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Peter Craig
Peter Craig

Peter Craig

Travel organiser and tour director at Viv’s Travel Bug
Former founding staff member and Deputy Headmaster Oxley College, Bowral Read more🇦🇺Burrill Lake
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  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    The return home

    October 14, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    It was a very quiet start to the morning as we were in no hurry to leave Sitatunga. Breakfast was 8.00, bags packed by 9.00 and tents cleaned soon after.

    We were in Maun by 10.30 and visited Peter Craig’s friends’ shop, opposite the airport entrance. Dr Tim Liversedge, and wife, June, have an upstairs video viewing room above their shop and we watched a biographical account of Tim Liversedge’s life. He has been internationally recognised as a naturalist and cinematographer and his contribution to the growth of tourism in the Okavango and Maun regions is enormous. The film was both fascinating and inspiring.

    We said goodbye to the Liversedges, and to Senatla and to Dany who came to the airport to wish us well.

    Our SA Link flight to Johannesburg was an hour and a quarter and we landed on a wet runway and a considerable drop in temperature. Through immigration and security we headed for the cafe we knew well and based ourselves there for a few hours, killing time until our flight to Perth.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Horses & game

    October 13, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    We split up today into two groups, with one riding in the early morning and the other in the late afternoon. This was to beat the heat of the predicted 37C (fortunately there was no humidity) so we managed quite easily.

    So, it was a 6.45 breakfast for all with the riders departing soon after on a truck while those remaining at Sitatunga went about their chores (some washing, repacking of suitcase, etc) before relaxing by the swimming pool or in the restaurant area.

    It was a lazy day in part, an opportunity to unwind after a busy school week. When the first group returned we all lunched together and then roles were reversed and the second group departed at 3.00.

    At the horse stables, managed by Welsh girl, Liz, half learned to groom a horse while the others rode out in search of game in the private reserve. During the day riders reported seeing giraffe, eland, zebra, springbok, ostriches and impala and often at quite a close range. After an hour, roles were reversed so that everyone rode and groomed .

    It was a memorable experience, well-coordinated by Dany Hancock of Rides on the Wildside who was enthusiastically with us all day.

    At dinner that night, back at Sitatunga, well-prepared and presented by Shah, we were joined by Sedie School Head, Senatla Mokobela, and Dany and Liz from our horseback experience. It was a most suitable grouping for our final dinner in Botswana.

    Everyone had enjoyed their ride (in most cases their first ever) and the experience of seeing wildlife close up on horseback was something special. The farewells to Dany and Liz were genuinely touching.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler
    1

    Our last school day

    October 12, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    We had a slightly earlier start this morning so that we could be at Mathiba Memorial Primary School by 8.00. As usual, our 40 minutes ride on the back of a centrally-benched truck through sandy scrub, dry farmland and Maun’s urban spread, was accompanied by waves from children heading to school.

    We arrived at Mathiba with the school gathering for assembly and waited until it was over. Then we split up into our teaching groups, some going with Std 3s and others with Std 2. Since the morning started relatively cool most groups were soon out of their classrooms and playing games in the sandy surrounds. Much fun, laughter and shrieking.

    By 9.45 we were reluctant to leave Mathiba but we were required at the Sedie School Form 3 Presentation ceremony and so said our farewells. It was the final day of the school year for the Sedie Form 3s as they had completed their exams and next year will attend a senior secondary school somewhere else.

    The programme showed an 8.00 start but things started to happen from 10.15. Apart from handing out academic, leadership and sporting awards (Peter Craig & Tim Dibdin did the Bronze Awards - a certificate and dinner sets) there were several entertainment activities.

    A DJ kept music playing whenever nothing was happening. We had a student bible group choir, professional dancers (polka, hiphop and traditional), a guitar-playing singer, a guest speaker, Mrs Mokobela (the Head) and a past student.

    Nearly 5 hours after it started, Oxley were invited to sing to the large group still assembled. They rose to the occasion by adapting a song the polers had taught them in the Okavango, a repetitive song that started with ‘Beautiful Africa, I will never forget beautiful Africa’.

    We left Sedie with the ceremony still going, having felt that we had fulfilled our obligations. An hour in town gave everyone a chance to drink, eat and buy gifts to take home .

    Back at camp we either swam or played volleyball before dinner and returned to these activities afterwards. In our tents by 9.30 with all in good spirits.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Maun's educational institutions

    October 11, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Today started, after the usual breakfast and truck trip into town, with a visit to the Maun Senior Secondary School. Set on a large campus which included administration and classrooms but also boarding and staff houses, we learned that the school was run by a Protestant church and was government assisted. Students from Sedie Junior Secondary School could advance to this school .

