Dateline Africa: 4-22-26

Our last safari in Chobe National Park in Botswana was called a safari sundowner. Gibson (like the guitar) and Kajee, our guides from the morning, met Mike, Connie, Carl and I for another bumpy open Jeep ride.

Our mission was to find the 5th of the Big 5, the leopard. I swear I looked in every tree we passed hoping against hope. Sadly It didn’t happen, but all’s good.

We saw so many beautiful animals in the wild. The Big 5 are not called that because they are the largest African animals…they are called that because they are the animals who will fight back, if threatened.

We came across a small herd of elephants that came exceedingly close to our jeep. Gibson kept backing up to give the bull some space. We knew, if he wanted to, he could tip our vehicle over. But, he eventually just crossed the road for more yummy branches and leaves.

We stopped in a clearing for snacks and drinks outside the jeep. There are no fences in Chobe and the guides did not have guns (they said the gas pedal is their defense against aggressive animals), so anything could happen at a sundowner.

After the safari we ate our last meal at the hotel with our tour manager, Charl. We liked the all-inclusive lodge a lot.

The next morning we left for Zimbabwe, went through the border/visa process and stopped for milkshakes at a very cool restaurant with a view of the Zambezi River/Victoria Falls. We flew to Johannesburg , said our good byes to our wonderful tour manager and continued onto our Delta flight with Mike and Connie to Atlanta.

We were stuck in coach for 17 hours and they were up front in the pods. Did I tell you he was a retired Delta pilot and his trip was not only free, but deluxe?! That’s okay…every job has its perks, right?

If anyone has an inkling of a desire to visit Africa, do it! We are still processing the adventure, but it’s up there in one of our favorite places in the world.

Kwaheri!

Kz