Mon. 17th June ’24
After so many early starts we do not set an alarm this morning and I sleep in until 6:45am. Dave is still asleep and all I can see is his nose poking out below his hat and eye mask. I have the kettle on for tea before he stirs. It is still very cold as we eat our breakfast on our veranda tucked up in a blanket. Dave had heard hippos and elephants in the night but none are around now but we are not taking any chances by walking far from our tent chalet. As it is our last full day in Moremi Game Reserve, we head out on our own for a game drive to see if there is any last excitement. Using skills from other drives we read the "newspaper" but there are no interesting footprints around.
We have been told about some places to visit and there is a 15km, 3 hour drive around Mbomo Island where our guide book says has been good for cheetah sightings on the north side. That sounded a good place to check out. We didn’t want to do the whole drive as it sounded like it would be slow tricky driving. One photo we had been looking out for was a giraffe with an ox pecker bird on him and this lovely chap posed nicely for us. We just did a km or so and back on the north side but sadly no cheetahs came out to play. The only direction from camp we had not explored was south which is the way we would be going tomorrow.
The plan is to go on the River Road to Second Bridge and back on the middle road so that we can suss out the best route for tomorrow. We spend some time meandering down the river route as it included a few lakes/ponds on the way. We have more time today to take in the view and just sit (in Mungo of course) by the river and enjoy the birds going about their daily routine. For completeness I would say river is a misnomer as it is dry and not even distinct for most of the route, as the narrow track winds its way through the trees and bushes.
When we get to Second Bridge we are not sure about driving on the bridge but luckily there is a dry track running just alongside and avoiding the bridge crossing. Taking the middle route back to camp is a much better route (all relative!!) with just one deep sand patch at the Third Bridge end of it. Whilst driving we were looking out for the herd of 200 buffalo which we had heard were passing through the area. However we had to content ourselves with just two. We did spot this group of wildebeest taking a rest.
Lunch comprised of surprisingly fresh tasting week old rolls and pilchards, as we continue to make meal plans from the very limited food supply we have left. Yes, there is a tuck shop on site but there is no fresh produce at all. Wine, beer or soft drinks in abundance and a few tins of food and toiletries but not much else. I haven’t driven for a while so after lunch we go for an hour circular trip to remind me of the driving conditions. We have a five hour drive to Maun tomorrow so I will need to do some of that drive. Of course there is an obligatory stop for me to take a reflection photo, one of my favourite subjects.
I am glad that we are not in the roof tent at Third Bridge, which had been the original plan but there were no camping spaces available. Our “tented chalet” called Kudu is definitely basic but at least there is more space. The bathroom is attached to the tent but it has no roof. Care is needed when turning the taps on as wasps like crawling up inside in search of water. Quite a shock the first time one flew out! We sit out by the fire made from the last of our firewood and I spot an elephant munching away just past the next tent. So that is how close the animals are. Later a hyena walks past the other side of our vehicles so soon after we retire inside for the night. Camping in the parks has been fabulous and the roof tent fun. However I am looking forward to sleeping indoors with the option of central heating for warmth.