    After an introduction by a Housemaster, we walked slowly around the premises, and the library/computer room in particular.

    Unfortunately, towards the end of our tour, Arrabella slipped and her knee dislocated. After consultation with their staff, an ambulance was called and eventually Arabella was treated by paramedics and later seen by a doctor. She, Mr Dibdin and her friends rejoined the group after lunch.

    The rest of us were bused north of Maun to the University of Botswana Okavango Research Institute, along with an equal number of Sedie students. We were told how the Institute operated (post-graduate studies or scientific researches) and we were shown the library and the herbarium.

    From the Okavango Research Institute we all returned to Sedie School where we had our packed lunch (in the Heads of Department staff room).

    After lunch, we walked along the road to nearby Mathiba Primary School where we were enthusiastically mobbed by the Std 2s who had finished school for the day. Once we were able to extract ourselves from them, we were allocated two Year 3 classes to teach. Breaking the classes into smaller groups we taught in pairs and had great fun for the next hour. Nobody wanted to stop when school ended for the day at 3.30 - but we have been invited back for another session tomorrow morning.

    As with our earlier arrival, our departure was somewhat chaotic with hundreds of primary students enthusiastically surrounding us. Eventually we got on to our truck and we left the school pursued by excited ‘Mathibans’ running after us.

    We stopped in the mall in town to stock up with drinks and snacks before heading back to camp at Sitatunga.

    Within a relatively short time, we were all aboard a couple of jeeps which transferred us to the local football field and netball court adjacent to the highway. As news spread that we were there, villagers emerged from all directions and before long the boys were involved in a football match refereed by Tim Dibdin and the girls took on the locals at netball. Everybody had a lot of fun!

    A beautiful sunset brought the games to an end and we returned hot and dusty, but satisfied , to camp for dinner. Waiting for us there was Dany Hancock (of Rides on the Wildside, our Saturday’s horse game ride) who had just popped in to say hello.

    After dinner we did some preparation for our last day at school tomorrow and were all in bed at an early hour - totally exhausted!    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Mathiba Primary, the clinic & the old br

    October 10, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Breakfast was at 7.00 in the camp restaurant and we were ready to depart at 7.30 for our first day of teaching primary students. 40 minutes into Maun and we entered the school gates to find all 1100+ students waiting for us.

    The Mathiba Memorial Primary School Principal, Noah, and his Deputy, Patricia, greeted us and the students sang several songs of welcome. From the outside Assembly, we all moved into the staff room, for further introductions. We were told how much Mathiba appreciated the link with Oxley and the funds that have been raised for their projects.

    Noah took us on a tour of the school including their computer facility and the kitchens that fed the 1000+ students at lunchtime.

    When we arrived at the Std 2 (our Year 2) classrooms we were allocated groups of about 4 students to teach. Much beneficial activity took place in the next hour as the Oxley students provided something different and interesting. It was a great success.

    By 12.00 we managed to extract ourselves from the excited Std 2s and we walked across the road to the local clinic. Although it provided support for any medical needs, the main emphasis in the talks given by the medical staff was HIV/AIDS. Three different staff talked to us and there were plenty of Oxley questions. Several Oxley students added information to their research projects.

    From the clinic we walked along the road the 800 metres to Sedie Junior Secondary School where we relaxed in the shade until the change of class bell occurred. Allocated a ‘buddy’ everybody went off to two classes before a late lunch: which was held in the smaller staff room, with food provided by Sitatunga.

    (News came through at lunchtime that the Ritchies had arrived back in Oz and had been able to visit Mum/Grandma)

    After lunch we climbed aboard our truck and followed by two minivans carrying Sedie students, we drove out to the Old Bridge over the Thamalakane River, north of Maun. The idea here, in this picturesque setting, was to walk slowly across the rickety bridge with your buddy, getting to know each other. After a while, everyone returned, collected a rubbish bag and gloves, and wandered along the river bank in pairs improving the environment by picking up rubbish.

    About 5.00 the mission had been accomplished and we said goodbye to new friends and headed back to Sitatunga. The locals challenged us to a game of football before dinner. The Oxley girls provided a cheer squad and the boys were allowed to win. Challenges have been issued for a return match tomorrow evening, with the girls playing netball.

    Pizzas for dinner tonight (a great effort by camp cook Shah) and we were joined by Sedie School Head, Senatla Mokobela who came out to say hello.

    It had been a good - but busy - day    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    School & Community introductions

    October 9, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We woke up to bad news this morning. Rani Ritchie had received a message that her mother had been hospitalised and transferred to intensive care: and the decision was made that she and Luca would return to Australia on the first available flight.

