Its been a year. Last year this time our trip has just ended. It was an unplanned end to a trip that left us wanting more of this beautiful country and its equally beautiful people. After our 5 blissful days without cellphone reception at Nxai pans we returned to civilisation in Nata. The first phone call I received was with the news that our good friend Theo has passed away. Theo was a huge Landy fan and our first Discovery was named after him (Theodore). Now, more than a year later and the hurt still flares up every now and then for a friend lost too early. No trip in future will happen without thoughts of Theo. Needless to say we cut our trip short and returned home skipping our stay at Kubu and Rhino sanctuary. Sure Theo would not have liked our Bots trip report to end on a sad note so lets rewind to our stay at Nxai pans.
The 30 odd kilometres from tar to camp takes about an hour to drive. It is some of the thickest sand we ever encountered. That being said, the stay at Nxai pans is worth every bump through that thick sand. The peacefulness of the camps under the huge trees and the abundance of bird and wildlife makes this a special place. Unfortunately we had a brief acquaintance with the pride of lions on our arrival but never saw them again. Enough jip-jap lets post some pictures.
Saw our first cheetahs on the trip albeit quite far away.
The Ellies often came to visit in camp and at our ablutions.
You might have noticed the protection around the ablutions. This was needed to protect the water supplies from the Ellies.
Most of the action happened around the waterhole.
We took the trip to Baines Baobab (had to replace a flat tyre in very awkward postion). Stunning place and next time we would like to camp there.
Some more random pics taken in this 5 days.
What a wonderful experience. A year later and the yearning to return to Botswana is growing stronger every day. It is one of our most memorable trips ever encompassing many emotions from sadness to utter joy.
Cant wait to return.
Till next year Bots.
de Wets Wild says
So sorry for your lost friend. Keep his memory alive by returning to beautiful places like these, thinking of him.
Louis says
Thanks a stack, appreciate the comment.
fanie rossouw says
Dankie, en voorspoed,
Groete fanie
Marie Le Grange says
Pragtig