Flying over the Okavango Delta in a light aircraft was an unforgettable experience. It’s a huge expanse of wetlands stretching to the horizon, dotted with lily-filled pools, reedy channels, clumps of fan palms with thick bushes and tall trees, wide grasslands and lots of mega-fauna. We saw a huge herd of heffalumps, countless giraffes, a multitude of hooved ‘antelopean-type’ creatures and even a hippo. It was a blast!
Then we canoed in through the channels in mokoros poled by locals who knew their way through the maze of waterways to our remote campsite. There we watched in awe a small group of four elephants feeding just across the channel on the next island. They are such impressive beasts, big and powerful but so gentle and casual.
The water lilies all around us were in full bloom and we were graced by visions of lilac, pink, white and yellow flowers abuzz with dragonflies and butterflies.
That night, around a blazing campfire, the polers entertained us with traditional songs, and we all participated in a game of elimination, amid raucous laughter. It was beautiful to be spoilt rotten with traditional rhythms and harmonies whilst the lions, hippos and frogs gave a background chorus.
This was meant to be a real ‘bush camping’ experience – we thought we would be roughing it, but we were treated to ready set up tents, with ‘en-suites’ – private enclosures with a hole in the ground pedestal toilet and a tripod shower.
The next morning a herd of seven heffalumps sauntered past in their relaxed and majestic manner.
The Okavango is our new favourite place in the world!