    We all breakfasted in a very somber mood. The group travelled into Maun on a benched truck (which went to Sedie School) and a jeep which went looking for a travel agency in town to book the Ritchie flights.

    Once the flights were settled we all met at Sedie and were introduced to their Sedie ‘buddies’ in an introductory meeting in the computer room. There was an M/C, and speeches by the school head, deputy head, and a primary school representative. We were made to feel most welcome.

    Afterwards the student groups intermingled before we all left the school, Oxley students going to the town museum and the Ritchies to the airport. It was a sad farewell and we all wished them a speedy trip and a successful outcome.

    An interesting tour of the museum was followed by a picnic lunch in the museum grounds.

    From the museum our truck took us to the Maun tkotla (tribal meeting place) where we were the guests of honour at a formal ceremony acknowledging how important our link to the schools is regarded locally. The paramount chief’s representative was there, as was the Sedie chief, the school head and other dignitaries. Much of the welcome was spoken in Tswana but it was interpreted for us.

    At the end of a long afternoon we were taken to the local mall where we all shopped for drinks and snacks. From there it was back to our camp at Sitatunga and a swim or volleyball before dinner.

    There were bush babies in the nearby trees. After dinner we rehearsed our lessons for our first day at Mathiba Primary School tomorrow.

    It had been a emotionally taxing day - both at farewells and at very formal occasions - and the Oxley group came through it most impressively.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    The return to Sitatunga

    October 8, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    It was a more leisurely start to the day this morning as most enjoyed the sleep-in to 6.30 . Tents came down before breakfast and backpacks filled.

    The camp was left clean as our 17 mokoros made their way through the reeds. There was plenty of light-hearted conversation between polers and passengers as each had become friends. By 9.30 we were back at Boro, the waterside village from which we had set out 3 days earlier.

    All our gear was loaded on to two Delta Rain trucks (our supplier) and we drove slowly back, through Maun, to Sitatunga Camp. We had to reconfigure the tents but eventually all was settled and we moved in.

    Before lunch we said our farewells to Laban and Munya. They had looked after us well but their role in our itinerary was over: and shortly afterwards they departed on their return trip to Victoria Falls.

    After lunch we swam and then came back together for a mid-afternoon talk/presentation, given to us, most generously by Drs Leanne van der Weyde and Jess Isden of Wildcru. Leanne talked about cheetah conservation in Botswana and showed us slides as she talked. Jess discussed how her organisation was trying to change the perceptions of farming communities to predators living nearby. Both talks were most illuminating.

    After the talks the volleyball court and swimming pool again became popular.

    At dinner, in the camp restaurant, we were joined by Mrs Senatla Mokobela, the Head of Sedie School. She was welcomed by all.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    A game-viewing walk & a mokoro sunset

    October 7, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    A really sleepy group slowly emerged from 5.30 in preparation for this morning’s walk. Morning tea/coffee and rusks to start the day. Everybody carried plenty of water.

    We walked in groups of 7 or 8 with a guide I in front and an associate at the rear. Within a few minutes we had seen a group of 4 giraffes and then, in the course of the walk, hippo (in pools) lechwe, impala, reedbuck, zebra, warthog, wildebeest and baboons.

    After 2 hours of walking we had a break before making our way back to camp. The island we walked on was generally flat grasslands with occasional termite mounds. There were occasional palms, sausage trees, and mapani and then reeds and grass around the pools from which the early summer heat was causing the waters to recede.

    In all, our walk lasted 4 hours and the brunch we returned to was most welcome. Munya had done a great job. After that we retreated to the shade to relax, to doze, read, or play cards with the polers.

    Late afternoon a few were taken by the polers to a pool where they could take a refreshing, and cleansing, swim.

    Just before sunset we all travelled in our mokoros to a large pool and we sat on the reed periphery watching a pod of hippos cavorting and kingfishers dive-fishing as the sun went down. It was a beautiful scene. After the golden globe dropped below the horizon the colours in the sky reddened.

    After dinner around the campfire, a space was cleared, the fire stoked up and we were treated to some local singing and dancing. It was great fun with some of us joining in; particularly the frog dance.

    In return, Oxley managed several group songs including a interesting rendition of the school song and the national anthem.

    It had been a very hot day but everyone coped.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Mokoros & the Okavango delta

    October 6, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Probably the best night of our trip - cool but not cold - and everybody slept well. By 6.00 the camp was astir and packing items into their backpack for our mokoro safari into the delta. Tents and mattresses came with us while our suitcases remained in the truck with Laban at Sitatunga.

    We loaded up 2 vehicles (a truck carrying 16 of us plus camping gear, and a Jeep plus trailer brought the rest). The trip to the nearest point of the Okavango delta at Boro took us through Maun and northwards before turning westward along a twisting dirt road. The whole journey took us 1.5 hours.

