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Karen Hechinger
Karen Hechinger

Karen Hechinger

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Nicer communities in Tanzania
    Lots of farming in the highlandsElectricity! Yay!1There are a lot of wood carvers here. Check out the beautiful carvings of this structureBaobabs!1...known for their huge trunksUnfortunately disposal of single use plastics is a big issue everywhere hereAnd the public toilets are often nothing more than a hole in the floorBut, then there are the sunsets

    30. Tanzania - Arrival

    9 de junio de 2023, Tanzania ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    Another 4:30 AM departure brought us to the Malawi / Tanzania border by 7, where we lost 2 hours due to a "systems down" situation that had the immigration officials processing visas on paper. (Craig, ever the prepared boy scout, made sure we had obtained our visas in advance, but we had to wait for others).

    Heading into the highlands after that, we noticed an immediate improvement in the standard of living. Honestly, Malawi was a bit of a bust for us. Here in Tanzania, homes were larger, looked maintained, and we could see power lines connected to some of them. Some had glass windows. The area was lush with vegetation and agriculture, including bananas, tea, coffee, & pineapple.

    Along the way, we encountered a grouping of baobab trees. The baobab is one of the most iconic and majestic trees in Africa, growing to up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of over 10 meters. It can live literally for thousands of years. We stopped to take a few pix.

    As we continued heading across Tanzania towards Dar es Salaam & the eastern coastline, traffic became increasingly congested. Dar houses a major cargo port which is accompanied by an influx of trucks. So many trucks!    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Chitimba Beach on the northern part of Lake Malawi
    Hiking towards LivingstoniaWe stopped near the top to dip our feet in the water. Running water is a rare treasure around hereHello there!1Manchewe Falls, Livingstonia, MalawiIt was too crowded with both of us on the bike, so we changed to separate bikes

    29. Malawi: Chitimba Beach

    8 de junio de 2023, Tanzania ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    We travelled north towards Tanzania, stopping at another Malawi beach-based campsite in Chitimba. Our room had no power or water, and the campsite had no wifi. There was nothing happening at the beach other than locals trying to sell their wares (which the guides recommended we avoid), so we kept busy with a 3.5 hour hike up the local mountain to see the falls, followed by a motorcycle ride up to the David Livingstone Museum at the top of the mountain, then back down to our campsite.

    The hike, which was more for the exercise than anything else, felt good, but the motorcycle ride was pure torture. The road back to town was really no road at all. We spent the better part of an hour poised uncomfortably behind our drivers, clutching a bar behind us for balance, and holding on for dear life as our drivers navigated the path of rocks, sand, pothole-laden dirt. The bone-jarring roads we had previously experienced in the truck were nothing compared to the beating our bodies took on this ride. When we finally got back, I couldn't uncurl my hand from the death-grip I'd been keeping on the bike. I stumbled to the room, and grabbed 3 advil and an hour's nap to try to recover.

    Welcome to Africa Karen!    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    1After 14 hours of travel, we're so happy to be here
    1The campsite is 50 yards from the beachLake Malawi doubles as a bathtub for the locals.Village Tour - this is where they raise the pigsThe overnight chicken coop was raised off the ground after losing chickens to the hyenasThe community ovensCassava is dried then ground up to produce a flour that is a staple for the people hereChildren followed us everywhere1They LOVE getting their pictures taken, and seeing the photos, especially if you zoom inWe left our laundry to be done at the campsite, and found it on our village tour! Haha!1The women are so adept at carrying things on their heads3Not my best skill...This is the Village Chief's houseThe local clinicThe primary schoolThe subjects they teach. #3 Chichewa is the local languageThe children were so happy to see usThey swarmed us as we left

    28. Malawi: Kande Beach - Village Walk

    6 de junio de 2023, Malawi ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    We had a grueling 14 hour day in the truck yesterday, encountering bone-jarring brain-rattling roads that occasionally tossed us out of our seats. The border crossing to Malawi took an hour, but was a welcome respite to stretch our legs. Having departed our previous campsite at 4:30A, we arrived at Kande Beach on Lake Malawi at 6:40P, in the dark. Tough travel day for sure.

