פֿאַרעפֿנטלעכט: 16.09.2024
Another 420 km lie ahead of us. We're heading towards Maun. The road initially seems to be in good condition. The first signs saying “Heavy Potholes” indicated, however, that this would not remain the case. First just smaller holes, but then the road abruptly ended, revealing a gravel path with deep potholes. That explained the estimated travel time of 4.5 hours. Along the way, there was also a bus with “flat tires”… it happened about three to four times, then it got better again.
Upon arriving at the Thamalakane Lodge, we immediately wanted to book a trip into the delta. However, that proved to be not so easy. We could book helicopter flights for $250, which was a bit too expensive for us. So we had to do some research ourselves. Thank God we were able to book a day trip with canoe tour (Mokoro) online for Monday.
So, first to unwind… but that isn’t so easy with the heat (about 37 degrees) and just one fan in the room.
Nevertheless, after dinner, we happily and contentedly went to bed.
With great excitement, we set off on Monday. After being picked up by a jeep with five fellow passengers, we drove 1.5 hours on very sandy and especially bumpy roads to the canoe station. Thoroughly shaken, we directly switched to the Mokoros to explore the Okavango Delta with our guides. We glided gently through the water and were able to observe elephants, zebras, various antelopes, hippos, pelicans, African black storks, and more animals. After about 1 hour, we then walked in 40 degrees in the shade (without shade) through the steppe. That was more than enough. A short break with a snack and then it was already time to head back to the station.
The return trip with the jeep was, of course, just as exhausting. So it was time to rest again and after dinner, write the blog… Good night… the two friends in Africa!