The big part of the trip was the Chobe Game Lodge, the only five-star luxury lodge located inside
Chobe National Park, which is part of a larger multi-country preserve.
Our time there was mostly taken up with games drives: every morning and every evening, we either went out
on the safari vehicles or down the river on boat. That way, we could see the animals from either side. Chobe
National Park in Botswana is 4,500 square miles, and we probably were only on about 30 square miles of it,
in and around the Chobe River near our lodge.
Animals:
These pictures are mainly around the lodge and on our outings. To see the pictures and videos of the
animals, go to the following pages:
We got off the bus in Zimbabwe, went through passport control into Botswana, and loaded into safari
vehicles for the drive to Chobe National Park, and within that, the Chobe Game Lodge.
Our group making its way into the entryway. Much of the lodge is open and just covered for shade.
Our room is the one on the left.
Outside our room is this suspended boardwalk that goes along the river's edge, but is shaded by trees.
Inside our room.
The first night, we go down to the river and get on the big boat (the two-story boat top left).
Kimberly on the sunset cruise.
Our tour director, Helen.
The next morning, bright and early before sunrise, we set out in the safari vehicles. The very first
game drive had the best results, including multiple lion sightings, and scavengers at an elephant kill.
Peeking at the sunrise.
That afternoon, we go out in the smaller, electric boats, that run off solar power.
The lobby area of the hotel. It was very beautiful, and we were taken care of splendidly.
That evening, we eat at a "beach" area instead of the normal restaurant.
Our water supplies: it all comes in cans to be recyclable but not use glass or plastic.
Kimberly with an elephant.
We bought these matching insect-repellent shirts for the trip.
Stopping one evening for some sunset pictures.
That evening, we had dinner on the boardwalk with an elegant table setting.
Final morning: up for another sunrise.
A view back toward the lodge and docks from the water.
Helen gives a final lecture on the history and geography of Botswana.
This board has a map of the areas we explored, and they put pins where there have been sightings
of various animals.
