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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 En savoir plus🇦🇺Burrill Lake
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  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratVoyageur

    Day 5

    5 avril 2023, Inde ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Breakfasted 7.15 with Rahul and staff and finally left after 8.00. It had been a great stop at Rann Riders but had eaten for too much.

    It was a morning of diving through flat countryside which slowly changed from farms and villages to huge areas of villagers making salt.Then increasing industrial activity., wind turbines heavy trucks and traffic.

    Our route tok us from Disada, through Patrick,
    Dhrangadhpur,  Halved,, Malia and finally to our first destination of the day.

    We visited the Living & Learning Design Centre (LLDC, a huge museum and workshop) near Bhuj. Fascinting displays and guided tour. Arrived about1.00 and departed at 5.00 pm.

    Met guide PD and taken into a local village, and specifically to a local dyer who uses natural indigo, ,alum , etc. Watched weavers at their looms and then showed the indigo dying process with the vats of indigo (cake made from the leaves), crushed dates and Jagger (sugar cane) and water.

    Viv bought a shawl while I sat outside and chatted to PD and the local family as they went about their evening chose of milking the Brahmin cattle, feeding the calves, etc. Given a shawl, most unexpectedly by the grandfather. The family had won the all-India weaving competition four times in the past.

    A cricket game going on in the street at 8.30 as we left. Drove through crowded streets into Bhuj  a huge city substantially rebuilt after a devastating earthquake of 2001 when thousands died. Found Bhuj House hotel, a traditional home turned into a small hotel. As we arrived,  a mosque opened up with an evening call to prayer,  part of Ramadan. Shower and late meal with DK and Anita. Chatted to the owner (Johan?) before heading for bed at 10.00. It had been a busy day    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratVoyageur

    Day 4 The Asiatic Wild Asses plus

    4 avril 2023, Inde ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Our alarm went off at 5.15 am and we got ourselves ready for a game drive in the Little Rann of Kutch. Lead by Hator, we climbed into a Gypsy at 6.00 am and drove through the village of Desada and onwards with the ground becoming increasingly salty and the bushes more and more thorn scrub.

    Once we had reached the Wild Ass Reserve we followed crispy, salty tyre tracks across the flat landscape (reminiscent of the Nai Pans or Maghadighadii in Botswana) looking for wildlife.

    Eventually we found 3 photographers (the only other people we saw all morning) parked near a fox's den, waiting for the mother to return to the pups hiding in a hole in a bank. Shortly afterwards we spotted the mother and moved closer to her, watching her digging for grubs. Back at the hide, we were able to watch a pup emerge on the bank.

    Later we moved on, searching for wild ass. Came across a herd of young males but they were skittish and moved off. When a larger herd appeared we approached fairly closer, stopped and watched them, and then had breakfast at the same time. Eventually we walked towards the herd and they allowed us to get really close before breaking into a run. Ir was great!

    Then it was on to visit the salt workers and watched them operating at their pans, skimming the salt crystals off the top of the salt beds by hand and tractor..    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratVoyageur

    Day 3 Ahmedabad to Desada

    3 avril 2023, Inde ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We met DK and Anita downstairs at breakfast at 7.30 as life stirred around us Reasonable choice. On the road by 8.30 heading through the city traffic northwards to Modhera and its famous Sun Temple. Delegates from a G20 meeting were scheduled to visit later in the day but we were able to see the entire siteand benefit from a dance rehearsal for later important visitors.

    We shown around the Hindu Temple by guide Vipal who explained the intricacies of the design - from cleansing pool, to the first temple and then finally the inner sanctuary in the second building. All clearly aligned with the fising sun at the equinox shining through the doors of both buildings to strike the holiest part. Numbers of columns, panels,etc.,etc all conforming to Hindu beliefs. Fantastic cravings.

    On our way out we watched the very impressive dance routines being practiced for later.

    From Modhera, joined by Vipal, we travelled north to Patan and its UNESCO World Heritage stepwell. On arrival there did not appear to be much there other than lawns shrubs, and a few monkeys. However, from the rim climbing slowly down through the 7 distinctive levels I became increasingly impressed
    It's an incredible building with more superb carvings. It was a huge surprise for me and definitely worth the visit.

    We returned to Modhera to drop off Vipal and then turned eastwards and eventually Disada. We kept phoning and delaying lunch at our next hotel. Rann Riders.and eventually sat down with the owner, Rahul, and some of his staff at 4.00. Rann Riders is an impressive quality retreat with high levels of performance.

    That evening we were taken to meet Mir tribal people near the village of Desada, buying bracelets and.entering their tents for an inspection. From the Mir we moved to nearby cattleherders, the ? and walked down their village streets. Engaged with the kids by taking photos and then showing them the results.

    Back to Rann Riders for a shower and a meal (which we thought was dinner) near the swimming pool & clay pigeon range. Talked to Rahul and others. Then at 10.00 it was back to the dining room for a large dinner. Rahul was definitely trying to impress DK! I have never eaten so much food, not want to upset our hosts.