    The next day we opted into a guided village walk. We had passed by many such communities on the road, and had been wondering what village life was like.

    We also got exposed to how economically important tourism is to the communities here, and how they have managed to maximize monetization of this. We visited a school (which solicited and received a donation), and a clinic (which solicited and received a donation). As we set off on our tour, our tour guide brought along 3 friends to walk with each of the 3 of us on the tour as we headed to the village. The guide got a tip. Each of the friends expected a tip. Upon arriving back, just outside of our camp, the 3 friends steered us towards their friends, each of whom had various trinkets to sell to us. Although initially a bit offended by the manipulation, every dollar spent means so much more to them than it does to us, and goes a long way towards improving the lives of the villagers.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    We left at 4P, and saw this huge kudu before it got darkHelmet head guinea fowl - beautiful intricacies in its feathersThe African wild dog, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is also known as the painted dogThey are pack animals who hunt ungulates (large animals with hooves)1Taking a dump...thanks for the showThe lioness tending to her cubs1The baby cub walked right up to the vehicle and just looked at usBaby hippos weigh 30-50 lbs. Adults weight around 2200-9900 lbs1Can you see the chameleon?1We finally see the leopard!We watched him pounce upon a group of 4 impala grazing in a field......but they had been watching him & scattered too quickly

    27. Zambia - South Luangwa Nat'l Park

    4 de junio de 2023, Zambia ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia covers more than 9K sq km, and because of the water source provided by the Luangwa River and its many lagoons, has one of the most intense concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

    We engaged in a evening game drive while there. I was wondering how this would work, thinking that the animals would bolt if a flashlight was beamed down upon them, but that's not the case. They look up, but seem somewhat unaffected otherwise.

    Here we spotted the coveted leopard, and watched a narrow miss as it stalked some impala. We also went up close and personal with a lioness and her cubs. Super cute.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Sleeping on top of each other
    View from our roomOur charming cabin at Wildlife CampTheir heads are heavy and they like resting them on the sandbar1Hippos actually can't swim. They are always touching bottom with their feetSymbiotic relationship - the birds get easy access to insects, and the hippos get their skin cleanedLined up & napping. Check out the huge one on the leftLuangwa River

    25. Zambia: Wildlife Camp, Luangwa River

    4 de junio de 2023, Malawi ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Our 13 hour trip led us to Wildlife Camp, a peaceful, remote location where animals are free to roam through the campsite. We are poised on the Luangwa River, so the location has the benefit of attracting animals looking for water.

    What a treat this morning. We got up at 6:30 and looked out our window to see a herd of hippos active in the water. We drew our camp chairs to the river's edge, and spent an hour watching them move about before heading to our campsite for breakfast. (This is what is referred to as African TV.)

    I'm realizing that the very large animals like elephants and hippos move quite slowly. When we watched the elephants queue up for water at Elephant Sands, they would take a few steps forward, wait 10 minutes, then jockey for a better position, wait another 10 minutes, then take another step forward. Frustrating if you're trying to get a video and move on, but a surprisingly pleasant way to pass the time if you have it. I think the elephants and hippos might be my favorites.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    1We descended through the jungle to the river running under the fallsKeep your possessions secure - the baboons will steal anything not nailed down1The mist & splash from the falls soaked usThe famous Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zambia to Zimbabwe1Walking across the Victoria Falls Bridge1Shot from the Victoria Falls Bridge1Remote view of the falls from our lodge - this is why they call it "Thundering Smoke"1We ran into this warthog on the side of the road as we visited a local Zimbabwe townThey walk around on their front knees as they grazeLocal entertainment2Partying with the locals

    23. Zambia: Livingstone - Victoria Falls

    31 de mayo de 2023, Zambia ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Victoria Falls, aka Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, aka "Thundering Smoke", is located on the border of Zambia & Zimbabwe and is one of the world's largest waterfalls, with a width of 1,708 m (5,604 ft). While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, the Victoria Falls is classified the largest, based on its combined width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft)[7] and height of 108 metres (354 ft),[8] resulting in the world's largest sheet of falling water.

    We viewed the falls from the Zambia side, then popped over to Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls Bridge.    Leer más

  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    1
    1We were SO close to them

    19. Botswana: Nata - Elephant Sands 2

    28 de mayo de 2023, Zambia ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    More elephants...

