With the Namib Desert behind, the journey trailed east towards the Etosha National Park (NP). Wildlife abounds, and on our first evening we saw an array of animals, most of whom intent on displaying the posteriors! However, the following day the animal kingdom came to life.
Zebras, an oft seen creature, impala and giraffe abounded in the Namibian sunshine. Strikingly close to the road, the passing cavalcade of safari vehicles barely raises an eyebrow on the local four-footed inhabitants.
The Kalahari tribes people provided an evening of entertainment and mirth; the latter possibly induced by previous imbibed alcohol by the performers. But the entertainment supplied by our polers in the Okavango Delta was wholly different. Following a succession of local songs and dance, we reciprocated with musical chairs and Hokey Pokey. The shared hilarity made for a good night.
However, the Delta had much more in store for us. Having travelled with a companion through the hippo infested waters on the sleekest of Mokoro canoes that barely reached the waterline let alone rose above it, we set up camp for two nights.
The walks on the Delta provided sparse viewing of wildlife, but on a morning walk we came across a herd of zebra. Whilst having seen many zebra, on this occasion we were able to get close on foot and be royally entertained. Indeed, we suggested to our guide he went back to camp to fetch coffee (he didn’t).
But the full beauty of the Delta was provided by a short helicopter trip. Rising both above and adrenaline-rushingly low, the scenery was amazing.
richard's travels 