    Bed at midnight, bloated and exhausted. But it had been a good day.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratVoyageur

    Day 2 Sydney to Ahmedabad

    2 avril 2023, Australie ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    We were up reasonably early with the boys and Lara and Al around us. Checked to see how Piers and Trent were doing with their insurance race. Breakfasted and finished picking.  Picked up by Uber driver Hashim at 7.30 and a fast run through the rain to the airport. Traffic congestion around the international terminal but eventually we were inside and became involved in the check-in, customs and immigration  process.

    While buying Australian presents for DK,  Anita and their boys, news came through that Piers and Trent had won their pairs category in the 130 kms endurance race, after 20.5 hours of competition, the last 8 hours in steady rain.  Very proud of them both.

    Flew SQ232 for nearly 8 hours to reach Singapore. Vary full plane and we were in the back row,  next to a South African transferring to a new job in Singapore. Watched it couple of movies but dozed intermittently.

    Had a quick change at Changi (about 1 hour) before we were aboard SQ 502 for a 5 hour flight to Ahmedabad.  Much emptier so Viv grabbed one row and i another as we tried to get some sleep. Slow through the airport officials, particularly the e-visa section, and then on to a very slow money exchange booth (Sunday 10.00 pm)  before emerging to find DK and Anita waiting for us - a very welcome sight!

    Taken in a minibus with a driver through the streets of Ahmedabad to the House of MG, the converted home of a very wealthy merchant. Straight to bed after 23 hours of travel.  Exhaustive but happy to be back in India.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratVoyageur

    Day 1 From Narrawallee to East Lindfield

    1 avril 2023, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    What a hectic day! A houseful of 3 nervous/excited athletic adventurers and a dog that was freaked out by suitcases being packed and strangers in his home. Piers had arrived the previous evening, followed soon after by his friend Trent and Matt. They were down in Ulladulla to take part in a 24 hour adventure race.

    So, it was an early start for all. Piers and friends had breakfasted, sorted out their gear and departed by 9.30. Beni watched us compete our packing very nervously and pulled items out when we weren't looking. Very frustrating and much bribery occurred. Last minute activities got in the way of dropping Beni off at the Ulladulla Pet Motel and we suddenly realised this 10 minutes after closing time. A mad panic followed with frantic unanswered phone calls and a fairly quick trip to south Ulladulla. Fortunately I was able to drop him off, and my anxiety levels could drop back to normal.
    Finally packed the car and went down to the Civic Centre to watch the start of Piers' race. Saw him off to Warden Headland and then come passed us on the Harbour beach before heading north in the car.

    Brief stop in Nowra (camer battery and Maccas for lunch)and we pushed through to East Lindfield by 5.00pm.

    Pizza supper with Niels and Reid, with Lara and Al going to a school function.

    Very tired and an early night in preparation for hours of flying tomorrow.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 18. And finally home

    14 octobre 2019, Angleterre ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    After an extended stay in Johannesburg we caught our onward overnight flights - the group to Perth and Peter Craig to London.

    No problems in Australian Customs so everybody is delighted that their souvenirs/gifts are safely in the country.

    Many thanks to all concerned. It is a huge responsibility for the adults who are on call 24 hours a day for the 18 days. Mrs Calver’s pastoral role was significant and often demanding. Mr Marnoch ensured that Oxley maintained its standards at all times. Mrs Marnoch provided a valuable support role. Their team work was much appreciated.

    Those Oxleyans visiting Botswana in 2019 acquitted themselves extremely well.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur
    2

    Day 17. Homeward Bound

    13 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    We were in no rush this morning with breakfast at 8.00. Tents were cleared and bags stored in Mr Craig’s tent, ready for delivery at the airport by midday.

    After breakfast we eventually climbed on to our transport for our last ride into Maun and we were dropped off adjacent to the airport. Once everybody had arrived we climbed up to the first floor movie theatre for a showing of biographical tribute to the life of Tim Liversedge. Tim has had a huge impact on the Maun region, as a scientist, a travel industry entrepreneur, and a cinematographer (Roar: Lions of the Kalahari). For his work as a naturalist Tim was given an honorary doctorate by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.

    Tim and June Liversedge were in attendance after the video and it was great to catch up with them (as we have done for the past 3 visits). We adjourned to the cafe around the corner and were joined by Senatla Mokobela, the Sedie principal.

    From there we collected our bags and checked in for our flight to Johannesburg. The small SALink jet took 1:20 to get to ORTambo in Johannesburg. After clearing Customs we headed for the familiar cafe to base ourselves for the duration of our transition.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 16. Horse-back game-viewing

    12 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    There was no urgency about the start of today. No wake-up calls, no hurry-ups. Half of the group had no deadline to meet. All wandered slowly up to breakfast at 7.00 in their own time.

