I crossed the Zambezi River once more and for the last time. Leaving Zambia on high emotions and with great memories, I was looking forward to new adventures in Botswana. I met Groupo Italiano at the border and headed our way towards Kasane. A 13 vehicle convoy caused a traffic jam and a head ache for me. Back and forth, changing money, shopping and so on.

The sun was setting and I was desperate to get to the river for some sunset shots. We eventually sat up camp at ‘Chobe Safari Lodge’, a rather fancy and clean Lodge with a relatively spacious campground.

A group off striped mongoose ravaged the grounds,

scavenging  and searching for food of all kinds.

Elephants were peacefully  grazing on the Namibian side off the Zambezi, a fair way out.

The river was busier then Amsterdam’s channel maze.

Tour operators took plenty of tourists on a sunset cruise, a touch too busy and noisy for my liking.

It was hard to take photos without boats,

but the waves sure gave some medium to the picture.

The sun set low again, giving it another yellow, then purple glare. Still breathtaking to view. 

Frederica was busy again setting up kitchen and started cooking. There was a really happy vibe all around. Seems that the new arrivals were ready for an adventure with old friends. It wasn’t long until it was ‘Spritzer time’. Frederica saved me a glass as I arrived late. Bless. I was up early again and agreed to go shopping for Claudio’s menu. This will save some time on our way to ‘Linyanti Camp’ in ‘Chobe National Park’. Following the Zambezi River south in to the flood plains, it became obvious how human technology and nature’s ecology can live side by side.

Zebras grazing with cattle over the flood plain was a welcoming sight to see.

Plenty of acacia trees lined the swamp foreshore, and then there is always a Baobab tree not far. We drove off the tarmac shortly after on yet another dusty sand track. I was second last of the convoy, Giancarlo was behind me.

I followed the tyre tracks and gave plenty of space between Guido’s car, just too much dust filled the air. Being late afternoon already, the dark soft sand gotten even softer, giving Zimba and Giancarlo a run for their money. Giancarlo’s Landrover got stuck first, Zimba’s winch was needed. Then it was my turn. The track was literally dug out by tyre action, no chance to pick up speed. I deflated my tyres to the minimum. This really was a soft, slow going track.

Quite a few waterholes  around, but no wildlife unfortunately. No sign of the rest of Italians, I wondered how they gotten through. Until the moment, Claudio and co showed up behind us. ‘We had a lunch break’ Claudio said to my surprised face. ‘We tried to UHF Giancarlo, but there was no reply’. Giancarlo and I had our own fun’ I replied.

Meanwhile we were in a forest area, termite mounds covered higher standing trees. Termite channels underground can reach up to 40 meters in length.

We drove on in dusty fashion and it wasn’t too much longer before we reached the ‘Linyanti entrance gate’. We all needed to sign in. The lady behind the counter wasn’t impressed by my topless appearance. I was first in and first out.

Lucky for me as a herd off elephants blocked the way.

Coming towards me, I wasn’t sure how they react to to vehicles.

There was no agitated behaviour at all. In fact, I believe they couldn’t care less.

I could even see them smiling as some passed by Zimba.

A tiny offspring was roaming by itself on the 2 wheel track,

adults crossing  right to left and left to right in front of me.

They appeared very attached to each other and enjoyed an elephant cuddle. Oh so cute to watch.

According to Claudio’s experience during the booking process, this camp was supposed to be booked out. We were the only ones there. We had all the camping space to use in front of the Linyanti Marsh, yet all Italian vehicles cramped in to one campsite. Once European, always European I guess?

I took my OM-D to explore the area.

This sandy forest has its own beauty.

There were clear signs of elephant visits around the camp, this one was big. My croc print appeared tiny in comparison. The hippos were heard, but no large animal was to be seen.

The squirrel on the lookout looked cute though.

The sunset again was amazing. Reflecting over the swamp, just magic.

I set up camp in an empty plot, but joined later for fasta pasta with presto pesto. Viva la cuzhina!