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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

    Farm Kyffhauser

    Feb 17–19 in Namibia ⛅ 31 °C

    While embarking on yet another botanical expedition, we stumbled upon Tsauchab River Camp and stayed for a little while to enjoy the energy of this fine establishment before heading off to Farm Kyffhauser.

    ​Thank you, Alex, for the time we spent exploring your incredible farm. We will be back!    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    A rainbow on route!
    A rainbow on route!David waiting to snap a picture of a rather quick red wasp! Gillian, Eugene, us and a rather dodge looking AI picture!

    All roads lead to Gobabeb.

    Feb 18–20 in Namibia ☀️ 32 °C

    What would a trip to Namibia be without a visit to Gobabeb Research and Training Centre?

    The station lies at the intersection of three distinct ecosystems: the ephemeral Kuiseb River, the Namib Sand Sea to the south, and the gravel plains to the north, making it ideal for studying arid environments….. In short, a fascinating place to both visit and study.

    Thank you, beloved Gillian and Eugene, for your time, inspiration, and for welcoming us with open hearts. We would like to thank all the researchers at Gobabeb for taking the time to meet with us to get a better understanding of the remarkable research you are conducting.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Ahhhh, my people!
    Ahhhh, my people!Yay for Hermannia!Yet another Hermannia!The day we left Levi, sad faces all around!Winter Olympics time. Gunhild Voigts telling us all about the invasive famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus).Our car, in for repairs again.

    Last stop, Windhoek.

    Feb 20–25 in Namibia ☁️ 27 °C

    Now it was time to spend with my fellow botanists in Namibia. It has been many moons since I was here last. Field trips and time spent at the herbarium filled my time while Shereen visited a Montessori School to get her fix.

    We were thrilled to enjoy a sleepover at Levi’s home with his three fantastic children and wonderful wife, as well as spend time with Silke, watching the winter Olympics!

    Obviously, our car also needed to be attended to after the rather hectic corrugated roads we had been travelling on the days before.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Our coffee stop.
    Our coffee stop.Ahhh Angola, and the ATM queue every time!Ummmmm, food that is heaven sent!

    The Angolan Dash.

    Feb 26–28 in Angola ⛅ 32 °C

    Not our finest moment, and one that will not be repeated! Running very behind schedule and not wanting to be denied access to the DRC again, we needed to enter the DRC before 1 March.

    Breaking all of the rules regarding driving only during the day, and after a good night's rest, we both took turns driving day and night, operating on 3-4 hours of sleep.

    Harsh reminders of our stupidity were blatant in the form of witnessing horrendous head-on collisions between motorcyclists, avoiding and hitting terrible potholes, and almost riding over a young man's dead body, who had been left in the middle of the road by someone who had clearly hit him, killed him, and left his body where it lay.

    The feeling of helplessness is one that Shereen struggles with, and there were far too many reminders in quick succession during this part of the journey.

    We were both fragile and needed some time to somehow integrate all that we had experienced in this intense two-day dash.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    The sedan carrier! Love this creativity!The Congo River.The Congo River.The Congo River.Look at all those nests :) One of the many check points on route. The tank we were warned not to photograph, this is David we are talking about. Our tree friend.The ocean shore, close to where we camped one evening. A nest of Weaver ants. A nest of Weaver ants. Our one and only fuel stop. Our wild camping spot, in time to catch the full moon.

    Access to DRC granted!

    Feb 28 – Mar 2 in DR Congo ☁️ 31 °C

    We made it, we are finally in the DRC. What a country. It has its own unique flavour, and we were surprised by what we experienced. We only sampled a small part of this incredible country for only 2 short days and loved every moment!

    The river Congo is HUGE and majestic. The French and Lugana languages spoken are beautiful to hear, and the people we encountered were kind, friendly, and welcoming. The roadblocks were many, the traffic in Matadi was not for the faint-hearted, the state of the roads was not as terrible as we feared, and the landscape, well, she was wild, wet, and dense, with awe-inspiring views.