    By 7.30 we had been joined by local resident, Dany Hancock, of Rides on the Wildside, who had split the students into 2 groups, one to ride in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Dany had organised our transport to the private game reserve where we were to ride. We were soon on the back of a truck and because the Thamalakane River is dry were able to take a short cut across the river bed to the horse stables.

    Once inside the reserve we divided again with one group grooming horses and the other riding. Led by a guide, with an assistant behind, we rode in single file gradually increasing in confidence as the ride progressed. Some groups walked, other more competent riders were able to be more challenged.

    In the course of the ride we were able to see close up several giraffes, eland, zebra, springbok, gemsbok, ostrich and monkeys. It was a great way to view the wildlife: very different to our previous experiences.

    The two groups then swapped over, both having a ride, a grooming session and a period of relaxation back in the camp at Sitatunga. The theory for those back in camp was to pre-pack and organise (R&R) before the start of the long haul tomorrow to return home.

    Charlotte, the Sitatunga cook, did us proud again for dinner - steak and boerewors. We had our final de-brief of the tour and then talked about tomorrow’s arrangements for our travel to the airport and onwards.

    It was a tired group who headed for bed - but everyone had had a great ride.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 15 Our last school day

    11 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    The Delta Rain vehicles were being used for many different activities this morning - ferrying us to Sedie as well as collecting tour groups from the delta - so to accommodate all that our transport left Sitatunga Camp at 7.00 am. We were at Sedie in time to join the morning assembly which lasted about 10 minutes.

    After that we, and our Sedie buddies, and a couple of teachers, climbed aboard a bus organised by the school and drove across town to visit the Delta Waters International School (a private school with about 800 primary and 170 secondary students, including some boarders).

    We were made extremely welcome at the school at an assembly which included speeches, some marimba music and some singing. The quality was extremely high. From the assembly we broke up into 4 groups who were exposed to different activities - traditional Setswana games, conservation club, science and basketball.

    There is much in common between Oxley and Delta Waters. Both were established by small groups of parents wanting a local alternative to sending their children away to boarding schools.. Both took on great financial risk at the beginning. Delta Waters has developed a little oasis in the harsh Botswanan Kalahari with green lawns, playing fields and a swimming pool.

    We arrived back at Sedie JSS by midday and found a shady spot for lunch. After that we met up with our buddies in the hall and sat in discussion groups to get to know each other better. A lively conversation hum soon started.

    By 1.30 our transport had arrived and we spent an hour in town, with most looking at the curio stalls for momentos of their visit. Back at Sitatunga Camp we had a lazy afternoon, swimming, playing volleyball or using the wifi. Dany Hancock, of Rides on the Wildside (tomorrow’s horse ride), came by to say hello.

    Refreshed, we were ready for the Farewell BBQ put on by Sedie JSS.. In 2 vehicles we returned to school where tables had been laid out in a quadrangle. We were joined by our buddies and their parents. Speeches were made and prayers said, and the meal followed. It was a good way to end our visit to the school. Many friendships had started and others renewed.

    Back at camp we had a short briefing to let everyone know what was happening on our final full day in Botswana. And then it was time for bed. Our visit to the schools had ended on a high note.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur
    1

    Day 14. (Day 2 Mathiba)

    10 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☁️ 35 °C

    We are now used to the routine of getting ready for school & breakfasting prior to departure from Sitatunga. This morning - a cloudy, cooler day to start with - we set off before 7.15 and drove through Maun centre, passed the airport, to Mathiba Memorial Primary School. The school is at the end of the airport runway and we had frequent small aircraft, delta lodge bound, take off over us in the course of the morning.

    The 1000+ students started lining up for Assembly as we arrived and once we were in position in front of them we were treated to a whole-assembly dance and song, which was a fabulous African greeting. They were remarkably rhythmic and intensely focused, the little ones keenly determined to do their best.

    At the end of Assembly and introductions from their Executives and Stephen Marnoch, they started singing “When the Saints go marching in” and year groups peeled off and went to their classrooms .

    The remaining Standard IIs were divided into small groups, which found a shady spot, and Oxley began its teaching morning.

    The pairs of Oxley students spent the next 2 hours teaching, swapping groups every 40 minutes or so for the variety. It was great fun and everybody enjoyed the experience.

    After break, we walked out of the ‘Oxley Gates’ the 400 metres to the local clinic. After a bit of a wait, while the waiting room emptied, we entered the HIV Aids section where we listened to a talk by a male nurse and an administrator. We were given an overview as to how the clinic dealt with their patients.

    Returning to Mathiba, we sat in the shade of an admin building corridor and ate our packed lunch.

    After lunch, we were invited by the Standard VIs to a ‘cultural welcome’. It was a most interesting hour or so. Mathiba have really worked hard to make our visit memorable and their organisation has been impressive. It is obvious they value their link with Oxley.

    Staff spoke, children acted in traditional costume, singing and ululating occurred, a gift was given and games played (a local traditional board game) and skipping took place. It also gave Oxley the opportunity to handover the books and games each student had brought. It was a great ending to our visits to Mathiba this trip and we were sad to say farewell to the friends we had made.

