I feel like I used the same adjectives over and over to describe my trip- and I know that its getting repetitive and I apologize. It’s hard because there really isn’t any words to describe how incredible this trip really was. I definitely feel like I experienced the “real Africa” and I feel like a changed person after that.
It really was such an amazing week- these little reflections do not even do it justice. I kept a journal through the whole week- and it’s great to go back and read my entries. I was so relaxed on the trip and it seems to show through in my journal entries. I’m so glad that I forced myself to journal even when I was dead tired- it’s something I’ll have to hold on to for the rest of my life.
The next day we all slept in and had to pack up camp one last time. We were all very sad about this but managed to get everything done in time to make it to the airport for our 2pm flight. We had to fly back to Jo’burg and then had a connector to Cape Town. We ended up getting back to Cape Town around 9 and I was home and in bed by 11! I was exhausted.
Okay – well I feel like I used the same adjectives over and over to describe my trip- and I know that its getting repetitive and I apologize. It’s hard because there really isn’t any words to describe how incredible this trip really was. I definitely feel like I experienced the “real Africa” and I feel like a changed person after that.
It really was such an amazing week- these little reflections do not even do it justice. I kept a journal through the whole week- and it’s great to go back and read my entries. I was so relaxed on the trip and it seems to show through in my journal entries. I’m so glad that I forced myself to journal even when I was dead tired- it’s something I’ll have to hold on to for the rest of my life.
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