Out of Botswana and into Zimbabwe
June 18, 2001
Monday morning, the 18th of June. We have to leave Mowana Lodge, which means Baobab (the tree) in Setswana or Tswana, a Bantu language in the Sotho-Tswana group spoken by over 90% of the population and get cracking to move northeastward toward Karibe, Zimbabwe for Eclipse Day. Our itinerary has Victoria Falls as the next destination but we are just getting use to the river, the elephants and Botswana.
But, if it's Monday then we must be on our way to Zimbabwe!
Of course, that doesn't mean we can't have one more game drive and that's what we decide to do. We take one more drive.
We've packed and we've placed our bags outside the door. The bags are marked. We have warm clothes, have eaten an early breakfast and are ready to go.
So, let's get going!
Sunrise over Chobe National Park.
Our last morning here but we were in for one hellavah morning! Curious? Well, check out what our final morning drive in Botswana provided.
Last Morning Game Drive in Botswana
Was I a happy photographer at this point?
Yep!
And when it was all done we found ourselves on the road again. This time to Zimbabwe. So what is this "Mowana" Lodge? First, Mowana in Setswana means Baobab - Adansonia digitata, that incredible tree found throughout southern Africa. The Baobab figures in many stories and tales including the bible. Baobabs live between 2,000 to 6,000 years! Often referred to as Monkey Bread trees, they dot the landscape throughout Southern Africa.
So, it was time to leave Mowana Lodge, adaptly name for the magnificent tree which is the center piece of the lodge and its wonderful decor and amenities. By the way, did I ever mention that Mowana Lodge was President Clinton's African White House while he was in Africa? Well, it was.
Joan rests before departing. Our crew of intrepid adventurers gets ready for the next leg.
Time to get going. We're traveling from Botswana to Zimbabwe. That means customs, passports, etc.
And, that means you must know where you're headed, right?
And as we leave Botswana we see this beautiful Acacia tree..
Our entry into Zimbabwe is a sight of goats along the road
And for some unknown reason I get the feeling we're heading back into civilization. Then, out in the distance we see some clouds or mist above the trees, this must where we're headed. Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world!
Suddenly, as the bus makes a quick left turn off the highway we'r confronted with sidewalks, signs, and stores. I think we're lost.
We're here! Victoria Falls and the Kingdom Hotel. It certainly doesn't seem possible that 80 minutes ago we left elephants, crocs and hippos but it's true, we're in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Where's that Dr. Livingston and Mr. Stanley? I have to talk to them.
Back to home.
Book a Flight to Africa! © 2006 Anthony Galván
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