    While we waited for our transport to arrive, the wind gusted, a storm blew up and there was lightning and thunder. A few raindrops fell - Oxley’s first in their visits to Botswana - but nothing really came of it. We hope that it is the start of a much needed rainy season.

    The usual ‘Choppies’ supermarket stop occurred on the way home to camp and we were back by 5.00. Everyone relaxed until our guest speakers arrived at 6.00. We had a fascinating evening with Drs Leanne van der Weyde and Jess Isden sharing their experience in cheetah (Leanne) and lion (Jess) conservation and mitigation. This was the third time the two had shared their experiences with Oxley groups and it is really appreciated.

    Jess and Leanne joined us for dinner - as did Edward of the Sedie Science Department - and it was an interesting conversation.

    We broke up about 9.00 and slowly headed for bed, exhausted. It had been a busy, rewarding and overwhelming (by the enthusiasm of the Mathiba staff and students) sort of day.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 13. (Day 2 Sedie, Day 1 Mathiba)

    9 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C

    Today we were in less of a hurry to get to Sedie JSS and we took on the Maun morning traffic. Once at school we waited for some time to be allocated to our classes. In groups of about 5 we attended classes until morning break. Most of the classes were doing revision for their Form III exams which start next week.

    At break we left Sedie and walked the 800 metres to next door Mathiba Memorial Primary School. Previously the entrance to the school had been unimposing but now there’s an impressive set of gates that clearly state the relationship between Oxley College and Mathiba., of which they are most proud.

    We were all taken into the Mathiba staff room and were welcomed by the Mathiba Head (Noah) and his staff. Mr Marnoch spoke on behalf of Oxley and the meeting ended with a prayer.

    From there we went outside where a group of Standard IV students danced for us in traditional costume. It was most impressive!

    Then, in pairs of Oxley students, we were allocated groups of Mathiba students and, after looking for shade in the school grounds we set about engaging with the primary students. Some played games, others read stories or coloured in Australian animals. We had great fun and everybody enjoyed themselves. A return to Mathiba tomorrow is now eagerly anticipated.

    We walked back to Sedie for the packed lunch we had brought with us from the camp and sat in the shade of the car park to eat it. The afternoon was so hot that by mutual agreement activities were cancelled and we returned, via a supermarket stop for water, to Sitatunga.

    After a shower or swim we were ready for the local challenge of a football and netball game with neighbouring villagers. A short trip on one of the trucks, a greeting (dumela) to the headmen of the 4 adjacent kraals, and the games started. Everybody had fun, enjoyed themselves and the Oxley teams gave a good showing against the local adults.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 12 (Day 1 Sedie JSS)

    8 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    We were determined to be on time for our first school day so the wake up call was 5.30, with breakfast at 6.00. By 7.00 our transport had arrived and dressed in our Oxley sports uniform we climbed aboard our trucks for the 45 minute drive to Sedie School. To avoid the morning rush hour traffic we took a couple of ‘long cuts’ on unpaved roads but we were on time.

    Once at Sedie Junior Secondary School we were ushered into a nearby staff room where we received a formal welcome to Sedie, to Mathiba Primary School and to Maun. In attendance were the Heads of both schools, a representative of the Ministry of Education, a parent and several staff. When the guests departed, our ‘buddies’ entered the room and we individually made their acquaintance.

    After that we went on a tour of the school, visiting the computer room, the library, kitchens, Home Economics and Art rooms.

    After a morning break students went with their buddies to class while the staff talked to the Head of Sedie, Mrs Senatla Mokobele.

    At midday, we somewhat haphazardly used transport to get to the Nhabe Museum in town where we were shown around by the curator. Afterwards we had lunch sitting in the shade in the museum grounds.

    From the museum we were transferred to the Maun kgotla where we were welcomed to Maun by 3 important chiefs. The conversation broadened as some good questions were asked and the chiefs warmed to the occasion. It became a most interesting session.

    We were picked up from the kgotla and taken into town to buy water (plus). It had been a long day by the time we got into camp.

    However, everyone perked up as they began to listen to our esteemed visitor, the world-renowned rhino conservationist, Map Ives. We sat out in the open in front of the restaurant, in the cool of the evening and found his talk fascinating. Oxley asked plenty of questions and got some interesting responses.

    https://youtu.be/Bw9sHvr7NVM

    Map left us before dinner which we ate in the restaurant. A de-brief of the day followed ( a lot of good things occurred: other aspects need to be re-assessed).

    We had no problem directing all to their tents at 9.30.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 11. Our return to Sitatunga from the

    7 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    It was a slow start to the morning as it was our intention to leave the island at 9.00. We are now used to de-camping so it did not take us long to get ready. With the help of the 20 polers we were soon able to leave the campsite as clean as we found it.

    It was an hour’s pole to the village of Daunara where we were met by the Delta Rain crew (who run Sitatunga and the delta mokoros) and we loaded the vehicles. We said farewell to our poler friends, and Charlotte G thanked them and gave Mr K a large tip for him to share among them.