    At Boro we loaded up 17 mokoros with passengers, camping gear, and food, and were poled for 2 hours through narrow channels in the reeds to the island on which we camped. On the way we saw Maribou storks, water lilies and a pod of hippos in a lagoon.

    We settled in by putting up our tents and then it was time for lunch. It was an extremely hot afternoon and we relaxed in the shade, reading, playing cards or games, swimming or napping.

    As the afternoon cooled, we broke up into 4 groups and with a guide walked into the interior of the island looking at local fauna and flora. In the course of our 1.5 hour walk we saw a herd of elephants reasonably close and buffalo, wildebeest and zebra in the distance. On our return, walking into the dying sun, a reedbuck went passed us.

    Back for dinner around the campfire. Munya had done another great job. After dinner we sat around talking before heading for bed.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Meerkats & Salt Pans

    October 5, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    (The wifi has been too weak to upload or the satellite dish has not been working)(and now the campground at Sitatunga is full and everybody is trying to get on!).

    We were up again at 5.00 but this time we didn’t have to take our tents down. We had an early morning drink in the Planet Baobab lounge before boarding our jeeps (one had a puncture before we even left the camp.

    Two hours of a bumpy dusty sandy track and we were in the desert grasslands close to the pans. Splitting into 2 groups, we visited seperate meerkat colonies and spent an hour observing their fascinating behaviour. Several insects were dug up and even a large scorpion was consumed by an excited meerkat.

    From the meerkats, we drove a few kilometres to the vastness of the dry Ntetwe Pan (part of the Makgadigadi Salt Pans) and way out on the flat, crusty pan we had a breakfast picnic. The vastness was eerie but breakfast was most welcome.

    The return journey was much the same - sandy, bumpy tracks and clouds of dust - but it had all been worth it.

    Once back at Planet Baobab we took down tents and packed the bus before a late lunch. As soon as we could, we were on the truck for our 3 hour drive to Maun. The road deteriorated in patches but at least we saw the occasional pairs of ostriches.

    Once in Maun we had some free time while Munya and Laban bought the food we would be taking with us to the delta. So some exchanged money, others bought water or snacks and some engaged with a group of kids congregating near our truck.

    From Maun we drove to Sitatunga Camp and pitched our tents before dinner was served. After dinner we had a debriefing and an informative session about requirements for our delta camping

    It had been another interesting day, with everyone tired but happy.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Flamingos & cattle posts

    October 4, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    The whole camp rose before 5.00 am, packed their bags, rolled up sleeping mats, breakfasted and were on the game-viewing jeeps before 6.00.

    We headed south down the main road for about 10 kms before turning off through the Nata Sanctuary gate, passing into dry grasslands.

    On the way to the Makgadikgadi Salt pans we stopped to look at herds of wildebeest and zebra. Then we drove across dry pans before emerging on the water’s edge - and hundreds of flamingos. We worked our way closer to them - Lochlan and Jamie even wading knee-deep - but they remained elusively out of reach. After a while we returned to the jeeps for coffee and rusks.

    From there, we moved along the shoreline and up on to a promontory and there in front of us was a huge body of water - and pelicans, ducks and more flamingos. Apparently a cyclone in the Mozambique Channel dumped a lot of water on Zimbabwe and Botswana last year: which had reached the pans via the Nata River.

    On the way back to Nata Lodge we saw coran (the helicopter bird) and several ostriches.

    The truck was packed and ready to and soon we were heading westwards out of Nata. After an hour’s drive, just before Gweta, we had reached our destination, Planet Baobab. This is aptly named as there are several huge baobabs on the property and when at night, as they are, there is an element of interplanetary travel.

    Their guides were waiting for us and soon, in 3 jeeps, we were taken on a tour, which included Gweta Primary School (into a couple of classrooms), the village pond, and a sorghum beer maker (just a taste). From there we visited a cattle post before returning to Planet Baobab for a traditional local lunch. This consisted of sadza (a thick maize mash), wild spinach, fried mapani worms, tripe, beans, smashed beef and polenta.

    It was a hot afternoon which we spent in and around the pool., waiting for the heat of the day to abate. When it did, up went our tents and we moved our bags in.

    Munya prepared another filling meal with dessert, and we sat around talking until the evening debriefing.

    It had been another good day with several saying that they had enjoyed it the most so far .    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Driving south to Nata

    October 3, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    From about 6.00 this morning, everybody was moving and tents were down before breakfast at 7.00. We were on the highway heading south from Kasangula just before 8.00, which was a really good result.