    It was remarkable to see sedans carrying yellow oil containers, secured to the roof in creative and artistic ways, and the ease with which we could find all that we needed, from fuel to food to beer, which was greatly appreciated after the time spent in the Angola queues :)

    We did learn that to avoid a potential bribe situation at the last roadblock to exit the county, it is wise to get three blue tickets to indicate that the road tax has been paid. We obviously did not know this when we paid for road tax, and the attendant only gave us 2. The officers at the last checkpoint recommended that we pay $10 to pass, but we were able to chat with the chief, who said that we were free to go without paying. Boom, bribe attempt avoided :)    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Bodies of water are abundant in Cabinda. Bodies of water are abundant in Cabinda. Bodies of water are abundant in Cabinda. Some local fish species to be found here. The road leading us through Cabinda. How magnificent is this!We took a quick dip here before heading on. We took a quick dip here before heading on. Some fellow travelers from Spain.

    Cabinda to the Republic of Congo.

    Mar 3–4 in Angola ☁️ 28 °C

    Some beauty to be had while transiting through Cabinda into the Republic of Congo. Little did we know what was in store for us.

    Both David and I were schooled, albeit in French, which came across quite aggressively to an untrained ear, I might add, that there are ways to dress and modesty standards that are important to display while being attended to at the immigration office.

    David was not allowed to enter the office at all due to his disrespectful clothing (no shorts or Kikos for men), and shoes are obviously mandatory. While I was allowed to enter and process the paperwork for David and me, I was told under no uncertain terms that Tattoos should be covered. Thankfully, my dress was an appropriate length below the knees, and my shoulders were covered, which is apparently vitally important.

    The Congolese people, we observed, take pride in their dress and behaviour, always impeccably dressed despite all of the mud they walk through on a daily basis, especially in the rainy season. Using French is the preferred language to communicate, even if they are able to speak English.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Happy frog.
    Happy frog.Even one on our spare fuel tank. Lush forestMore lush forest.Some captured species to be taken back to Germany to further process. Some captured species to be taken back to Germany to further process. Some captured species to be taken back to Germany to further process. Regroup after evening field trip. We are heading out to the forest this evening with these guys. Gentle sunset.Soft light.

    The group of lepidopterists.

    Mar 4–8 in Congo ☁️ 29 °C

    Wow, what fortuitous timing! We just so happened to stumble upon these lepidopterists who invited us into the field with them. They are completing their third book about African Moths. What a treat to be surrounded by these brilliant scientists, all of whom do this in their spare time.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    The beer on offer :)
    The beer on offer :)We had to stop at the entrance to this farm.The hills are alive..............More hills...................................... and more hills!Yep, yet another dip spot for us.No need a 4x4, the locals can maneuver any vehicle though any terrain!And yes, we dipped here too!The road that leads to Gabon.

    On the road again.

    Mar 8–10 in Congo ☁️ 32 °C

    Advised to leave the Congo before elections began, we were on our way with a few days to spare to slowly make our way to Gabon.

    Here is some of the beauty we were privy to on route.

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Elephants crossing! YAY!
    Elephants crossing! YAY!Water in abundance. One of the many immigration offices we needed to visit. Bird on a wire, while at one of the many immigration offices. Good morning, morning glories!Our camping spot the the night. Being reclaimed by nature. These guys are everywhere!Bush meat for sale.More bush meat for sale. Bush meat.And more.And more............. and more.Ummm small market of delightful goodies! Hello Cacao. We got ourselves some food supplies. Sunset magic.Logging trucks by the plenty.One of the logging trucks we saw on route.

    The Gabonese Republic

    Mar 10–12 in Gabon ☁️ 31 °C

    It has been interesting to observe how different countries manage entry and exit procedures at their borders. Entry into Gabon was incredibly slow, I think too slow for David’s liking; his favourite word, “efficient,” certainly could not be used to describe the process. While I, on the other hand, loved the slow, casual pace and having to go from one building to another to have each “official” look, jot down, or stamp our passports.​
    The humidity is next level here, and thank goodness David bought a small farm that has been invaluable to use in the evenings in our tent. Amen for a cool, albeit mechanically generated, breeze.​

    I absolutely love that the first road sign I saw in Gabon was warning about how elephants cross the road, AND AND AND we tasted our very first Cacao fruit!    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Fresh bites, which can not be felt when the biting takes place.... But....
    Fresh bites, which can not be felt when the biting takes place.... But....10 minutes after a bite, they fabulous itching starts!!!!!Nibble, nibble.....More bites for you David. And some more for you, lucky thing!Some checkpoints on our way to Libreville.Some checkpoints on our way to Libreville.Ummmmm, Safou, which is easier to eat when cooked, we later learned. Ummmmm, Safou, which is easier to eat when cooked, we later learned. Catching the setting sun :)Our night of luxury. View of Libreville from our hotel room. So much on the menu to choose from. More imports from France.More imports from France.Imported beer from France. Clothing market. FROZEN YOGHURT = HAPPY DAVID!Look at all that choice!!!!!Yes, we do eat with our eyes first!

