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Casabio Chronicles
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  • Casabio Chronicles

Casabio Chronicles

A botanical expedition through Africa documenting plants and animals along the way and sharing our adventures. Our focus will be on the relictual survivors of Africa with a focus on the sky-islands, the mountains with their heads in the clouds. Read more
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  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler

    Sleeping on sacred ground

    May 11–12 in Benin ☁️ 26 °C

    After a late-night border crossing, we found a spot to camp just outside this temple. The priest was more than happy to give us permission to rest here for one night, telling us that photos were allowed, but that we were not to enter the temple.

    While David was busy setting up our nest, I made a small offering of beer, milk, and incense at the door to the temple, which felt so good for me to say hi and pay respects in my own way.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    L'Arbre de la Liberté
    L'Arbre de la Liberté

    The da Silva Museum

    May 12 in Benin ⛅ 33 °C

    This museum focuses on the transatlantic slave trade and the legacy of the Dahomey Kingdom.

    Africa has a full, rich, and hard history! I am still learning and attempting to digest the bits that I am finding out about on this journey. I am not feeling terribly thrilled about being a human being!Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    How beautiful is this woman?!? I love her!
    How beautiful is this woman?!? I love her!Boutique store bags up for grabs. Some Sushi! Well a whole lot of Sushi!Interior of our sushi bar lunch spot. One way to transport livestock. A butchery we explored, lots on offer we don't usually see in our butchery's in SA. A very happy David - ICE CREAM!One box of wrapped chocolate! DHL fees to ship goods! A little too much moola for us.

    Scenes from Cotonou

    May 12–15 in Benin ☀️ 32 °C

    Our landing pad for a few days was a snug spot here in the heart of Cotonou. We did get slightly distracted by the idea of purchasing, wrapping, and boxing ridiculous amounts of chocolate bars (Benin-made) and sending them back to SA and the UK for distribution. We stopped dead in our tracks when we were quoted a cool R6000 to have this idea realised. ​

    The result is not that bad, actually. David and I now have a seemingly endless amount of chocolate with us in a hot car, and we're obviously eating it or giving it to others we come across.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Temple de pythons
    Temple de pythonsTemple de pythonsTemple de pythonsTemple de pythonsTemple de pythonsTemple de pythons, where offerings are made.Temple de pythonsTemple de pythonsTemple de pythonsTemple de pythonsStatue within the villageAnother place of worshipClay marketClay marketClay marketClay marketClay marketCoastlineCoastlineHomes in the waterHomes in the waterHomes in the waterDoor of No Return where over one million enslaved Africans to the AmericasSlave shipSlave ship

    The sights of Ouidah

    May 16 in Benin ☁️ 32 °C

    ​From the coast, we moved inland slightly to the town of Ouidah. Hoping to enjoy the museum, which was closed and under construction, we decided to visit Temple de pythons, street markets and the "Door of no return".Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    The abundance of green coconuts.
    The abundance of green coconuts.Ocean time!Sea turtle conservation initiative.Sea turtle conservation initiative, these babies will be released when they reach 5 days old. She is being rehabilitated after eating plastic. She is being rehabilitated after eating plastic. Collections of shells. Food, glorious gifts from the ocean.Victor, the creator of these beautiful art pieces. Victors creations.Victors creations.Victors creations.

    Luxurious days in Grand Popo

    May 18–21 in Benin ☁️ 31 °C

    Luxurious days in Grand Popo

    Spending a few days here before a short drive to the Togolese border, we enjoyed the ocean, visited a sea turtle conservation initiative driven by REMBM, and of course indulged in spectacular local cuisine. 

    Thank you, Benin, for a rich, beautiful visit!    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler

    Regional Museum of Aného

    May 22 in Togo 🌧 29 °C

    After an effortless border crossing from Benin to Togo, we visited the Regional Museum of Aného. 

    This museum is housed in an old colonial building and focuses on the history of Togo, exhibiting objects related to traditional chieftaincies, the Voodoo faith, and the German colonial period.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    This beloved woman makes enjoying pineapples much easier for everyone on the streets!
    This beloved woman makes enjoying pineapples much easier for everyone on the streets!Monument de la PatrieBest fish and chips in West Africa!

