Day 28 Wednesday 6 May Kazikini

Allowed a sleep-in to 6.00 this .morning with breakfast at 6.30. Bags packed and in the trailer soon afterwards.

At 7.15 the whole crew of 8 came to farewell us. Sang two songs with accompanying dances - it was great! In return Viv tried to get a 'Walzing Matilda' going. I made a speech telling the whole crew what a good job they had done. Then we handed out envelopes of gratuities to Isaac (David Wells), Mpho (Viv), the chefs (Jenny Wells) and the remaining crew (Wendy Wurfel).

Waving farewell (they had been an excellent team for 8 days), we looked for game as we made our way to the nearest airstrip. Saw little at first but soon we saw giraffe, elephants and zebra. After much bouncing and weaving on backroads we arrived at the Santawani airstrip by 9.30.

This quiet little airstrip became very busy as 3 planes landed and parked waiting for passengers. Then a few giraffe wandered across the airstrip followed by some zebras. As our departure time got closer Viv and I said farewell to everyone as they were all flying to Maun while we were heading further into the flooded Delta, to Camp Okavango. Our mobile camping safari had come to a successful conclusion - and everyone appeared satisfied.

Our Mack Airways flight (a Cessna 208 Caravan - 9 passengers?) took us up over the Delta. Plenty of water on Viv's right-hand side of the plane. Saw very few animals from the air. Landed at ? to drop off passengers before flying to Xugana where we disembarked.

Met by 'Dallas' who loaded us on to the Camp boat and he piloted us through winding papyrus reed-lined channels for 30 minutes to get us to Camp Okavango Lodge. Greeted by an enthusiastic 'Dumela' by about 6 staff (including some ululations). Very impressed with the design of the facilities and the welcome we received from everyone.

Shown to our room (No.5 with a view out over the water and reeds). Lunched in the dining room and then had a siesta on our huge bed. Back to the lounge for tea before we left for a mokoro ride about 4.30. Relaxing but didn't see much of interest in terms of wildlife.

Back in our room before dark and were collected later and taken by torch-bearer to dinner. Introductory welcome and talk from staff and chef after a ululating call had seized our attention. A good meal. Chatted to fellow guests as we all sat together on a long table.

Bed by 9.30, exhausted.Read more