    Our initiation by the No-see-ums.

    Mar 12–13 in Gabon ⛅ 31 °C

    Well, what an experience. There are these little creatures, teeny tiny that are quite unassuming, and they love, love, love to nibble on flesh, cause many tiny itching bumps, ALL OVER! Joy, just what we asked for - adventure right!​

    Well, needless to say, Shereen lost her spark and got super quiet and withdrawn, and did her best to avoid touching any part of her itching body. She was not a happy human.

    ​After this unexpected onslaught and steep learning curve, I thought it best to get a hotel for the night and “recover”. After much research and learning all about the other gifts (such as river blindness), these little biting midges bring, we decided to have a cool, soothing shower, order in some pizza, and get some sleep. What luxury.

    Libreville was our playground for the next few. Shereen, still struggling, and I, itchier than ever, we made the best of where we went, regardless of all the lumps, bumps, and itches.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Lasioglossum
    LasioglossumJunonia oenoneLoved these Mudskippers!Peek-a-boo, we see you!Agama picticaudaUmmmm, Star fruit. Cashew fruit being nibbled by a species of African flower beetle.

    Mangrove Residence

    Mar 16–31 in Gabon ☁️ 29 °C

    It is truly wonderful to have the flexibility to stay for longer when we find a marvellous place. That is exactly what happened at Mangrove Residence. Granted, we needed “recovery” time after the no-se-ums got us so badly, but the extra days spent here were more of a staycation. 5 days turned into many more days, where we had dinner parties with amazing neighbours, explored the mangrove swamp, put in some time towards Casabio app development, and Shereen crocheted up a storm, completing a baby blanket, hats, legwarmers, and making progress on the coat she is making for me to wear when we attend Burning Man.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    The abundance of water in Gabon.
    The abundance of water in Gabon. We are at the equator!All roads lead to Cameroon. The artists of the beautiful pieces you can see in the background.Our camping spot for the night. A place to bathe in the moonlight, cautiously I might add. 1Who knows that bit Shereen now?!?Laying in the road, all this beauty. We stopped to explore this.This pair accompanied us while we explored :)We imagine this was a forest once. We imagine this was a forest once. We imagine this was a forest once. 2One of the many convoys of logging trucks we saw during our time in Gabon. 1Built to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, now abandoned. Setting up camp on the outskirts of the Cacao plantation.

    Au revoir Gabon

    Apr 3–5 in Gabon 🌧 28 °C

    We took a few days to make our way to the Bitam/Ambam border crossing, which leads into Cameroon.

    Along the way, we camped on the riverbank and in a cacao plantation and could not help but notice the endless stream of logging trucks hauling away all the tall ones that have been growing in the forest for many, many years.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Mussaenda erythrophylla
    Mussaenda erythrophyllaRock Agama lizard.Also a Rock Agama lizard.Toll road ticket.Logging trucks. One of the many bites on Shereen, forming a blister with swelling. Ebolowa Regional Hospital Ebolowa Regional HospitalLaboratoire BethanieShereen's blood taken for testing.

    Hello, Republic of Cameroon

    Apr 5–6 in Cameroon ☁️ 31 °C

    After an effortless border crossing, we found ourselves in Cameroon, heading to the nearest hospital to undergo some tests. Shereen was not feeling so great, having had a terrible night's sleep the previous night due to fever, muscle aches, and a whopper of a headache. Yep, we did just that, decided to have ourselves checked out.

    ​We were attended to and well cared for by the staff at the Ebolowa Regional Hospital, who gave us a thorough medical check, ordered a plethora of blood tests to be carried out, and were quick to put Shereen on medication for her symptoms while we waited for the test results.

    ​While one of the tests would take a few days to be processed, we found ourselves with some spare time on our hands and decided to spend a few days exploring the Nkolandom Tourist Center or "Mountain of Elegance," which is situated near Mbalmayo.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Nyong River.
    Nyong River.Nyong River.Us three on Nyong River.The restful Ipomoea.The tallest in this forest, 8 meters in diameter. Look how little David is in comparison. All the way up there!!!!!!!!! This guy, 8 meters in diameter. Taking a break.Time to share stories and a good meal!