    It took us about 4.5 hours to reach our campsite with stops on the road after 2 hours for a toilet break, then a stop to go through a Foot & Mouth station, followed by a camp fresh food shop in Choppies supermarket in Nata.

    Tents up, lunch eaten and we were ready for a swim at the Nata Lodge pool as it was a really warm afternoon. It was a very pleasant, lazy afternoon at this oasis in the dry Botswanan bush. Most swam but there was also a bit of shopping.

    Dinner at 7.15, cooked by Munya and a happy birthday rendition for Rosie. Since we had a very early start the next morning it was an early night for most.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Elephants without Borders

    October 2, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    It was a pleasant slow start to the morning with everyone up well before breakfast at 8.00am. We all made our own lunch sandwiches and fruit choices. By 9.00 Laban had driven us the few kilometres to the Kasane town shopping centre and we went looking for money exchanges (it has been the Botswana Day long weekend and not everything has been open), bottled water and snacks.

    An hour later we were off to nearby Kasangula where Elephants without Borders has its property which consists of offices, accommodation for some staff and a baby elephant orphanage.

    We were welcomed by 2006 Old Oxleyan Dr. Tempe Adams with a presentation that explained how EWB operated and what they did. As an NGO, they have made a huge contribution with arterial surveys, community involvement and education, and now orphaned elephants.

    At the end of the presentation Tempe was asked where they got their operating funds from (part government, part fundraising). She was delighted to receive the funds that Ollie, Will, Archie and Jonny had raised at their sausage sizzle.

    While half the group had lunch, the remainder went to visit the three orphans in their enclosure. It was great fun being able to touch and watch them, and see them being fed.

    After lunch we all helped Tempe make noise deterrents (groups of 3 used drink cans tied together to rattle in the wind when attached to a farmer’s fence) and chili bombs (a mixture of elephant dung, cooking oil and chilies which will burn for long enough to scare off an elephant herd).

    Once that was done we used our safari truck to visit a local farm and helped the farmer by attaching the ‘noise makers’ to his fence to protect his cabbages.

    Tempe joined us for dinner that night (after we had had a swim). For dessert, we celebrated Bella’s birthday with a cake.

    It has been another great day - and a most worthwhile addition to the tour itinerary.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    Game-viewing on land & water

    October 1, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Everybody seemed in good spirits as we assembled for a 5.30 am early morning drink and breakfast. By 5.45 we were on our 3 jeeps heading along the road to the Sedudu entrance gate to Chobe NP.

    There followed 2 hours of searching, of scanning the surrounding river frontage and adjoining banks for any signs of wildlife.

    There were no elephants like yesterday as the elephants do not like to spend the night by the water. But there were buffalo, hippo, baboons, and a fascinating variety of birds (spoonbills fishing, fish eagles, hammerkop, lilac-crested rollers, carmine bee- eaters, vultures, etc. We watched young impala males practicing their fighting and a troop of baboons going about their family business ( mothers fussing over babies, youngsters playing catch & seek).

    We stopped for a break in one of the Stretch Sites before slowly making our way back to the park gates. It had been a morning when we just missed Painted Dog on one occasion and lions swimming across the river on another. But that is the luck of attempting to see game in the wild.

    Back at Thebe River Lodge, we waited for brunch by using the wifi, doing some washing or generally relaxing. After our meal it was time for a swim.

    We left the camp at 2.30 for our cruise on the Chobe River. We had the flat-bottomed, two storey game-viewing boat to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon until sunset.

    On the cruise we crept close to animals drinking in the river (kudu, impala, warthog, elephants) and those on the shoreline (buffalo, elephant, crocodile, lechwe, hippos). And there were spoonbills, herons, storks, spinners and fish eagles to watch.

    Our cruise ended with the usual magical sunset, the sun’s red ball disappearing into the Chobe River, tinging the flowering reeds in yellow.

    A good meal from Munya followed and we headed for bed, tired but happy. It has been a great day, enjoyed by everyone.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler

    From the Falls to Chobe

    September 30, 2018 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We anticipated an early rise this morning but the next door campsite beat us to it when they started pulling their tents down at 5.00 am, instructed by someone who sounded like Peter Craig (but wasn’t).

    So we easily managed our own early start with tents and bags packed and breakfast over by 7.30.

    With the truck packed we drove the short distance to the Falls car park, where we met our guide ‘Innocent’. He took us on 2 hour visit in which we started at the bridge viewpoint and worked out way backwards to the statue of David Livingstone. There was little water going over on the Zambian half of the falls but things improved on the Zimbabwe side. They are a spectacular sight!

    After our visit we left the town and drove for an hour to the Botswana border, and after going through the Foot & Mouth prevention chemical pan, we drove to the nearby town of Kasane. We bought drinks and snacks while Munya & Laban went food shopping.

