The epic adventure

We have now moved on after spending 2 days in the dream camp site. The next closest tent was 300m away, it was grassy under foot (a nice change from sand),shady trees over the top and we overlooked the river. Sure we did have to bring in our own drinking water, there was no ablutions and the elephant/ hippo track sort of went right through the camp. Its kinda weird having lunch and watching an elephant stroll by 15m away as he heads back to the bush from the water.

Reading elephant’s mood is a bit of a challenge. I’ve come to the conclusion that a) they don’t like surprises b) their the boss of this bush and you better understand that. So flying past them in the car at a great speed to get ahead of them and out of their way is not a great idea. A big surprise and no respect. Sure you’ve past so what is the problem.

The problem is for the poor car following.

Neil & Libby got caught between 2 elephants yesterday. He rushed past one whipped around the corner and another elephant was standing in the middle of the road. An anxious 5min wait for Libby & Neil . Cant’ go forward or backwards. Trees both sides.

Check mate the bull said then casually as you please the just wandered off for another munch.

15^th May

Wow time is flying. We are at Savute beside another water course which just literally runs out into a large Marsh Pan. Elephant & Buffalo by the hundreds.

Stopping under a shady tree for lunch we watched more than 500 elephants come out of the bush and wander past the cars into the bush. From very young to very old.

It is fascinating just watching the social interaction between the animals. The Matriarchal females sheltering their young. The big old bulls strutting their stuff and the mischievous young playing in the water.

Tomorrow is a big day. We head off to Kasane. Some 190km. hopefully the average speed will be better than 20km/hr. The cars are going okay except that Neil is having battery problems. I have been seriously impressed with the Toyota Hilux’s ability to handle deep soft sand. Everything is filthy with dust and all our clothes are just merging into the same color of khaki green. I’m almost fashionable.

The fire side debates are great and the topic range is wide. Religion, politics, management styles to name but a few.

Meals are good. Neil the pyromaniac has become the Minister of Briar Management & Chocolate. Bronni the Director of Salads and fruit, Libby has the portfolio of Lunch avocado mixes and because nothing else was left I’m the dish pig.