Mogoro Day Trip on the Okovango Delta

4 May Saturday

We both woke up with much excitement as we planned to do a Mogoro Day trip organized by the Backpackers. This morning was really chilly so we were in longs and jerseys, not so ready to get out the tent. At 7:45 we met at reception where a game drive vehicle was waiting for us and four Spanish tourists and one American student who is doing medical research in Gaborone. We drove for about an hour on the tar before turning off onto a long very sandy road where we actually got stuck and Chris had to save the day!! Thanks to him, we got out the sand! We got to Morutsang Station, a quiet piece of beauty on the Okovango Delta.

We were introduced to our guide, Dolphin, who had so much enthusiasm, even after having been doing this for 18 years. Chris and I got into our Mogoro, a fibre glass canoe with Arialle, the American student and her guide behind us, and off we went to explore the amazing Delta. And wow, it is just absolutely amazing! We saw hippos and crocs wallowing in the waters, we went into thin channels surrounded by reeds and Bulrush, we saw African Darters drying off their wings. About an hour later, the sun as scorching as ever, we got onto land and went for a bush walk. Dolphin is such a knowledgable man, I was so humbled by him and learned so much from him today. There was so much passion in him for wildlife and his job.

We walked for 2 hours, Chris garmin calculated 5 km, in the scorching sun. We saw some more po's just hanging out, ones name is apparently George, who tends to show off for the tourists, unfortunately not today though. We saw a lone buffalo, ellies, lots of zebra and and wildebeest. Once Arialle and I started mentioning our hunger kicking in and the heat getting to us, we went back to the Famous Picnic Tree where we had a sandwhich prepared for us by the Backpackers and spend some peaceful quiet time in the middle of nowhere - it was such an incredible experience. We got back into our Mogoros at 2:30 and slowly made our way back. We bumped into MORE ellies cooling down in the water and LOTS more hippos. The trip back was much quieter as we all fell asleep after a long day in the sun.

We hoping to have an early night before we drive up to Livingstone tomorrow. Today was definitely a highlight and the Delta is just something so spectacular. We both agreed we could spend a lot more time here, but maybe when we have a bit more money (Bots is rather pricey). However, even just this small taste was worth while and has made me realize why I am so driven to protecting our wildlife.