CHEETAH, CUBS & THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINNER SETTING

BOTSWANA, DAY 5&6

Kwando splash is unique in that it is part of a private game reserve so you and the other guests have the area to yourselves. In saying that Moremi game reserve was never busy, at most we might had seen 2 other jeeps at any one time. However outside of those parks it can get very busy, with up to 20 jeeps surrounding the wildlife.

YOU HEAR EVERYTHING BUT SEE NO FURTHER THAN A FEW METRES

In terms of the accommodation it was more a lodge than a tent but it was all about the views. Each lodge looked out to the watering hole so when you go for your midday siesta you can still enjoy watching the animals.

WATERING HOLE

This was apparent when we saw 7giraffes, zebras, a load of wildebeasts, warthogs and elephants all in the same setting! One thing I will always remember is the walk from the restaurant to the lodge. Although 10metres might not sound a lot, when you are walking through an area of bush that is not gated you have no idea what is around you. The risk is made clear when our guide said that we must not go to our lodge without him in the evenings.

REQUESTS

I had said to our guide we are yet to see a Cheetah during our time in Botswana and if he could help. Well within no time he had delivered and we were 20metres from one, I am not sure I have an animal walk quite like it, it was like a catwalk!

After passing the dead Hyena again, which still hadn’t been touched we came across something very special in a small hidden enclosure. A pride of lions with 2 of the cutest cubs you will see, I was surprised we were able to get so close.

CUBS

As if this wasn’t enough a lone elephant came running through the trees and obviously didn’t expect to come across anything let alone a pride of lions! It stopped in shock and immediately noticed the danger, took a turn and walked though the nearest ‘exit’ which happened to be the densest part of the bush without any effort whatsoever.

DINNER

Twice a week the camp puts on a special dinner towards the watering hole. After seeing the table setup I can confirm it is as crazy as it sounds!! Within no time it was dark and you can hear the animals as clear as day all around you.

From the elephants walking through the bushes to the Hyenas chittering to one another. You knew you were super exposed but rarely have I felt so alive. These lodges really know how to put on a show!

THERE WAS EYES ON US

As if we didn’t feel vulnerable enough the guides took our their torches and pointed them to the watering hole. All you could were brightly lit eyes from all the animals.

Just remember you had maybe 5metres of light and then it was pitch dark so you really had no idea what was around you. Add that to that fact we were eating freshly cooked food, some of which was meat!

THAT NIGHT

I thought my first night in Botswana was frightening (link) but it was nothing compared to last night. Instead of the creeping noise of an elephant it was the roars of a lion that kept us up and you couldn’t help but think it was either right outside or even under the lodge. There is very few places in the world where you can get an experience like that!

As we are beside and watering hole, its not just the lions that you hear but pretty much ever animals around, something I will never forget!

LAST GAME DRIVE

The following morning and our last day in Botswana we had our final game drive. Seeing lions here don’t seem to be a rearity as we came across another 2 in the middle of the road. They could rest anywhere but its probably a show of strength to sit where they want!

We also took a trip to see the old buffalo from our first day and its clear to say they had finished. 2 hyenas and only 20 vultures were around it now with most of the carcass gone.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now I see why Botswana is considered the best place to do a safari.

NEXT UP

Off to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Click to read

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of the Southern Africa Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.