When the opportunity arose for me to scout out four countries in Southern Africa, I jumped at the chance and never looked back. Today, as I write, I am sitting on a private balcony from my spacious chalet in Namibia overlooking the Chobe River. Across the river, Botswana is in the background. The welcomed showers which arrived three weeks ago have allowed for most of the elephants to start their annual journey inland, where food sources are now available.
As the rains become heavier, the water level will rise, and the island will be under water. The grass, which is now short, will grow up to 12 feet high and be ready to provide food for the thousands of animals that will migrate back to this area during the dry season. For now, it remains a favourite grassland for hippos and cape buffalo, and a beautiful scene in which to view from my balcony. This journey through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia has been nothing short of exceptional. Although close in proximity, each country offers its own unique opportunities, and I recommend visiting all of them if time permits.
The game viewing from Namibia is primarily done by boat. Our small group was assigned our own private pontoon boat with comfortable bucket seats and a private viewing section upstairs. Today we have two riverboat excursions planned, the first primarily a mode of transportation to a local village.
The welcoming villagers proudly showed us around where they live in harmony with nature. Their mud huts provide the necessities for families to live together comfortably. The community well, which they funded on their own, is deep enough to provide the community of 150 clean running water and irrigation for their vegetable garden. Women and children entertained us with their traditional songs and dances, and the boys enjoyed an impromptu soccer challenge with one of our fellow travellers.
As we sailed off, hippos could be seen both in the water and on land. Crocodiles were plentiful, as were cape buffalo and several species of birds. Along the shores were playful impalas. But the most incredible sights, by far, were the large herds of elephants. Happy to be in and around the water, these large gentle giants moved from one side of the river to the other, playfully swimming right in front of us.
At one point, we watched a family of about 40 saunter into the water, swim across the river, and walk up the other side. Like all game viewing, one must live in the moment and embrace the experiences that nature provides.
As we continued our journey, the sun was starting to set, and the sky was turning brilliant shades of pinks, yellows and reds. The skies were lit up in every direction. Sadly, our river boat game viewing was coming to an end, but this extraordinary ride will become a life-long memory of my time spent in Namibia – and the perfect end to a magical day.
Bonnie Hinschberger is Co-Founder of Broad Escapes, Tours for Women, a division of Ellison Travel & Tours
By Bonnie Hinschberger
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