// July 31st, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Philanthropy, Travel Review
Dead Sea Marathon- Running past a bedouin herding his goats
As the halfway mark has come and gone on my trip, I thought it was time for an update on Sole Purpose fundraising and donations. (more…)
// July 30th, 2010 // 6 Comments » // Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a 16,000 sq. km. wetland comprised of lagoons, channels, and islands and is the world’s largest inland delta. It is formed where the Okavango River empties into a swamp in the Kalahari Desert, with water flowing down from the rainfall in Angola. My plans to visit Botswana revolved around visiting this enchanting place. (more…)
// July 29th, 2010 // 10 Comments » // Botswana
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! (more…)
// July 28th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // 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! (more…)
// 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’. (more…)
// July 26th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Botswana, Photo of the Week
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.
// 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. (more…)
// July 24th, 2010 // 3 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. (more…)
// July 22nd, 2010 // 11 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. (more…)
// 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.
I love to travel, run, volunteer, and explore this crazy world! If it involves an adventure or a passport, count me in! For more about me, click here.
