Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania
This collection of photos were shot the morning we descended to the crater floor of Ngorongoro. Up early to catch the first light of day, all disgruntled thoughts about being shaken out of bed quickly dissipated the moment we saw the lions returning home from the hunt & the clouds rolling over the surrounding mountainsides. We weren’t the only people here by any stretch of the imagination but the floor of the crater is massive and it’s very easy to get a little corner seemingly to yourself.
You really get a sense of this being the literal birthplace of humankind (just west of the Crater are the 3.6 million year old Laetoli footprints.) And no time of the day enhances this otherworldly feeling than the very early am.
Okavango Delta - Botswana
Well I could easily fill a whole blog post with pictures and memories from our time in the Delta - one of the best experiences of my life. We were fortunate enough to be based at the incomparable Kadizora Camp; situated in a remote corner of the Northern Okavango, our time here was unforgettable. At such an intimate camp, the wildlife is around every corner (and often found crossing your path on the walk back to tent after sundown.) Both experiences on the water, on a boat and also traditional Mokoro canoe, were highlights. Seeing elephants bathing at dusk, hearing hippos mating in the surrounding bushes and crocodiles slipping in to the water on your approach…amazing!
South Luangwa - Zambia
This was an unexpected delight for me - with zero expectation of what Zambia had to offer, lets just say it blew me away. We were based right on the river side, so our evenings were spent revelling in the sound of numerous (and vocal) hippos gearing up for their night as well as elephants casually walking through camp.
Relatively untouched by mass tourism, you get to revel in a sense of true wilderness here. And also have the opportunity to venture out on a walking safari…which I haven’t been able to partake in anywhere else and have been assured (despite the ever present hyenas) that its perfectly safe to do…memorable at least!
Of all of the wonderful experiences here, I must be honest and say that I didn’t love the night safari (another uncommon thing to do), from the minute we spotted the leopard. Up until that moment it was a thoroughly enjoyable and very unique way to see the wildlife as they geared up to hunt (something you can’t really do in many other parts of Africa, where come sundown it’s back to camp.) Due to the obvious excitement that comes hand in hand with witnessing this rather elusive big cat, came a certain level of (I felt) intrusive spotlight & vehicle action as the poor (injured) leopard tried to evade a pack of lions on the prowl.
Cape Town - South Africa
What a city! Of course, one of the standout experiences was a trip up Table Mountain (note to self, not the most confident when it comes to cable cars - particularly of the revolving kind!! Next time I might opt for the hiking alternative.)
A day out at Robben Island, notorious as the gaol housing Nelson Mandela during apartheid as well as a visit to the District Six Museum, which commemorates the forced movement of 60,000 inhabitants of various races in District Six - were enlightening experiences.
We stayed down on the V&A waterfront which would definitely be recommended. Such a refreshing change to be able to safely get out and explore on foot with no rogue wildlife to be concerned about (except the cute Rock Hyrax/Dassie - much like our Quokka - that inhabit Table Mountain.) We were amazed at the great value fine dining on offer here, and lovely drinking spots by the waterfront.