    Aného Adventures

    May 22 in Togo ☁️ 29 °C

    This amazing town in Togo is filled to the brim with treasures! Art, music, food, history, and the calm, relaxed ambiance were just what the doctor ordered. And, we stopped off at the infamous Hotel Oasis and sank our teeth into the “best fish and chips in West Africa”, and it indeed was!Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Where up to 400 enslaved men, woman and children we kept for up to a year before the ocean journey. 1Where up to 400 enslaved men, woman and children we kept for up to a year before the ocean journey. Enslaved people were made to crawl under the floorboards of the house.Where wood slept on the floor (to better hear if anyone slave was escaping), and close to his safe. Original furniture from that time. Small arch where slaves would enter the building.

    Maison des Esclaves d'Agbodrafo

    May 23 in Togo ☁️ 27 °C

    As we have been journeying, we have been learning more and more about the horrors of humanity in the form of the Atlantic slave trade.  The Maison des Esclaves d'Agbodrafo, also known as the Wood Home, was an important stop for us. 

    This house was built in 1835 by the Scottish enslaver John Henry Wood.  Constructed in an Afro-Brazilian style, the building served as a clandestine hub for the illegal slave trade after Britain abolished the transatlantic trade in 1807, operating until 1852!

    The house was constructed for Assiakoley, the chief of the Adjigo clan, who had been exiled from Aného and relocated to Agbodrafo near Lake Togo.  Enslaved people captured from neighboring regions (Benin, Nigeria, and Togo) were held in a low-ceilinged cellar known as the "Puits des Enchainés," accessible via a hidden trapdoor in the main hall, before being transported by boat to the Americas.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Mount Agou
    Mount AgouClimbing Mount Agou.The fantastical humans at Kailend farm.Paulene and Joel were my people!

    Kailend farm

    May 24–26 in Togo ⛅ 29 °C

    Curious about the nearby mountain range and finding the fantastic Kailend close by, we spent some time here as a base camp, enjoying the rhythm of this farm, the Sunday goods market in town, and taking the path less travelled by to get to the top of Mount Agou.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Our landing pad for a few days.
    Our landing pad for a few days.First Ghanaian sunset for us. Mt Gemi Magic.Mt Gemi Magic.Mt Gemi Magic.Mt Gemi Magic.Mt Gemi Magic.Mt Gemi Magic.Orchid abundance!Orchid abundance!Orchid abundance!Epiphyte delights!!!!!!Picking up litter as we go.The start of what we discovered is Buruli ulcer.The start of what we discovered is Buruli ulcer.The friends we make along the way! Solid bromance between these two :)

    Amazing Amedzofe

    May 27–31 in Ghana ⛅ 27 °C

    How delighted we were to have spent time in Amedzofe, Ghana’s highest human settlement, perched at an altitude of 677 meters in the Ho-West District of the Volta Region.

    ​Here we enjoyed the company of the magnificent people in this region, braved the deliciously spicy Ghanaian food, discovered the beginnings of David's Buruli ulcer, and relished in the beauty found on Mount Gemi.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    We found Boletus!
    We found Boletus!Soooooo big!Baboon bum. The abundance of fallen mango's.Munching on mango's!Ummmm, local food is lekker!The CSIR in Ghana.Our friends from the USA. Jetski time!Such an epic swing.

    Play time at Lake Volta.

    Jun 1–2 in Ghana ☁️ 32 °C

    Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial reservoir by surface area, created in 1965, and we decided to pop in and check out what was on offer.
    ​
    Much fun was had indeed. We first headed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) Hospital for proper treatment for David's leg, and once due diligence was done, the exploring began.
    ​
    We found a great spot for a meal next to the water's edge, complete with falling mangoes from the trees above (Best-ever dessert!) and, to David's glee, games and water activities.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    We found this guy!
    We found this guy!Sizable Boletus for sure.Baboon bum!The fallen mangos. Mango treats everywhere. Fufu delights!We found the CSIR in Ghana.Play time.A happy Dave!Such a fun swing.

    Play time at Lake Volta.

