By now, we could write books about the vast starry skies at night and the animal sounds surrounding us during the day. The Suzuki #BigInBotswana Safari continued to surprise us with a hippo displaying its dominance before we headed to the town of Maun.
By Damian Adams
READ: Join us on a Jimny safari expedition in Botswana – Part 1
READ: Join us on a Jimny safari expedition in Botswana – Part 2
Day 3: Game Drive on the banks of the Khwai River
We were woken by the smell of freshly brewed coffee on the fire and the yummiest magwinya (vetkoek) with butter and jam made by a local woman who owns “Hipposide Tuckshop” in Mababe Village.
Then, we set off for some more game viewing and this time we had the pleasure of seeing even more than the previous day. This was also the day of the ellies because everywhere we turned, they were there in all their majesty.
We drove along the Khwai River and parked off to observe some hippos honking about in the water. We must’ve parked a bit too close for their liking because within minutes, two of them had locked eyes with us and a staring competition commenced. We couldn’t make any sudden movements, this included starting our Jimnys, because these hippos were very unhappy, and they made it known.
Seconds later we were met with the “laughing” hippo, a power-play technique used by hippos to show dominance and dissatisfaction with how close we were. The sight of their teeth sent shivers down our spines. We quickly, and stealthily made our way out of there and our guides did very well to educate us around hippo behaviour.
As the evening drew closer, we got to hear the visceral and mighty roar of lions nearby, an estimated 1km away from us. The moment was surreal, and the goosebumps were visible. We ended off the evening by reflecting on all that nature has to offer and how we as human beings are actually only a tiny part of this special place we call Earth.
Day 4: Departure to Maun Airport
On our final morning, we bid our picturesque home farewell and departed for a 130km drive to Maun Airport. We stopped in Mababe to meet the woman who had made the tasty magwinya and thank her. We had to have our wits about us on the drive to Maun as the road was in terrible condition and we were trying to not miss our flights.
This Suzuki Safari was like nothing any of us could ever have imagined and the #BigInBotswana experience will be etched in our minds for a very long time.
FAST FACTS
Model: Suzuki Jimny 1,5 GL AllGrip
Price: R343 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed, manual
Power: 77 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 130 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
Ground clearance: 210 mm
Fuel consumption: 6,3 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 146 g/km
If you’d like to experience this for yourself, which we would highly recommend that you do, visit africaexpeditions.co.za.
ALSO READ: Why South Luangwa National Park needs to be on your travel list