    Our visit to the Okavango had been a huge success. What a great array of animals we had seen and the mokoros and their polers had been special.

    It was a 2 hour drive back to Maun where we bought more water (and an ice cream or two) before heading 13 kms out of town to Sitatunga Camp. Bheki had looked after the truck and our suitcases in our absence and he had prepared lunch for us.

    After lunch we helped them pack all their camping equipment and then had a farewell gathering to say goodbye to Bheki and Munya. Aiofe thanked Bheki and Millie thanked Munya. Both spoke well and passed on a well-deserved gratuity to each of them. The truck left soon afterwards, on its way back to base in Victoria Falls .

    We had a lazy afternoon after moving into our Meru-style tents (each has its own en-suite). Swimming , volleyball, laundry, reading. The temperature sat in the high 30s but it is a dry heat.

    Everyone was hungry by dinner time and we had our first meal prepared by the Sitatunga cooks. It was a great success, eaten under the stars. Two Sedie teachers, Bofelo and Sebubu, came to say hello to everyone and stayed for a drink.

    We had no problem suggesting that their new beds should be tried out at the end of another hot day.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur
    11

    Day 10 On an Okavango Delta island

    6 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Mr K woke the entire camp at 5.00 am and we were soon up . The kettle had been boiled on the fire so we started the day with a hot drink and a rusk. By 5.45 we were down at the mokoros and we were soon ferried the short distance across the channel to start our morning walk.

    Breaking up into the same 4 groups as the previous day we headed off in different directions, led by a guide, with an assistant bringing up the rear. The walk lasted 4 hours in total with frequent stops to observe the wildlife and a mid-walk halt where we sat in the shade on the side of a termite mound.

    Most groups saw the same animals but obviously in different circumstances. Our group came across a herd of 12 giraffe, with a similar number of zebra nearby, as well as impala. Continuing our walk we saw warthog, a Secretary bird, 3 bushbuck, a large herd of buffalo and a herd of wildebeest. In the distance we saw elephants.

    On our return we saw smaller groups of the same animals as the heat of the day began to rise and animals sought cover. Back at camp we were welcomed by one of Munya’s amazing breakfasts.

    For the rest of the day, apart from lunch at 1.00, we either sought shade and read or played loud, noisey games, or dozed: while some did wash/swim in the waterhole or try their hand at poling a mokoro.

    By 5.00 pm we were all aboard our mokoros and were taken by our polers along a nearby watercourse . Round the corner we sat and watched 5 elephants move across in front of us from one bank to the other. There were herons and long-tailed shrike, and water lilies in the wider sections of the channel.

    As the sun neared the horizon we arrived at a large expanse of water inhabited by 8 hippos. We sat, in our mokoros, close to the reeds and watched the hippos sink and resurface, and the sun ball slowly disappear. It was a beautiful setting and a stunning scene.

    In the gathering gloom, we returned to camp where Munya had prepared a great ‘African’ meal. He has certainly done us proud and there has always been ample available.

    After dinner water was sprinkled on the sand around the campfire and the polers gathered for songs and dances, entertaining the group. There were some great acts, the highlights of which were ‘the old man’ dance and the ‘frog dance’. We ended the polers contribution by having a black and white song (polers and Oxleyans mixed),’Beautiful Africa’.

    Oxley decided to sing to the polers and they were entertained by the School Song and the School Hymn, followed by Advance Australia Fair.

    It had been another day of memorable, but exhausting , experiences and it was not difficult to persuade everyone to go to bed.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 9 Into the Okavango

    5 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    The camp was ‘on the move’ by 6.00 and all tents were down by 7.00 before breakfast. We organised our water and backpacks for our morning’s 2 hour drive to Daunara. After breakfast we said farewell to Brian whose role as additional vehicle and driver was over and he left to return to Johannesburg.

    We were also welcomed by the Sitatunga Camp owners Karina and Gerald, and the manager, Ollie, all folk who have got to know the Oxley students well over the past 3 years.

    Soon after 8.00 the Sitatunga troop carrier was loaded up with tents, camping gear, food and students and we were on our way. With a jeep and trailer as well, we headed back to Maun and northwards, before turning west and driving on a dusty, sandy, bumpy road that often required the use of the lower gears of the 4WD. Eventually we reached Daunara, our mokoro ‘port’ and unloaded everything.

    Our party consisted of 20 mokoros, usually with 2 passengers, and a poler, but also camping gear. We manoeuvred in the narrow read-choked channels between the islands for an hour and a half seeing elephant and giraffe in the distance. It was very hot (Mrs Marnoch’s wristwatch thermometer read 43C) so we welcomed our arrival at a treed site where we could put up our tents and relax

    Munya provided another of his special lunches and we relaxed in the heat of the afternoon, playing cards, ready and sleeping.

