Christina and John are currently in Namibia & Kenya on their annual guiding trip!
For the first two weeks, they were in Namibia, exploring the world-famous Etosha National Park as well as smaller game reserves and conservancies.
Now in Kenya, it’s two weeks of bliss at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu Game Reserve, the Mara and frequent game drives to see cheetahs, lions, elephants, hippos and even leopards!
Because the internet can be sporadic out in the bush, we get only occasional updates from Christina. Here are some of the highlights (with photos!)
August 26 – Namibia
Hope all is well in PDX!
We arrived yesterday late due to a massive dust storm which delayed the flight by two hours. Then we made a three hour drive over rugged terrain but it was well worth the effort.
Probably the most remote spot we have visited since Lake Turkana. Hoanib definitely the quietest spot truly silence amidst stunning scenery. Just our six tents staff guides with no other humans for more than a few hours drive!
Closest is a small Himba tribe we spent a few hours with this morning no men in camp and the women were very open about their lives – amazing experience told us more than we needed to know! The kids were adorable.
August 27 – Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is very, very dry – as is the entire country – Botswana and the Okavango Delta as well.
Last year, this watering hole was pretty full probably to where the Ostrich are standing – now water is a mere trickle. They’re hoping for some rain come October or the situation will very dire. Most watering holes are animals only resource to water and survival.
September 3 – Nambwa Tented Lodge, Namibia
Our day was spent heading to Nabwa camp! I was in the vehicle hauling the luggage trailer. As the last 15 miles were deep, sandy trail – needless to say it was a rough ride with 2 bogs. So 15 miles took 2 hours.
All is well, group has been really amazing.
We say goodbye to our 2 guides tomorrow as our last 2 nights will be Oman Island Lodge in Botswana so they can’t join us.
Okavango Delta (Botswana) is much drier than last year, no rain during the season. They are hoping this season starting November will be better – if not, it will mean many of the animals not survive including domestic herds.
Nabwa has VERY limited internet, real bush internet!
September 12 – Ithumba Hills, Kenya
On our third day here, will be flying back to Nairobi first thing tomorrow.
Has been quite cool with cloudy overcast skies so elephants have not been using the mud bath pools because of the cooler weather. Last time, it was always in the 90s whereas this time probably low 70’s – which is unheard of.
First evening here treated to light rain and an amazing double rainbow which changed the ebony light to a magnificent hue – a real treat.
Went to 6am early feed and release of the orphans for the day this morning quite a mad house, each vying for a second bottle.
Group of 8 good – all jelling!
September 17 – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Started out at 630a with great sighting of a magnificent cheetah, which we bypassed plenty of white rhino to reach.
Our very first cheetah yesterday was Rhino day!
This was followed by a fest bush breakfast where Zachary gave bird watching lesson
Then we delivered all the books and first aid items to the Lewa School which we support by paying the Librarian salary.
Then slow drive back to camp with a visit to Judd to watch the elephants’ approach.
Right now, sitting watching this lion on our evening game drive. What perfect lighting!
