Safari South-Africa & Botswana

At 3pm, we all gathered around the jeeps with Mpho and Mmushi. They would take us to the Mashatu Tree Camp for the final sunset in Botswana all together. The drive would take 1 hour, but it didn't feel that long because we were driving through the jungle spotting some more animals. In a strange way, this proofs that time itself can also be relatively.

And so we arrived at the camp after a bumpy ride, noticing this amazing new constructed tree house. The roof and walls were not yet finished, but we could already climb inside to observe it. It was beautiful! Built just next to the river bank, this is the perfect spot to see many animals and admire them with a sunset and drinks.

But time for our walking safari first. Mpho took his gun and walked ahead of the group. We bumped into interesting observations, such as mud on the trees from the elephant. They usually take a mud bath in the river and then scrub it off by using the trees, so that only a thin layer remains on their skin. Mpho explained it's a natural sun protector.

We also saw the Morula tree, the National tree of Botswana. About everything of this tree can be used: (1) the fruit is used for wine, (2) the tree for fencing and (3) the leaves as medicine but also to harvest the edible caterpillars and larvae from it. These caterpillars are canned and sold in food market across Botswana. This tree means a lot to the people from Botswana, therefore is was named as the National tree.

We continued to walk to search the crocodile of this area. Mpho knew for sure he would be around, so he walked in front with his gun in case of. We arrived at a small pond with just few water left, and there we spotted the crocodile! Mpho asked us to be really silent so we could approach the animal from closer by. A smallest misstep by someone on a branch could scare the animal away back in the water. It felt very unnatural to walk step by step closer to a crocodile, but we trusted Mpho to protect us. Finally, we were able to come so closely the crocodile and get some beautiful shots. Mpho even told us to sit down next to it, because the animal was sleeping. We just had to keep low profile, or it would run away. Such an amazing feeling!

We walked back to the tree house to enjoy the sunset with some drinks and talks. It was an amazing moment looking out over that river, scouting animals. Back home now for our final dinner! The group enjoyed our last meal with amazing stories to share. Time for bed now and new dreams about this amazing journey. Goodnight Botswana!Meer informatie