World Botswana Moremi Game Reserve

Christy and John's Travels

Moremi Game Reserve Jul 23, 2009

From Kasane, we drove through Chobe to get to the Moremi Game Reserve. The roads in the North of Chobe had been sandy, but we'd hardly ever needed 4-wheel drive. The road through Chobe was so sandy (the sand is deep and very fine) that we hardly ever dared take the truck out of 4-wheel drive. My favorite line from John's time at the wheel through the sand is "it's like driving in the future, you don't have to steer!"

After reaching the Southern gate of Chobe, we were informed by the ranger that a bridge had gone out on the road we'd planned to take. This resulted in a detour through Moremi Game Reserve that was to involve water crossings.

"Not to worry", said the ranger, "it's not that deep". Well, we safely navigated 3 water crossings, but they were very deep, indeed! John drove through the first one (after a lengthy debate about what the best route might be) and midway through, water was spashing up over the hood and up the windshield. We both thought we would have to swim! The other water crossings were similarly deep, but also safely navigated.

As with Chobe, we hadn't been able to secure reservations in the park so spent our first few nights at a community-run campground outside the park. After a visit to the Wildlife office, we were able to secure reservations inside the park at 3rd bridge and Xakanaxa campgrounds. Apparently people make reservations and don't show up, so often the campgrounds are half-empty. Luckily, the Maun Wildlife office was willing to let us stay in reserve campsites, and like in Chobe, they were beautiful!

Moremi is located in the Okavango Delta, a massive wetlands and spectacularly beautiful place. While in the park, we saw (different) lions everyday! We also saw loads of other critters, but still no cheetah or wild dogs. One of the days in the park we took a boat trip through the waterways. Not too many animals (it got very windy), but incredible views and colors.

While here, John got scammed by a gang of baboons. I had gone to shower after breakfast and John was putting things back into the truck when a baboon came into camp from the front end of the truck. John picked up a rock to scare him away. The baboon ran, stopped, looked and waited for John to come closer. John proceeded to chase the baboon further, feeling secure of his position on the evolutionary ladder. He then turned around and saw a second baboon stealing our carton of orange juice off the table. Later, when we got in the truck, we discovered there had been a third baboon as pawprints were all over the driver's and back seat (a door had been open). Luckily, they didn't take our camera or anything aside from the orange juice, but John was deeply offended by having been outsmarted by the baboons! Stinking monkeys!!