Almost dangerously dry

Spending a few days in Botswana, which has artificial geopolitical boundaries that define surrounding countries like Angola and Zambia. But climate conditions don’t know human-defined borders. Thus, the drought that plagues Zambia and Angola also affects Botswana. Our host (looks to be in his 30s-40s), who has spent his life here has not seen the

A spotter’s tale

Our game spotter, Like, shared a funny tale from primary school. One day a mother leopard wanted to leave the den to get food but was afraid to leave her four cubs behind. A hyena came by and said she would watch the cubs. The leopard thanked the hyena and promised to share whatever she

How poor is poor?

Our travel advisor worked with a local African travel agency to set up the stops on our tour. This current stop is on the outskirts of a town that looks literally dirt poor, with irregular water service and no mail service. My perspective of life has changed. Not sure what to do… I know I

History built his home

Our transfer driver from Skukuza airport to Dulini camp told us about a house in the driver’s hometown of Lillydale that the post-apartheid government built for the town’s famous resident (my ears were stopped up from flying and I thought the driver said “our famous generalista” when he probably said “our famous journalist”) who had

Alaska vs. South Africa

In Alaska, there are 10,000 trees (that’s 333.11459501 in metric) per moose. In South Africa, there are 10,000 antelope (that’s 47,200,999 Rand) per tree.

Beyond glamping

Stopping for a moment to reflect on our South African experience so far. Tens of thousands of years of history rolled into this trip. Disregarding religions or social conflicts and focusing instead on lives right here and now. Simple things like our grazing at corner shops… Or the road traffic jams… The solitary travelers… These

Madiba and Magellan in my coffee

Madiba (Nelson Mandela) looks to the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds for advice in my coffee this morning!

Graaff-Reinet and safari

Our knowledgeable guide, David McNaughton, despite nursing a head cold today… Filled our heads with the history/architecture of Graaff-Reinet… Such as this house which shows up on map from early 1800s… The Boer “war”… And local flora, including aloe plants still harvested by indigenous descendants today… We learned a lot! After late morning tea, an

Talking to myself 24/7 these days

Back in the U.S. of A., before we left for Africa, we ate at a Dairy Queen restaurant. Whilst waiting for our food, a young man in grungy, smelly clothes (most likely homeless) walked in. He mumbled to himself in a running conversation between voices. Possibly schizophrenic. The restaurant employees knew him and placed his

Sunday morning meditation

Packed and ready to drive to our next destination… We’ve a suitcase filled with medical supplies for a village near where we’ll soon stay, hiking backpack, clothing backpack, and souvenir sack. Sorted out the amount of South African Rand to give our butler, a tour guide and the general staff here at Grootbos. Waiting for