    At 5.00 we crossed the narrow channel by mokoro and broke up into 4 groups for a short evening game walk. There was a spectacular sunset but most of us were also fortunate to see a herd of 10 zebra and a mother elephant and 2 calves, with lechwe, wildebeest and warthog in the distance.

    We came back to camp for another of Munya’s meals, consisting of various African components. It was such a hit that a line for seconds occurred very quickly. What an amazing skill he has to feed over 30 of us with such basic camping facilities.

    After dinner we had the usual debriefing, led by Mr Craig, with Mr “K”, the leader of the polers talking about the next day and also how the toilet system worked.

    By 9.30, grubby and tired, we were in our tents. It had been a hot but rewarding day.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur
    1

    Day 8. Meerkats, the Makgadikgadi plus

    4 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    It was a very early start for all this morning, made even earlier by a dog barking outside our tents. The ‘Oxley, we are on the move call came at 4.45 and by 5.15 all the tents were empty and we breakfasting. By 5.45 we were in the Planet Baobab car park waiting for our jeeps, and we were soon on our way.

    We drove through and southwards out of Gweta and had a bumpy, dusty 1.5 hour drive to a meerkat colony.. This group of 11 (with 2 pregnant females are a couple of babies) had become habituated and were able to walk among them, watching the adults digging for grubs and scorpions while the babies played.

    A light breakfast onsite followed before we drove to, and on to, the vast Ntetwe Pan, part of the Makgadikgadi ( which means very dry in the local language). We were encouraged by Super to walk alone out on to the salt pan and have ‘time-out’ by ourselves in the empty landscape. Many went a longlong way to find solace.

    It was time to turn back but we took a different route, looking for some wildlife in the neighbouring concession. Huge vultures were seen at a waterhole and a breeding herd of 30 elephant at the next. That was followed by a pride of 4 large lions, and then a herd of wildebeests. We were so lucky!

    A dusty bumpy ride back to Planet Baobab followed and we were tired and dirty, but happy and ready for Munya’s lunch. Finally everything was in the vehicles and we drove 3 hours west to Maun.

    We parked in the centre and while Munya and Bheki shopped for the Okavango mokoro safari. We bought water and things we need and then the vehicles headed the 13 kms to Sitatunga Camp. Up went the tents and the volleyball court became popular.

    We had been greeted by Tom and he came back after dinner to give us a “delta” briefing. Plenty of water, muted clothing and a backpack of necessities only. As we were fairly late, everyone was in their tents by 9.45    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 7. Planet Baobab & Gweta

    3 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Not in a hurry this morning, so it was a slow start to the morning. Everyone now knows the routine and tents came down, bags packed and the vehicles loaded without any problems.

    After breakfast we drove the short distance into Nata and went shopping in Choppies for water plus. We also filled up with fuel before starting our drive westwards, a road that will eventually take us Maun tomorrow night.

    The countryside was very, very dry and the road deteriorated in patches. About an hour and a half later we turned off and had reached our destination, Planet Baobab.

    We moved into our campsite, tents went up and we were soon in the swimming pool. For lunch we had a traditional meal in the dining room, starting with a hand wash as used our fingers rather than cutlery. On the menu was sadza (a thick maize porridge), native spinach, beans, mapani worms, tripe and shredded beef. Everybody had a go and tried their best.

    After lunch we piled on to three jeeps, driven by Bakos, Super and Chemical, and were taken to a nearby cattlepost. Cattle are not allowed in the village of Gweta and so families set up a base further out in the bush. We explored the compound and talked to some meel players (a local board game).

    From the cattlepost we were taken to the village of Gweta for a slow drive to the spring around which the town developed, and then on passed the school, the library, the hospital and the post office. We were back at Planet Baobab by 4.30 and were soon playing Marco Polo in the pool.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 6. South to Nata & the Bird Sanctuar

    2 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    The whole camp was aroused by 6.00 and within an hour all the tents were down, bags packed and the trucks loaded up. After another of Munya’s breakfasts we were ready for the morning’s drive south.

    As the truck and the minibus rolled southwards, the view was of dry bush and occasional grasslands. We saw a baboon troop and elephants in the distance. An amazing sight interrupted the card game in the front of the truck as the vehicles came to a sudden halt. We had stumbled upon an eland migration with the herd numbering an estimated 80 beasts. These are extremely rare and generally only found in small groups. Our much-travelled support staff had never seen anything like this before.. We had been so lucky!

    At Pandamatenga we stopped for a toilet break before pushing on, passed huge agri-business farms irrigated by bore water. There were several roadside giraffes after that as well as ostriches, steenbok, and vervet monkeys.

    We drove through Nata an additional 10kms to Nata Lodge where we set up our tents while Munya prepared lunch. After that we headed for the swimming pool and a lazy early afternoon followed.

    At 4.30 we left for a visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary . Unfortunately there was no water in the Suwa Pans and the flamingos and pelicans had gone elsewhere. Nevertheless we did see wildebeest in numbers.