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    View from our cabinViewing areaThis trunk is heavy, think I'll rest it on my tusk

    18.Botswana: Nata - Elephant Sands Lodge

    28 de mayo de 2023, Zambia ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Elephant Sands Lodge is described as a magical place to stay, and the reality does not disappoint. The owners have created an elephant watering hole viewing station that allows visitors to be as close as 5 feet to the elephants. At one point, I thought one of them was going to reach over and pat my head with his trunk.

    We sat, mesmerized, for hours.    Leer más

  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Our ride to the camp in a mokoro
    Very quiet, peaceful & sereneI guess better flies than mosquitos, right?Our overnight lodging and ensuite bathroomCampsite decorOur bushman walk guides, looking for the animalsThe elephant was here!The elephant and zebra were hereBack to camp

    17. Botswana - Okavango Delta

    27 de mayo de 2023, Botsuana ⋅ 🌙 72 °F

    We crossed the border from Namibia to Botswana without fanfare, and found our way to the Okavango Delta. This delta earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is one of the few interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is largely intact.

    We visited a bushman camp, accessible via mokoro, a dug-out canoe that is propelled by poling (similar to punting). There we stayed overnight in their very rustic camp - no electricity, no running water. We enjoyed a few guided bushman walks while we were there.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    WindhoekThe town square/zoopark is tucked in there somewhereDoesn't look like you're allowed to have fun hereOur Windhoek lodging - Urban CampSpots for camp vehiclesSpots for tentsOur home tonight

    16. Namibia: Windhoek

    23 de mayo de 2023, Zambia ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Leaving Etosha, we headed south and stopped in the capital city of Windhoek before heading east towards the Omaheke region.

    Windhoek, with a population of 200K+, is small by global capital standards, and is fairly unremarkable. Our campsite was cute - we engaged in tent camping in a pre-erected tent.Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    We know we're in Africa now!
    Our game drive started early in the morning12 people in 2 trucks gave everyone a great viewSouthern yellow-billed hornbill

    11. Namibia: (ENP) Etosha National Park

    20 de mayo de 2023, Namibia ⋅ 🌙 50 °F

    Etosha National Park was awesome!

    One of the most popular destinations in Namibia, ENP is home to 100 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species. The park covers an area of 22,270 square kilometers and features a large salt pan that can be seen from space.

    We saw some animals as our truck brought us to our campsite, and then did a full day game drive in open air vehicles the next day. There were many animals near the road - we were so often so close!

    Craig said to me a few days ago that it doesn't entirely feel like we're in Africa until we see the animals. We know we're in Africa now!

    BTW, I can only upload 2 videos per post, so there will be multiple Etosha posts.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    This will be our campsitePicture from the top of one of the rock formations - our truck far belowOur bushman paintings tourThe rhino is always painted with his nose pointed towards the nearest water sourceOne of my tourmates catching some sunAnother travelmate enjoying some solo timeHello there little guy!A local artifactSpitzkoppe video - windy dayThe sky's color changes so quickly during sunsetPrepping for dinner - look at the beautiful violet skyMarshmallows around the fire - good times...

    11. Namibia: Spitzkoppe

    19 de mayo de 2023, Namibia ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Spitzkoppe is a group of granite peaks known as the "Matterhorn of Africa" because of its shape and height. The highest peak of Spitzkoppe is about 1,784 meters above sea level, and it's granite rocks are estimated to be more than 120 million years old.

    We took a brief tour of the ancient rock paintings made by the local San people that used to inhabit the area, then spent the afternoon and evening climbing the rocks, exploring the area, and enjoying a beautiful evening in front of the fire under the stars.    Leer más

  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Tropic of Capricorn in the bottom line. Equator & Tropic of Cancer above it.
    1Tropic of Capricorn videoHeading through the mountains towards the coast.Swakopmund, Namibia. Not really much to see here.We tracked down some decent wifi at this cafe thats ripping off the Starbucks logo...

    10. Namibia: Swakopmund

    18 de mayo de 2023, Botsuana ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Leaving Naukluft Park, we crossed over the Tropic of Capricorn then spent the night in the coastal town of Swakopmund as we headed towards Spitzkoppe.