    Lunch was late and shortly after that we on our jeeps heading for our first game drive in Chobe National Park. We were lucky enough to see large herds of elephants, kudu, impala, hippo, waterbuck and zebra. There was even a distant sighting of a pride of lion which we hope to improve upon tomorrow morning.

    Dinner back at the camp, a debriefing and an early night as everyone was exhausted. It had been a great day!    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler
    1

    Getting to Victoria Falls

    September 29, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We touched down at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg at 4.40 this morning. Found our way through mostly closed shops to an open cafe and occupied tables all morning, coming and going in groups, as we waited for our 10.50 departure .

    Our flight of 80 minutes passed without any problems but it was extremely slow going through the Zimbabwe Customers and visa purchase. Once through we met our driver (Laban) and cook (Munya), loaded up the truck, and headed into Victoria Falls village. It was 33C so we all bought water in the OK Bazaars. On to Shearwater Village Camp ground where we moved into our tents.

    From the campground we walked to, and through, the lovely old colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel to look at the view down the gorge to the bridge. Then on to the Lookout Cafe for a refreshing drink. On the way back to camp we bargained with vendors before heading for a swim.

    By 6.30 we were all spruced up for our dinner at the Boma restaurant. Here we had the opportunity to try crocodile, impala, eland, boerewors, sadza and mapani worms. Some tried, some didn’t, but everyone got involved when the bongo drums were hand out. Some danced, some were totally exhausted from the long day we had had, but everybody had enjoyed themselves.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Traveler
    1

    Bowral, NSW

    September 28, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We are on the road! The long-awaited adventure has begun.

    There was an unexpected hiccup when Will David’s ticket had him as David William but that problem was eventually solved after some frantic phone calls.

    Good flight through to Perth where the group was joined by Peter Craig.

    Left Perth at midnight for our 11 hour flight through to Johannesburg with South African Airways.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler
    1

    Day 17 Perth to Sydney

    October 8, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Had a reasonable South African Airways flight into Perth arriving just after midday.

    Slow through Customs because of the memorabilia we had bought. Sniffer dogs and spraying.

    Our return to Sydney was most welcome and the excitement among the waiting families was palpable.

    It had been a great trip! Thanks to all concerned.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler
    11

    Day 16. Maun to Perth

    October 7, 2017 in South Africa ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    There was no rush this morning. Most had packed before breakfast at 7.30 and afterwards we loaded a jeep with all our bags (which came later to the airport).

    Three Delta Rain jeeps took us into Maun where most of the group did some last minute shopping . We regathered near the airport building where we linked up with renowned naturalist and cinematographer, Dr Tim Liversedge, and watched a video of his career and the development of tourism in the Okavango Delta. Tim and his wife, June, have a craft shop with a mini-cinema on the first floor. He is best known for his IMAX film Roar: the Lions of the Kalahari.

    It took a while to check-in and our flight to Johannesburg left a few minutes late. An hour and a half later we landed in rain and then spent the next 5 hours either killing time in a restaurant or browsing through the shops of OR Tembo International Airport.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler
    1

    Day 15 Sedie Junior Secondary School 4

    October 6, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Today was a very different sort of day, in all aspects. We were not expected at Sedie until 9.00 so we had a lie-in and a later breakfast. We travelled to Sedie in three safari-style jeeps.

    It was not a normal school day for the local students either. The school had been transformed, with a marquee and chairs, in preparation for a memorial service and many guests from outside the school were expected. Ten years ago a football championship Sedie School team clinched the national trophy in Gaberones but on the return home tragedy struck. The bus and another vehicle collided and seven on the Sedie bus were killed.

    Today, after an extensive programme, a memorial at the front of the school was unveiled. There were speeches, prayers, hymns, dances (polka) and a poem. Among the various speakers were the School Head, the Chairwoman of the local ward, and representatives of the Football team and organisation. There was a larger crowd but it stayed focused for the most part during the 4.5 hour ceremony. Speakers tried to include Oxley by speaking English if they could and our group recognised the importance of the occasion by remaining attentive.

    At the end of the ceremony we were all given lunch by the school, including the local speciality of crushed beef. It was most welcome.

    The Sedie students, realising that our visit was coming to an end, crowded into the marquee to talk to us. Some group dancing occurred off to one side. There was plenty of emotion in the farewells and many followed us out to our truck and jeep as we left. We also said farewell to many of the friendly staff who had made us most welcome during our visit.