    We watched the sunset from the middle of the saltpans and were getting back on the jeeps in the increasing gloom when Sarah noticed her phone was missing. The Jeep was searched and then we had an ‘ostrich parade’ out on the pans as torches began to be used. Just when the search waswas abandoned the phone was found by Nick and we headed back to camp in the dark- very relieved!

    A late dinner followed and a different sort of day ended on a good note.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur
    2

    Day 5. Elephants without Borders

    1 octobre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    It was luxury to lie in bed this morning and watch the sky colours change. The camp slowly came to life as everyone caught up on the sleep they had missed since leaving Australia. Breakfast was at 8.00 on a mild morning but the temperature is due to rise.

    After breakfast we did a bit of laundry before leaving the campground. We bought water for the day before moving to the nearby Elephants without Borders compound at Kasangula.

    We were welcomed by Old Oxleyan, Tempe Adams, and later met her bosses Kelly Landon and Mike Chase. Immediately we were split into groups with one group observing a 6 week-old elephant orphan being fed while the students met the 3 older orphans, Tuli, Panda and Morelo.

    Tempe gave us a PowerPoint talk about the activities in which EWB is involved and also her own role in the small but important NGO. There was so much more diverse activity than anyone realised! Which made it all the more significant when Tempe was presented with $2141 raised by the Year 9s to be spent as EWB saw fit. Yanni made a confident presentation speech and the EWB staff were amazed at the efforts involved.

    Afterwards, the two groups roles were reversed: followed by lunch sitting on the lawn.

    EWB has been given a large riverside land grant to reforest and establish a Chobe Culture and Wildlife Centre. There are plans for a Culture centre, a board walk, teaching areas, reforestation, threatened species care (the Chobe bushbuck) and educational programmes. A visitor last week was Prince Harry who is a close friend of Dr Mike Chase of EWB. We drove to the site and watered the 250 trees planted by local school children at the time of Harry’s visit. Harry had planted a small baobab and we followed suit in our own area, planting 6 trees representing the six Oxley houses. Afterwards we celebrated this little part of ‘Oxley in Botswana ‘ with a photo at Harry’s baobab.

    We left the property late afternoon, bought water in the supermarket, and returned Thebe River Camp. Dinner followed, where we were joined again by Tempe, before she headed off again to mind a baby elephant.

    It had been a different - but most rewarding - day, enjoyed and absorbed by all.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 4. Kasane: game-viewing from jeep& b

    30 septembre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    It was an early start this morning as we wanted to be at the Sedudu Gate for the 6.00am opening. A warm drink and a rusk started our day before we walked to Reception in the red-tinged dawn to board our park vehicles.

    It was a cold ride but we there on time and we warmed up as the sun rose. None of the elephants or giraffe of yesterday but we did see hippo and their babies grazing on the land adjacent to the Chobe River. Again we were fortunate to see two different lion prides (something not seen by last year’s Oxley students). Yesterday’s concern for a large sick elephant we found lying on the ground proved to be this morning’s meal for a lion pride.

    In this morning’s drive we saw some different species, including fish eagles, drongos, vultures, alarmed baboon troop and some warthogs. There were several mother and baby combinations of grazing hippos. After a stop in a ‘Stretch Point’ we slowly headed back to the Sedudu Park Gate, seeing groups of male and then female kudus on the way.

    Back at Thebie River Camp by 9.30 we enjoyed a late breakfast prepared by Munya. After that we had a lazy morning as the temperatures climbed toto the mid-30s. Some washed clothes, some played football, and all swam and adjourned to the restaurant for a cool drink. Lunch followed at 1.00 with more R&R until we left for our river cruise mid-afternoon.

    Our pontoon craft, after checking in to the park boat office, slowly explored the banks of the Chobe River. We got close to hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, lechwe, waterbuck, maribou storks and a pair of solitary elephants (where had all of yesterday afternoon’s gone?). As the sun dropped we completed our circumnavigation of Sedudu Island and followed the Namibian bank waiting for the sunset to develop. And it was worth the effort!

    We were picked up by Bheki and Brian and returned to camp to find Tempe Adams of Elephants without Borders visiting us. Tempe joined us for dinner before leaving to take up her shift with a new arrival in the baby elephant orphanage.

    It had been a hot day (37C) but a good one. The country had celebrated their 52nd Botswana Independence Day and we had seen a beautiful part of Africa.    En savoir plus

  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 3. Vic Falls, Botswana & our first g

    29 septembre 2019, Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    What a day! The Falls were great and a pride of lions at the end of the day was the icing on the cake!

    We started the day soon after 5.30 as the camp gradually awoke in the unfamiliar setting. Tents came down before breakfast and bags were packed. Munya produced a great meal which was most welcome.

    After breakfast we left the Shearwater Explorers Village camp and drove the short distance to the Falls car park where we met our guide, Innocence. He talked about the falls in front of a large diagram and then took us, walking on the back path, to the Victoria Falls bridge. From there we walked to Danger Point where we looked down at the Boiling Pot and the Zambian side - which had no water going over it.