    Exploring Ebogo

    Apr 11–12 in Cameroon ☁️ 32 °C

    After setting up camp along the banks of the Nyong River and getting a good night's rest, we set out bright and early on a relaxing Pirogue ride, eventually ending up at a forest which we explored for the remainder of the morning.

    ​Upon our return, we were welcomed with a hearty meal with our friend the 7x7 family, and delighted in the sheer magic of emmental cheese, avos, bread, and beans. Life is so so good!    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Sunbird at play.
    Sunbird at play. Afromum angustfolium.Siphonochilus aethiopicus.Cookeina.The Bean and the bonnet!Wild camping.Theobroma cacao.Theobroma cacao,Theobroma cacao.Theobroma cacao flowers.Theobroma cacao flowers.Praying Mantis Ootheca.A species of Bridal Veil Stinkhorn.Can you spot the Katydid?Look at that camouflage!

    Fruit farm fun.

    Apr 12–15 in Cameroon ☁️ 31 °C

    iOverlander suggested a visit to this fruit farm, and while it was on route, we decided to stay there for a few nights.

    Owner Mayel and his trustee sidekick Hassan showed us around, taught us a thing or two about small-scale fruit farming in Cameroon, and allowed us unlimited access to the forest on their property for us to enjoy.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    All roads lead to AMS!
    All roads lead to AMS!Preparing materials to present to the team at AMS. Day 1 walking bright and early to school. Shereen and Mr Fokaunang, academic head of AMS.Ms Prudence and I. Her soft spoken kindness is a gift to the children. The amazing guides at AMS.Dearest Estella, offering some poetry gifts to take home to the children in South Africa. More gifts, a puzzle map of Cameroon for our South African Children.

    Akwi Montessori School in Yaoundé

    Apr 16–22 in Cameroon ☁️ 30 °C

    The time in Yaoundé was used in the most delightful way. Shereen visited the first Montessori school in Cameroon, and I have had time to work uninterrupted on the Casabio app.

    Shereen came back day after day, excited, full, tired, and ready for another day in the classroom. Thank you, Dearest Estella and the entire team at AMS, for your generosity, open arms, playfulness, and for serving the children of Cameroon with deep respect, care, and proudly holding true to the Montessori philosophy.

    Shereen will be back!    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler

    Mongo ma Ndemi

    Apr 23–28 in Cameroon ☁️ 16 °C

    What would the journey be without a hike up Mount Cameroon? Remarkable views, wild wet weather, snug fires to warm us up, bruised toenails, simple delicious food and solid, meaty conversations sum up our time spent with this active stratovolcano.Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Field Guide to Plants of Mount Cameroon, authored by Štěpán Janeček and Petra Janečková.
    Field Guide to Plants of Mount Cameroon, authored by Štěpán Janeček and Petra Janečková.Two botanists, like peas in a pod!Mr Kelvin, conservator the the Limbe Botanic Garden.

    Limbe Botanic Garden visit.

    April 29 in Cameroon ☁️ 29 °C

    Just before finding our way to Limbe, Lukus, our Mount Cameroon guide, told us about the work he had done with Štěpán Janeček and Petra Janečková, creating a field guide to plants of Mount Cameroon. Lucky for us, Lulus was able to secure us our very own copy!​

    The garden was wonderful to visit, and we were honored enough to meet up with the staff who help to keep this garden open to the public and discuss ways that Casabio can offer assistance in their future endeavors.    Read more

  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesTraveler
    Small passion fruit flower.
    Small passion fruit flower. Rocking food, and delightfully spicy!The Tiger Bar......... But the need to sleep won me over. Love the wall painting!We loves seeing many of these furniture stores selling luxurious gold furniture. Our dear money changer, what a legend!The building where we change money. Coming soon!Yep, David enjoyed his massage here. Car journeying is hard on the back.

    Benin City

    May 5–6 in Nigeria ☁️ 32 °C

    How amazing to have stumbled upon this city in Nigeria. We took some time to catch the new “Michael” film at the cinema, eat some super spicy food, and almost, almost went to the Tiger bar, but I was just too darn tired after the movies to think about anything besides sleep.Read more