    We arrived back at Sitatunga late afternoon on an exhausting day but energy levels rose as the swimming pool filled up.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler
    1
    11

    Day 14. Sedie JSS & Mathiba PS 3

    October 5, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    A sleepy start to the morning but everyone was breakfasting by 6.45. The truck and jeep arrived on time and we were dropped off at Sedie School some time after 8.00.

    At Sedie we were split up into classes and attended lessons with our buddies. These lessons included Social Studies and Moral Education.

    In the meantime Peter Craig was assisting School Head, Mrs Senatla Mokobela, organise her travel to Australia and she and another Sedie teacher will be visiting Oxley for two weeks in a month's time.

    After the morning break, the whole group walked to Mathiba Primary where they were rather unexpectedly allocated Standard 4 classes to teach. Credit where credit is due, and the Oxley students got stuck in and gave it their best shot.

    Lunch occurred in the shade of the school Reception area (it was another hot day) and students from both schools intermingled and there was even some singing from Claire and Mya.

    In the afternoon we participated in a sad, but important, occasion. A Mathibe Standard 4 student, Ayanda, was killed in a car crash on Botswana Independence Day (last Saturday) . The school students and staff, parents, two pastors and the Oxley group participated in a ceremony under the trees that involved acapella singing of hymns and a long sermon by one pastor and a fiery one by another. In such a large gathering of primary students (over a thousand) there were many who struggled to concentrate but the service did affect a few close friends.

    On the way back to camp we shopped in Choppies for water and snacks. The swimming pool was soon full of Oxley students as we relaxed on our return. A good dinner followed and then we were exposed to our first thunder storm with lightning which chased everybody off to their tents.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler

    Day 13 Mathiba & Sedie 2

    October 4, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    We have settled into something of a routine now as we no longer need to pack up bags and tents. Breakfast by 6.45 and ready to depart for the schools by 7.30, carrying our lunch boxes and water. It is going to be another hot day, well up in the high 30s.

    The Sitatunga vehicles dropped us off at Mathiba Primary and after an initial wait Headmaster Noah allocated 2 Standard 2 and 3 classes to us. Soon we had broken up into pairs and were working with groups of up to 8 students either reading or playing learning games. Everybody had fun and really enjoyed this session.

    By 11.00 it was time to say goodbye to our little friends and walk around to Sedie School where we had our 'break' before moving to shared English and Maths classes. We had a late lunch under a tree in the car park. In the afternoon we spent time in the computer room with our allocated buddies, chatting and playing games.

    On the way back to Sitatunga we again went shopping in the Spar supermarket. Water and snacks for the next day. Back in time for a swim or clothes wash before dinner.

    It had been a good day of relating to Batswana of all ages. The Oxley students made a very positive contribution and could be pleased with their efforts - as the staff were.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler
    Drs Leanne van der Weyde & Jess Isden talking about predator conservation
    1

    Day 12 Mathiba & Sedie Schools 1

    October 3, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    At last the day has arrived when we make our first contact with the schools we have come to work with. Excitement was in the air at our 6.45 am breakfast. How was the day going to turn out? What were the Botswanan students going to be like?

    The normal Sitatunga transport was stretched to the limit as the camp was fairly full so they organised for us to use a tour company's overland truck to take us to Mathibe School. As we walked in through the gates we found the 1200 primary students lined up at assembly to welcome us. The Principal, Mr Noah ? , welcomed the Oxley contingent and asked Peter Craig to talk to the assembled students.

    Afterwards we all adjourned to the staff room where we were formally introduced to the staff. There was an agenda and prayers at the start and end of formalities. Steve Marnoch spoke on behalf of Oxley and presented Mathibe with teaching resources and a cash gift of $1400 for their use (raised by Oxley students)..

    As the Oxley students left the staff room they were welcomed by a song from a primary class. It was most unexpected and very touching!

    From Mathibe we walked down the road to the adjacent Sedie Junior Secondary School. There we also met their staff and the students who we would be working with, in a format manner. The School Head, Mrs Senatla Mokobela, made us most welcome. Afterwards, Sedie students showed us around the school.

    After the mid-morning break, we were taken in a bus hired especially for us to the Maun, Nhebe Museum. The curator had gone to town so we sat in the shade on restaurant chairs awaiting her return. Eventually she arrived and welcomed us with a talk about the history of the building. We then looked at the exhibits in the 3 room - birds, musical instruments (which were allowed to play) and portrait photos.

    After lunch, we were taken - via a bit of a detour as the bus driver had misunderstood our destination - to the Love Botswana Centre where we watched videos of Botswanan music.

    That ended our first, introductory day with the schools and we were picked up by our Sitatunga transport. Going through Maun we stopped at a Spar supermarket to stock up with water and snacks.