    Jun 1–2 in Ghana ☁️ 32 °C

    Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial reservoir by surface area, created in 1965, and we decided to pop in and check out what was on offer.
    ​
    Much fun was had indeed. We first headed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) Hospital for proper treatment for David's leg, and once due diligence was done, the exploring began.
    ​
    We found a great spot for a meal next to the water's edge, complete with falling mangoes from the trees above (best-ever dessert!) and, to David's glee, games and water activities.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Ahhhh, what a wonderful spot we found to recover!
    Ahhhh, what a wonderful spot we found to recover!Not looking all that great!More swabs, more tests and more medication. Patched up and ready to head "home" to rest. We found a fabulous Vegan restaurant!We met a FABULOUS school teacher!The magnificent staff at A1 Diesel Ltd.Ummmmmmm, talk about a sweet treat! Chocolate covered eclairs. Some buildings we liked the look of while driving in town. Yep, more delish food!

    Recovery in Accra

    Jun 4–18 in Ghana ☁️ 29 °C

    With little improvement to David’s leg and our car needing attention, we nested at Hotel Lili, while our car spent a few days at A1 Diesel Ltd. - Turbo & Injectors Specialists. 

    All in all, our time was well spent catching up on Casabio admin, accounting, and planning. We even made it out to the movies, where we enjoyed ridiculously luxurious food and caught the screening of The Mandalorian and Grogu.
    ​
    More hospital care, treatment, medication, and bed rest was in store for David as he was forced to slow down allowing his leg to properly heal.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Welcome to Fort Amsterdam.
    Welcome to Fort Amsterdam.Our dear Rebecca. Local artist Gilbert and his talent. What a camping spot!Swim time fun with my friend. Dusk chats. Ahhhhh, ocean!

    Fort Amsterdam and Abandze

    Jun 19–22 in Ghana 🌧 28 °C

    We found ourselves in Abandze as the evening snuck up on us. Thankfully, we found a parking lot to camp in and enjoyed a fantastic tour at Fort Amsterdam. This Fort was first established as a trading post for gold, but later became a significant hub in the Atlantic slave trade, with its southeast bastion serving as one of the first dedicated slave prisons on the Gold Coast. Our guide Rebecca was incredible, and we had lengthy discussions not only on the history of Ghana but also on the history of South Africa and on unpacking the Xenophobia crisis that is so prevalent in RSA currently.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Powerful words!Where the colonizers could peer down into the pit of hell they created for others.

    Heavy day at Cape Castle

    June 23 in Ghana 🌧 27 °C

    What a piece of history. What a place to be to feel human nature at its most horrific.

    IN EVERLASTING MEMORY
    OF THE ANGUISH OF OUR ANCESTORS
    MAY THOSE WHO DIED REST IN PEACE
    MAY THOSE WHO RETURN FIND THEIR ROOTS
    MAY HUMANITY NEVER AGAIN PERPETRATE
    SUCH INJUSTICE AGAINST HUMANITY
    WE, THE LIVING VOW TO UPHOLD THIS.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Our immigration officer on the Ghana side.
    Our immigration officer on the Ghana side. It it time to try a new beer or two!Car tinker time before the rain set in. The travelling Germans, chatting after the mini flood. The friends we make along the way.Many days of grey skies! It is rainy season after all. World cup excitement :)

    Côte d'Ivoire and all your raindrops!

    Jun 26–29 in Ivory Coast ☀️ 29 °C

    Our timing was impeccable! The nation was fully behind the FIFA World Cup, and we were lucky enough to be witnesses to this magic and cheer spectacularly as goals were scored while we shopped. We were also very grateful to have our friend Danny with us, as he and David tinkered with the car.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Say NO to single use plastic please!!!!!!
    Say NO to single use plastic please!!!!!!There go the forest giants. Nature sadly has to adapt to our filth!Market life and all the delicious smells. A HUGE water beetle, enjoying the rain puddle.

    Wild watery spaces

    Jun 30 – Jul 3 in Ivory Coast 🌧 26 °C

    As we enjoy the landscape of Côte d'Ivoire, we discover some wonderful nooks and crannies of nature, along with the unmistakable addition of things only humans bring, litter and deforestation.