Our African Journal. Entry #2. Prelude

They say that Africa is an experience like no other.

And those who have experienced Africa (=the bush) say that it gets in your blood and makes you want to go back, time and time again. 

(photo taken at Duma Tao, a Wilderness camp)

Truer words were never spoken.

To be truthful, before our trip, I had no idea that after the experience in Botswana, I would also have the same sentiments as many before me.  With no doubt, before the trip, I was looking forward having a safari experience. I wanted to see the myriad of animals in their natural habitat, be in the bush with no communication with the outside world. See. Feel. But I was also worried about the conditions (toilet, bath, anyone?) as well as the possible ennui of doing the same thing (looking at animals) for 10 days. And of course, worry over malaria, water...

Of course these worries were for nothing. 

- In preparation of the possible ennui, I took books, work and dvds, and ended up not reading a word of any books (besides the animal reference book), not doing any work. Although we did end up watching a few episodes of Lost Season 1. Overall, the experience is so consuming that the whole time we were there, I think I only thought about all the game-viewing even when we had free time. 

- As for malaria, there were very few mosquitoes as we went in the winter season there when the temperature drops to 50 degrees at night. Additionally, since we were in areas where there were no other people within miles and miles, the risk of malaria was low anyway. Finally, just in case, all the camps had bug repellent in every nook and cranny for our use (our rooms, our cars, the public places etc.)

- Toilet and bath? I really don't know why I worried so much. All the accommodations were incredibly chic. This was one of the first times where the pictures in the brochure did not do justice. In fact, some of the camps were nicer than some of the 4* hotels that we had been to. Add the incredible service to it, the camps were definitely nicer than even the 5* hotels out there. (Where else do you get a hot water-bottle (aka, bushbaby) in bed with turn-down service?) 

(photo taken at Duma Tao, a Wilderness camp - the plush bed with the mosquito netting)

With all these worries addressed, the safari was nothing but a unforgettable, extremely enjoyable experience. 

Next to come. The actual safari experience.

PS. Note to everyone. Wilderness safari is the bomb!!! 

(Kwando safari is pretty good too although not quite as chic and well-run as Wilderness).