NAMIBIA, HOME OF DESERT ELEPHANTS
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Ah Namibia! Went to Damaraland, a semi-desert wilderness, in search of desert elephants. And found them! Breathtaking scenery too. One sad note here: I visited a group of displaced South Africans living in abject poverty in Damaraland. I bought what I could from their collection of handmade beaded jewelry. I took my sandals off and gave them to a sweet, old woman who was wearing shoes made from old tires. The reality of their lives cast a very dark shadow over me.....But wowie kazowie....SOSSUSVLEI in the Namib Desert! A photographer’s dream. It’s a salt and clay pan surrounded by huge red dunes, some of the largest in the world. Near Sossusvlei is a white clay pan with skeletal remains of centuries old trees called DEADVLEI (means dead marsh). The dunes surround it creating a prehistoric forest of mystical, magical proportions. Go there! Now!
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BOTSWANA
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Traveling with 5 birdwatchers from Denver definitely opened my eyes to their captivating world! But, no, I am not a convert, at least as yet! I am a big Botswana fan however, and after being on safari in both Kenya and Tanzania I have to say Botswana takes the cake. The Okavango Delta is flush with wildlife and scenery and the small camps are hosted by some of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met. Plus, in Botswana we went out every evening with guide and driver/tracker, a treat not experienced in either Kenya or Tanzania. So much to tell but here is my personal best story: Upon arriving at Kwara Camp I left the jeep and walked into the reception area. Standing peacefully just outside the building was an elephant grazing. I burst into tears. Don’t know why except I love these gentle giants and hate what humans are doing to them. Maybe I was an an elie in a past life. On our last day at this camp I decided to go back to my cabin for another shower. I went in, turned the water on and went to the porch to wait a few minutes for the water to warm. There was the elephant peacefully grazing again and watching me out of the corner of her eye. We had a lovely chat and I apologized for humankind. And that sums up my love for Botswana. Meet me there? I know a terrific guide, Tom Nkwazi!
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