    Gradually we made our way west to the waters on the Zimbabwean side where there was water going over the Main Falls and the Devil’s Cataract. We finished our visit with a look at David Livingstone’s statue.

    From the Falls, we left the township and headed west, reaching the Botswana border over an hour later. Formalities there finished with a walk through a ‘foot and mouth’ prevention chemical mixture, designed to protect Botswana’s cattle industry.

    From the border we drove the 20 minutes to Kasane where we had an hour in town while our crew shopped for fresh food. Once completed, we moved quickly to the nearby Thebe River Lodge campground, our home for the next 3 days. We put up our tents while Munya, aided by Bheki and Brian, prepared the ingredients for our DIY sandwich lunch.

    By mid-afternoon we were ready for our first game drive of our tour and were soon heading for the Sedudu Gate of the Chobe National Park in a Jeep and larger viewing truck. The landscape was incredibly dry with the only greenery on the floodplains and river bank of the Chobe River.

    However, in the 3 hours we were there, we saw some amazing game - including dozens of elephants , impala, kudu, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, Maribor stork, lilac crested rollers and vultures. The best was saved to last when were lucky enough to see a pride of 5 lions, dominated by a magnificent yellow-maned male. Fantastic!

    There was mad rush afterwards to exit the park at the mandatory 6.00 pm but we just made it. Back at camp, exhausted but happy, we unwound before dinner and then showered before bed.

    It had been a special day for all involved    En savoir plus

  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur
    Joburg airport
    Braiding resultsOn the Boma dance floorOxley at Victoria Falls hotelBoma welcome dance

    Day 2. Arriving at Victoria Falls townsh

    28 septembre 2019, Afrique du Sud ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    It was a long night - 11+ hours of flying time - and everyone tried to get some sleep. The plane was full but South African Airways looked after us well.

    We landed at 4.45 a.m., passed through Customs into a very quiet airport, and headed for a cafe to use as a base for the next few hours. Everyone did a bit of exploring to kill time. Even managed to introduce kudu and ostrich biltong to a few prepared to experiment. At last our flight time to Zimbabwe crept closer.

    It was a full flight on a SAA Airbus 320-200 that took us north on the short trip (about 1:20) to a very dry Zimbabwe. The Customs there have to be one of the slowest in the world. It took us longer to get through Customs than it did to fly from Johannesburg !

    Once through we were met by the ATC safari team of Bheki and Munya (last year’s cook), and the minibus driver, Brian, and taken into the village and our campground at Shearwater Explorers Village . Our tents were already up so a quick move into them followed and we were soon ready for a walk into town.

    We visited the beautiful old colonial Victoria Falls Hotel, with its flags still at half-mast for Robert Mugabe. It has a great ambience and the view down the Zambezi Gorges below the Falls never fails to impress. From the colonial-era hotel, the destination of European flying boat passengers in the mid-20th century, we walked to the Outlook Cafe, perched above the first of the rapids below the Falls. Unfortunately the rebuilding program after a disastrous fire there had not been completed and our visit was brief. On our walk we had seen mongoose, monkeys and baboons.

    From there it was a case of curio shopping, bargaining with the vendors, or returning to camp for a swim or shower. By 6.30 we had all changed and were ready for an evening of fun at the Boma Restaurant. The venue gradually filled up and throbbed to the sound of bongo drumming. To their credit, most of us tried some of the local foods on offer among the international fare - crocodile, and impala cold meat, eland meatballs, kudu steak, guinea fowl stew, mopani worms, etc. The food was good and once that was over everyone was given a bongo drum and the fun started. Hair-braiding experiments were tried. Exhaustion began to set in but most managed to get on the dance floor before it was time to head back to camp and a welcoming bed.

    It had been a very, very long day and the group had done remarkably well. A quick debrief with plans for tomorrow discussed and soon the camp was silent.

     Our first day in Africa was a huge success.    En savoir plus

  • Peter CraigOxley in Botswana 4Voyageur

    Day 1 Leaving Australia

    27 septembre 2019, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Well, we have all made it safely to Sydney Domestic Airport. Plenty of excitement & trepidation for the unknown. Had a gathering of the whole group and Mr Craig took everybody through tour expectations and group dynamics. All set to go with long flights and an overnight ahead of us.En savoir plus

  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Voyageur

    Final leg of the journey

    15 octobre 2018, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    It was a smooth overnight flight through to Perth with most sleeping.

    Going through Australian Customs in Perth those with woven items as gifts had them taken away from them. Arabella managed to set off the security with her knee brace but apart from that everyone is now looking forward to getting home and seeing family.

    They were a great group to take to Botswana and represented Oxley with pride. The relationship with the Maun schools has grown stronger and everybody has benefited from this.

    My thanks go to all the students and Tim Dibdin and Rani Ritchie for making this Botswana OSSO a success.    En savoir plus

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  • Peter CraigOxleyinBotswana3Voyageur

    The return home

    14 octobre 2018, 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.    En savoir plus

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