    Back at camp there was time for a swim before dinner. Just before dinner we were joined by two guests who had volunteered to come and talk to us - Drs Jess Isden and Leanne van der Weyde. Both work in predator conservation and Leanne told us what she was doing with cheetahs and Jess her roles with lions. It was particularly interesting to learn of the alternative methods that were being used to prevent farmers shooting predators to protect their livestock. Dogs are being trained to adopt a goat herd and chase off cheetah while plastic sheeting is being used around bomas where cattle are corralled at night to confuse the lions. Oxley students found the discussion most interesting and asked lots of questions.

    It was a very tired group who dragged themselves off to bed that night!    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler

    Day 11 Our horse-back safari

    October 2, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We had an early breakfast in preparation for our horse riding this morning. Dany Hancock of Rides on the Wildside arrived and we were broken up into groups determined by riding ability and weight. The first two groups, led by Natacha Brochard and Peter Craig, were driven the short ride to the camp's boat ramp. Soon the 13 were speeding upstream on the Thamalakane River for a 15 minute ride to the horses. It was a great way to start the day, with herons and fish eagles in view.

    At our point of disembarkation, within a private game park, we were met by Liz and Katherine and the horses. One group rode for an hour while the other group were taught how to groom and look after horses. And then the roles were reversed.

    On our ride we saw zebra, eland, oryx, springbok, impala and giraffe. It was great to see these beautiful animals from close up on horse back. At the end of our ride we came trotting back to the river.

    In the afternoon the groups swapped round and, as in with the morning group, those not riding spent the afternoon in the swimming pool.

    We were joined by Mrs Senatla Mokobela, the Sedie Junior Secondary School Principal, for dinner which we had out under the trees. A relaxing evening followed before we retired to our tented accommodation.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler
    Steve Marnoch, Natasha Brochard & Peter Craig in the delta camp
    1

    Day 10 Back to Sitatunga Camp

    October 1, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Our time in the Okavango Delta had come to an end. Tents came down and day packs filled before we had breakfast. Then it was a case of loading everything that we had brought into the 9 mokoros. It was sad to say goodbye to our island but the experience had been fun.

    On our pole back to Boro, along the channels created by hippos or mokoros, there were water lily flowers and the occasional pretty pink blossom. Overheard the early morning small planes, that had departed from Maun for delta lodges, roared passed. And we saw buffalo.

    At Boro we formed a chain to unload and stack all our equipment as we waited for our truck to arrive. We watched the departure of many mokoros taking their visitors out for a Delta experience.

    Eventually the Delta Rain truck arrived and we loaded everything and everybody on board. At this stage we said farewell to our friendly polers and Matt made a short thank you speech before handing over our group tip to the Lead poler. A long bumpy, dusty ride to the highway followed and soon we were in Maun where we stopped to buy water.

    We arrived at Sitatunga Camp before lunch and learned that our tented accommodation for the next 6 nights had beds and our own ensuite. Luxury!! It was great to have a shower and wash off 3 days of delta dust, mud and sand. Burgers and chips for lunch were most welcome.

    It was great to relax in the heat of the afternoon with a swim or a snooze. Some laundry got done.

    At dinner that night, in the restaurant, after a filling meal, we said a group farewell to Damian and Bertus. Charlotte and Ben spoke of their appreciation of the important roles these two had played in making the safari part of our visit a success. Again it was sad to say goodbye but their roles in our visit to Botswana had ended and they departed for Vic Falls and another tour group and another adventure.    Read more

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana2Traveler

    Day 9 Okavango Delta

    October 1, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    The day started with a light breakfast at 5.45 and we were in our mokoros by 6.30. Twenty minutes later we were ashore on a large island and we broke up into 4 groups with a guide and a supporter.

    It was a great walk in the cool of the morning and lasted 3.5 hours during which we probably walked up to 15 kms. During that time we came close to a herd of zebra, a breeding herd of elephants, up to 15 giraffe, a pair of wildebeest and a lone impala. Most satisfying but tiring.

    Damian had cooked a big breakfast for us on our return and then everyone either swam or found shade as the intense heat of the day kicked in. It must have hovered around the 40C!

    At 5.00 we roused ourselves and each pair headed for their poler and his mokoro. We were poled to a nearby pool and sat, among the reeds on the edge watching a large hippo and the sun setting. The hippo got a bit tired of our company and did a few mock charges before we strategically withdrew.

    Damian prepared another great dinner for us to eat around the campfire. And then the evening took an interesting turn as all 18 polers started singing and dancing for us - with plenty of ululating in between. It was great! And then it was Oxley's turn and to their credit the whole group got stuck in and sang their hearts out- including the Oxley hymn and the National Anthem .    Read more

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