    I've been out of school for many years now - but how bad is it that I honestly couldn't remember the significance of the Tropic of Capricorn? Had to look it up. It is the latitude line demarking the southernmost point on earth where the sun can be directly overhead. OK.

    Swakopmund was honestly nothing to speak of. The town has morphed into a central location for tourist activities like sky-diving, bush walks, dolphin cruises & sand surfing. Outside of that, it is just a stopping point on our way to other destinations. Since Craig and I are saving our "optional activity" money for game drives, we spent our free afternoong tracking down wifi at a local cafe that is totally ripping off the Starbucks logo. Ha.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    The Gariep River
    This is where the tent campers sleep1This is where we sleep :)Oatmeal and banana breakfast on the river from our patioSunset view from our cabinI'm on cooking detail tonightFish River CanyonSunset at Fish River Canyon

    7. Namibia - the Gariep River

    14 de mayo de 2023, Namibia ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    The border crossing to Namibia was smooth and uneventful, and we continued north, stopping for the evening at Felix Unite on the Gariep (Orange) River. Once again we had delightful accommodation, right on the river.

    Although the accommodations have been lovely thus far, this is not a "glamping trip". The tour requires participation in daily chores such as cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning out the truck. We have been divided into 3 groups of 4 people each, and we rotate the different chores daily. Everyone participates willingly and cheerfully. I know my mother is looking down at me from above, thinking, finally, she's domesticated!

    We also visited Fish River Canyon today, which is the reputedly the second largest canyon in the world. It doesn't quite live up to the Grand Canyon in scope, but we enjoyed a beautiful sunset with the gang.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Our tour truck is named "Shashe"
    Inside of our tour truck, looking forwardHakuna Matata means "no worries"Catching a rugby match at the Highlander's Camp barWine tasting1Our room for the evening2

    6. SA: Western Cape

    13 de mayo de 2023, Namibia ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Our first night with the tour group found us travelling through South Africa's western cape to Highlander's Camp, a vineyard nestled in the Cederberg Mountains. We settled in, then went to the bar where we watched a rugby game (with some very passionate local fans) before dinner, and got to know the rest of our group a bit.

    Our group of 12 (+ a driver and tour leader) includes representation from the U.S. (just us), Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, and Zimbabwe. The tour offers 2 sleeping options: tent camping or accommodated (indoor room). We opted for the latter, while 9 others are camping.

    Our tour truck is named "Shashe". At first I was a bit disappointed as several of the features they advertised (tables throughout the bus for people to sit at, charging stations, and overhead storage for day bags) were not available. That said, we have cheerfully adapted and are gradually falling into a routine.    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    Our sightseeing tour - we opted for the blue line1An open air mallThe mall had this beautiful shared working space - I thought it was pretty neat.

    5. SA: Cape Town - Sightseeing Bus Tour

    10 de mayo de 2023, Sudáfrica ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    On our last free day in Cape Town, before our official tour started, we decided to take the city bus sightseeing tour. The “blue route” gave us views of the city, the waterfront, and the upscale communities at Houts Bay and Camps Bay (on the Atlantic) and False Bay (an inlet). According to the guide, this is where you might run into the likes of Charlize Theron or Leonardo DiCaprio. (We didn’t).
    Here are some pix of the area…    Leer más

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  • Karen HechingerAfrica 2023Viajero
    At the waterfront
    Am I confused? Is SF closer to here than Chicago?Town square at the waterfrontRobben Island houses the prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive for so many years

    4. SA: Cape Town - Overview

    10 de mayo de 2023, Sudáfrica ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Cape Town is located at the southwestern tip of South Africa where the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. It's known as the "Mother City", because it was the first European settlement in SA, but perhaps better known for its "apartheid era" lasting from 1948-1994, during which the white minority enforced segregation and inequality amongst racial groups that oppressed the indigenous people. This ended with the election of Nelson Mandela as president in 1994.

    The city boasts a clean, bustling, cosmopolitan environment and is unexpectedly inexpensive. We strolled down to the waterfront after our hike to relax with a beer. ($9 for 2 pints, including tip)    Leer más

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