Day 10 Cheetah

Posted on 08/05/2013 by admin

Our final morning in Etosha we woke early as hoping to catch sight of some more amazing animals in the cool dawn and our fantastic luck run of luck continued. Just before exiting the park we caught glimpse of a mother cheetah with three cubs. It was an amazing sight as they came really close to the side of the road. We managed to take some amazing photos before finally heading towards our next destination – the Cheetah Park.

After the wonderful cheetah sighting in Etosha it was a total joy to meet the cheetahs at the Cheetah Park. The Park has four hand-reared cheetahs and 17 wild rescued cheetahs. We spent an hour playing with the cheetahs in the families back yard – before the owners took us out on the truck to feed the wild cheetahs. Another incredible experience for all!

Posted in f) 19th April 2013 Namibia Nomad on Pumba, Ali | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Days 8 & 9 Etosha

Posted on 08/05/2013 by admin

Although Etosha means ‘place of dry water’, the Park is innovatively set up with watering holes that provide great game viewing opportunities as high concentrations of animals gather to drink. As planned, we arrived early enough to end the day with an game drive. We set off into the depths of the park in search of elephants, lions, gemsbok, and many other species. At sunset we raced back to camp for an amazing South African dinner called bunny chow (a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with yummy curry). After dinner a few in the group went on a night drive to catch the animals in the moonlight. The highlight was an incredible sighting of a large group of black rhino drinking at one of the water holes.

After another early rise to catch the sunrise, we set off across the park. We sought respite from the midday heat in the middle of the park and stopped for a bite to eat in a restaurant and cooled off with a swim in the pool. Refreshed, and with the worst of the mid-day heat abating we headed out for the afternoon game drive. The highlight of the day was stopping at the saltpan to make the most of the vast flat surface and take more great photos.

On our second night inside Etosha National Park we stayed at Okaukuejo – a beautiful campsite on the edge of another waterhole. We really got lucky as at sunset we caught a large herd of elephants, including young babies, marching in for a drink. After dinner we raced back to the viewing site at the waterhole – which is lit up with large floodlight – to catch the end of a lion kill and a more black rhinos drinking at the waters edge. This is a truly magical place.

Posted in f) 19th April 2013 Namibia Nomad on Pumba, Ali | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Days 6 & 7 Namibia here we come!

Posted on 08/05/2013 by admin

On the sixth day of our Namibian Nomad Safari we drive north from Maun for a few hours to reach an area of ancient rock paintings of the San Bushmen. We set up our bush camp and enjoy or last night in Botswana gathered around the campfire in the wilds.

Next morning we crossing the border into Namibia and after a long drive through the Caprivi Strip (a narrow strip of Namibia between Botswana to the south, and Angola and Zambia to the north) we arrived at Hoba – the site of the largest meteorite in the world. We spent the night taking hilarious photos under the stars before crawling into our tents in anticipation of an early morning start so that we can fit in an afternoon game when we reach Etosha National Park.

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Day 5 Maun

Posted on 02/05/2013 by admin

This morning we left the Okavanga Delta. The idea of returning to civilisation was met with a certain degree of regret and we said a sad goodbye to the Polers.

Once back in Maun we did however welcomed a dip in the pool and a chance to clean our clothes and have a shower. As an optional extra the Okavango Delta comes more than highly recommended. It was an adventure that we’ll never forget. But now it’s time to sit by the pool with a cocktail and dig into the buffet.

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Day 4 Okavango Delta

Posted on 02/05/2013 by admin

Up early again for day two of our Okavango adventure, this time for a sunrise hike. While the animals were a little sparse at this time of the year the views were second to none. The polers pointed out many different animal tracks and were happy to impress us with their knowledge of the surrounding areas. After almost three hours of trekking across plains and through swamps we were ready to head back to the camp for a hearty breakfast.

During the afternoon the group set-up a makoro tourney – racing the boats from one end of the swimming area to the other. After a fierce competition amoungst the overlanders, the “real” Polers came along to challenge the winner of the overland group. Their many years of experience soon showed and despite the overlanders best efforts of the Polers took the championship.


For our final evening here we were treated to another spectacular makoro ride at sunset before enjoying dinner by the bonfire. The Polers had another eventful night install for us. With the sun going down and the fire blazing, we played more games before the Polers put on a show of traditional Botswanan dances and songs. We ended the night in laughter as the Polers tried to teach us their dances and confused us with more mind games.

Posted in f) 19th April 2013 Namibia Nomad on Pumba, Ali | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 3 Okavango Delta

Posted on 02/05/2013 by admin

Today we departed for the Okavango Delta. After an early wake-up we were whisked away to the river’s edge where our Polers we ready to take us and ALL of our stuff aboard their makoros (dug-out canoes)

The journey to that followed was definitely a trip highlight. We just sat back, relax and let the Poler take us deeper into the Delta, whilst we watched the spectacular scenery we passed in absolute peace. There is no better way to travel and take in the view.

Arriving at the campsite, you quickly realise how far out in the untouched wilderness you are. It truly is camping-al-fresco. Whilst perhaps a little rustic at first, once you embrace the idea of the bush toilet being a designated area behind the camping spot, it is a much nicer experience than some of the public toilets we have endured elsewhere.

