My first camp was Camp Okuti
a small intimate camp nestled in front of reeds.
What was behind the reeds, one eye on the reeds
one where I was walking. A much welcomed cool drink
awaited me with the biggest smile I have had in
a long time. I was someone’s genuine lost
friend, or at least that was how I felt. I belonged
straightaway. I arrived too late for the game drive
but that didn’t matter, I relaxed had a long
cool shower and prepared myself for dinner. The
evening warmth and quietness plays with your busy
mind, you soon learn to switch off and “be
there”.
My second camp took me through the channels of
the Okavango small winding canals with their reeds
tickling your face as you glide through. A water
transfer great, it was so hot all the time you
wanted to jump overboard – not a good idea
when we turned one bend and the guide had to cut
the engine immediately and put it into reverse,
there in front of us were elephants waiting to
cross. The biggest must have stood 10 feet to
shoulder if not taller, swung her trunk at us
and flapped her ears as if instructing us to wait
till they had crossed. Pretty determined to go
first we sat in awe as they flopped into the river,
the tiny baby elephant looking as though he had
done this before rushed across, as child do, whilst
the others took their time, they even looked as
though they knew the green cross code look left
look right. Once crossed the big elephant turned
to face us and then sauntered off into the deep
thick reeds. What an awesome sight to witness,
so gentle are these creatures to look but so imposing
and authoritive.
Read more of Julie's visit to
these camps:
Camp Okuti | Shinde
Island | Footsteps
| Kanana
