My Writings. My Thoughts.

Chobe River Cruise: A Photo Essay

// July 29th, 2010 // 5 Comments » // Uncategorized

The number one place to safari in Botswana is at Chobe National Park.  Having been on a safari in Kenya two years ago, and heading on another safari when I got to Namibia, I had planned on skipping a visit to Chobe. But I met quite a few travellers who said the river cruise through Chobe was an absolute must. Everyone I met spoke with such conviction that I knew it was something I had to do. For my third night in Kasane, I was going to be camping at the swanky Chobe Safari Lodge. It’s really expensive for my shoestring budget but luckily I bought a tent back in Zambia and was prepared to camp for a tenth of the price. This lodge is where most people book their river cruise- you go out on a boat with maybe 30 other people. However, the tour company who made a new license plate for us had a cheaper tour and only 8 other people booked on it.  We departed at 3:00pm for our three hour cruise. The journalist I was traveling with had done this cruise five times and said this one was the best. And you’ll soon see why. We saw hippos laying out of the water (normally they only come out at night), there was a family of elephants crossing the water, and there were magnificent views as the sun was beginning to set. Enjoy the photos! Click to Continue Reading

Snapshots from Botswana Bush Camping

// July 28th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Botswana

While in Zambia I travelled with a girl who happened to meet a couple of NY Times Journalists who were cutting through Botswana to get to Namibia. They offered her a ride, and since I was heading to Botswana as well, I decided to tag along. The guys came to pick us up at our hostel around noon. That’s when I realized we would be sitting in the back of a covered pickup truck on top of their stuff. Always up for a new adventure, I climbed aboard. When the other girl got in, however, she accidentally stepped on the valve for the spare tire and broke it. Without their spare tire, the guys weren’t about to head into Namibia, so they were going to have to stay the night in Kasane, Botswana. On our adventures together over the next few days, I took a series of snapshots. So, I’ve decided to share them for a little bit of bush camping storytelling! Click to Continue Reading

Victoria Falls Pound and Astound

// July 27th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Zambia

Victoria Falls is one of the most visited sites in Africa and for good reason. Explorer David Livingstone named this waterfall after the Queen, however, by the locals it is still known as Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. Click to Continue Reading

Montage Monday: The Magical Okavango Delta

// July 26th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Botswana

I know last week’s Montage Monday was a sunset photo. But what can I say… I’m a sucker for a good sunset. I spent two days on a mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and it was magical. That’s the best word I can use to describe it. Of course, I think the picture speaks for itself.

Nkhata Bay: Malawi’s Adventure Spot on the Lake

// July 25th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Malawi

Shopping for fabrics in Nkhata Bay

After arriving at Nkhata Bay via a local ferry, we dragged our tired selves to one of the most popular lodges in Nkhata Bay: Mayoka Village. Situated on a sloping hillside in Nkhata Bay, it offers camping, dorms, and cute chalets that are more like cozy cabins. Click to Continue Reading

Chizumulu Island and More Boat Rides

// July 24th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Malawi

Wakwenda Retreat on Chizumulu Island

Periodically scooping water from the boat with a leaky cannister

Switching Islands
After lounging around on Likoma Island for several days, it was time for a change of scenery. We hired a fishing boat and took a little ride over to neighboring Chizumulu Island. About half the population size of Likoma Island, Chizzy (as it is known among locals) is it’s quieter counterpart. We stayed at the only place on the island I think you can stay: Wakwenda Retreat. It took our little fishing boat about an hour to transfer us between the islands. Our hostel is on the backside of the island, so we weren’t able to get a view of it until we rounded the corner and pulled into the bay. Wakwenda Retreat was quite impressive. Click to Continue Reading

Likoma Island: A Little African Paradise

// July 22nd, 2010 // 8 Comments » // Malawi

Resident dog Basil lives the life on Likoma Island

My initial reaction to Likoma Island was nothing short of pure contentment. Although my travel friends from the ferry and I thought we would be leaving just two days later to get back to mainland, it just wasn’t going to happen. You can’t spend two miserable days on a boat, only to spend two days on a relaxing island. So it was time to kick back and relax. Click to Continue Reading

Montage Monday: Sunset on Chizumulu Island

// July 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi, Photo of the Week

Spending a couple of nights on Chizumulu Island on Lake Malawi, I was spoiled with some pretty sweet sunsets. From my accommodation at Wakwenda Retreat I could sit on one of the wooden platforms jutting out into the bay and look at this lovely masterpiece.

Drifting Away at Mango Drift

// July 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi

My room on Likoma Island

After having arrived at Mango Drift at midnight the night before when there was no electricity, I really had no idea what Likoma Island or my hostel looked like. Click to Continue Reading

Rough Waters, An Even Rougher Ride on Malawi’s Ilala Ferry

// July 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi

The ferry was quite possibly the worst transit experience of my life. It was due to leave at 10am. It left at noon. It was due in the next day according to the schedule at 1:30 pm. It arrived at 10pm. Aside from the bugs on the wall, the occasional rat sighting, the ants biting my ankles, the woman retching next to me, the orange peels all over the floor, the women and babies sleeping on the nasty floor, and the bad waves and seasickness, I guess it was a nice journey. Click to Continue Reading

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