After quickly setting up our tents we were able to relax until the afternoon heat subsided. The polers were happy to show us a safe place to swim, away from the pesky crocodiles and hippos, or to let us enjoy a book or card game or two. Just before sunset we were taken back out in the makoros to another of the Delta’s islands for some wildlife spotting and to take in another glorious African sunset.

With dinner ready and waiting we returned to the campsite for an entertaining evening. The polers were ready to test our brains with riddles and stories while we kept warm by the fire.

Posted in f) 19th April 2013 Namibia Nomad on Pumba, Ali | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 2 Kasane/Chobe to Maun

Posted on 01/05/2013 by admin

Time to get to business – this morning is one of our longer drive days from Kasane to Maun. It is a journey that takes us along the edge of the Chobe National Park and then past the Magadikidiki Salt Pan. Along this route there was a high chance of seeing wildlife and we were not disappointed, with sightings of elephant, ostrich and ground hornbill as we made our way through the Botswana countryside.

WE had a quick stop off in the town of Nata to get a traditional lunch before heading west towards the phenomenon that is the Okavango Delta. We arrived in Maun around 3pm and enjoyed a big shopping expedition in anticipation of our time bush camping in the Delta. The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and home to the Big 5. We will be heading out in the traditional Makoros (canoes made from dug-out tree trunks) to spend 2 nights camping in it’s watery wilderness. But first we spent the night on the outskirts of the delta enjoying the last of the “civilized” world for a few days.

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Day 1 Vic Falls – Chobe

Posted on 01/05/2013 by admin

Today is the start of the Namibia Nomad section of our trip. We said goodbye to old friends that had traveled down from East Africa with us and began our trip with a new group of adventurers as we left the wonder of Victoria Falls and headed to Botswana.

We were greeted by the sight of the Chobe River as we headed into town of Kasane for shopping and lunch. With bellies full and the truck stocked up with food for dinner we headed to our camp site where we had time for a quick dip in the pool before we heading out on our sunset cruise along the Chobe River.

With the cooler box full in anticipation of a few sun downers, we set sail along the river. This park plays host to over 50,000 elephants so it was not surprising that our first animal sighting came in the form of at least 200 elephants swimming and drinking in the warm afternoon sun. Next came a few close encounters with crocodiles and hippos that were happily resting in the cool waters before a night of eating.

A spectacular sunset finishing off an amazing cruise, and it was time to return to camp. It was the first night of camp life for some but it was an gentle start as a dinner of Botswana beef, potatoes and sweetcorn was ready to eat on our return. We had a few beers around the fire and looked forward to the places and adventures ahead of us.

Posted in f) 19th April 2013 Namibia Nomad on Pumba, Ali | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Days 25 & 26 Arusha

Posted on 27/03/2013 by admin

Although it was the final day for some we could not be too sad as another highlight awaited – the crater itself. Unfortunately it was pouring with rain, but we had put the awning up the previous night so we have cover for breakfast! After breakfast everyone leapt in 4×4’s to head into the crater. The guide assured us that it was not raining inside the crater and it wasn’t, within the hour the sky cleared to a beautiful blue and we soon saw why this is called the ‘Noah’s ark of Africa’. There are so many animals around its barely believable!

After lunch we drove to our final stop of the trip the Maasai campsite in Arusha. We had a great BBQ feast and the night’s celebrations also included ‘truck awards’ (we had voted on comedy awards for each other), goodbyes, and thank-you speeches. In the morning there were goodbye hugs all round, as some passengers carried on their travels on Pumba with Ali and Shepherd whilst others travelled back to Nairobi to fly home. What an action packed adventure this trip was – Safari Njemba (go well!)

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Day 24 The Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Posted on 27/03/2013 by admin

We rose early to make the most of our final game drives, and were not disappointed. Among many other animals we saw a massive pride of 17 lions. They were all lolling around a tree in clear view of the truck – amazing!! We watched the pride laze around, playing and nuzzling each other – what a privilege to see the interactions between them in the wild!! We also encountered so much more including giraffe, hippo, gazelles, and numerous birds including Africa’s clean-up crew “vultures”.

We left the Serengeti and lunched by Nabi gate before heading straight into the Ngorongoro conservation area. We stop at a Maasai village and those who were not with us during our visit to the village in the Mara got a tour and information about Maasai culture. A few Maasai were kicking a football around near the truck. It soon developed into a full on match of team Absolute vs. team Maasai!!! Those not taking part cheered with the children from the side-lines and we are proud to say we won the match – and loved the fun we had. It was a great experience to interact with the locals and we enjoyed making some Maasai friends.

We then made our way up the side of the Crater, marvelling at the views, to our camp on the crater rim. I love that campsite, both the views and the fact you are camping on the rim of an extinct volcano make for a wonderful experience – and of course the possibility of animals coming into camp at night adds to the thrill. We were a bit chilly as we were at altitude so we made a huge fire which we sat around whilst reminiscing about the trips highlight.

Posted in e) 27th Feb 2013 Simba Sounds on Makako, Leanne | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment