AFRICA – THE FIRST AND ONLY CHOICE

When contemplating a trip in celebration of our 40th anniversary, there wasn’t much thought about the destination.  Africa is a perennial favorite, and this is our third trip (2016 and 2021 previously).  What’s glorious is that there are so many choices when visiting the continent that a repeat is unlikely.

In this case, we begin in Botswana after our travel to Saudia Arabia (post is here) and Bahrain (post is here**) Well, technically Johannesburg was the jumping off point.  I added an extra night there in case we got held up along the way.

With countless flight changes for this trip, it’s best to error on the side of caution.

The Intercontinental Hotel at the Johannesburg airport is a great place to stay.  One literally rolls the luggage cart out of the airport and crosses the street.  And, as advertised, it is completely soundproof.  That is a triumph considering the size and scope of the airport. From that airport, we boarded a smallish Airlink jet to Maun, Botswana — less than 90 minutes.

Upon arrival in Maun, we were met and swiftly escorted to a Nature Horizons helicopter for the very short flight to Mokolwane Camp.  And then it was less than an hour before we left for the first game drive.

Located in the vast Okavango Delta, one sets out on a small boat in order to get to the vehicle.  The 3-hour drive was fairly typical (if that word can even be used) except traversing through a great deal of water.  The safari vehicles are true road warriors — they mow down shrubs, plow through muddy paths, and cross waterways with little effort.  Did I mention how bumpy the ride is?  So bumpy that my phone pedometer thought I was walking (or running).

Below, gazes fixed on a possible lion sighting. It’s a bit competitive to be the one who spots something first!

A good deal of the time was spent following a beautiful leopard (below) as she made her way through both wooden and open areas.  We likewise observed antelope, zebras, a few adult lionesses and their playful cubs.

The next morning, it was the proverbial 5am wake-up knock (there are no phones), followed by a 5:30 escorted walk to the main area for a light breakfast before departing at 6.  Guests are not permitted to walk the grounds when dark, and, frankly, who would want to?  The sounds during the night were loud and varied.  I actually didn’t want to know what might be steps away. If you’re not familiar with the safari “schedule,” the early morning start is because the animals are very active and it avoids the midday heat.  Likewise, the late afternoon/dusk drives are when the animals are again active.

This particular drive was 6 hours with lots of viewing.  I could endlessly observe the young leopard below (11 months) high up a tree.  Her mom was not far away and kept a very watchful eye.  In another area, two large male lions traversed our vehicle without a care.  There were some giraffes, but their food source is less than ideal in this particular area.

Below, the aforementioned two male lions

A total of 6 drives were enjoyed prior to departing to the next camp, 20 minutes away by helicopter.  Tubu Tree Camp is a very upscale and welcome experience.  The staff and game drives we had at Mokolwane Camp were wonderful, but the accommodations at Tubu definitely “spoke” to us.

There’s something about the entire staff greeting guests in song upon arrival that is extremely welcoming.  And then seeing the recently remodeled accommodations was on another level. The room had a wonderful view, indoor and outdoor showers, and was virtually mosquito free!

Remember what I said above about the vehicles being “road warriors”? Well, there’s always something … This was a most unusual occurrence where we got stuck in deep mud. Guide Lucas did everything possible to get us out, but finally the Botswana “AAA” was called to the rescue.  And just like that, we were towed just enough to continue the drive.

Below, a large male baboon out scouting atop a termite hill. Those hills are everywhere and solid like rocks.

The nearby airstrip was very populated on the morning drives.  Below, a “family” portrait.

We lost track counting the elephants crossing the airstrip.  Guessing 40-50, but who knows.

Below, the colors of Africa are extraordinary.  Early morning mist created this exquisite sunrise.

Thank you, Tubu Tree Camp, for creating this beautiful sunset cocktail hour 

Next stop, 3 days each in Cape Town and the neighboring wine area of Franschhoek, South Africa.

** For a different read on our Middle East travel, please click HERE for my column published in the Los Angeles Jewish Journal.