Friday, September 14
It was a sweaty night and I woke up early. We were heading to the boat at lunchtime and I decided to go ahead and pack. By the time I finished, it was almost time for breakfast and I decided another shower was in order. The water felt wonderful. When I was finished, I felt the best I had felt in two days. Breakfast was plentiful and tasted great. I think I overdid it, but it was nice to feel full again. I thought about a nap after breakfast but decided against as I had not fully explored the lodge due to my being ill. I spent the morning wandering around and taking pictures. When I grew tired of that, I caught up on my neglected journal entries.
Once again, it was back to the airport for a transfer to another van to take us to the boat. Our shuttle took us to the border post on the riverbank and while we checked out of Botswana the houseboat staff transferred our luggage to the launch. Once we were done with Botswana, we crossed the Chobe River to Impalila Island to sign into Namibia. The African folks sure do like stamping passports. With the last of the day’s stamping behind us, we headed down river to the boat. Only problem was it was the wrong boat. We were supposed to be on the same boat as we were last time — the “Pride of the Zambezi”. We ended up on one of her sister boats, the “Chobe Princess”. I decided to not address the issue at that moment, but you can bet your bottom dollar someone would hear about it later.
With me making a scene averted, we got settled into our cabins and met the other folks on the main deck for a late lunch, which was served where we met the other couples on the boat. Bill and Heather, along with Bruce and Diane, were nice and we quickly became acquainted over lunch, and we all decided it was way too hot. Our shipmates were from Canada and probably felt the effects of the heat more than we did. Thank goodness the rooms had A/C. After lunch we headed out for a game cruse. A game cruise is the houseboat’s equivalent of lodge’s game drive, just in a launch instead of a land cruiser. I thought the game viewing was about average except for the three female and two juvenile elephants swimming across the river. I haven’t seen that before. Everyone else thought the game viewing was fantastic.
We were back on board by 6:30, giving us just enough time to clean up and be up on deck for “sundowners”, and then dinner at 7:30. The cocktails are always best when they are actually served at sundown and tonight’s were no exception. Sundowners soon gave way to dinnertime and the food was good. Not what I would consider typical African fare but good nonetheless. We had: Crème-de-sweet potato soup, lamb stew (ok, this one was a little bit African), couscous, and steamed cauliflower. All very good, but my “out of sorts-ness” was returning. I was going to have to figure out this indigestion thing or I am going to be miserable this trip. Tomorrow would start early. Coffee at 6:15, into the launches at 6:30 and out for a sunrise game cruise. Then back for breakfast and battle with the tiger fish.
Main Lodge
Our Chalet while staying at Muchenje
One of the observation areas looking out over the floodplain
Our home for the next few days.
The lounging and dining area of the boat.
Elephants crossing the Chobe River. Our houseboat is in the background.
A little closer view of the elephants.
