I have been talking to travel companies and pooling information . There were basically 2 different options , one shorter trip but more comfortable, one longer trip with more camping . I have decided that I can handle the longer trip with camping which sounds fantastic I have got some up to date info and I recon that I can handle it. I am going with some old friends who would look after me. So very excited.
On the photography front I have decided to sell all my dx gear and put that money towards buying a long zoom for the Z6 ii . I will have to save up some cash because I would like a nikon z 100-400 . It gets fantastic reviews . I want a good zoom of 400 mm for Botswana. With this lens I can also get a teleconverter 1.4 x or 2 x. This will absolutely do the business. So what I save on the price of the trip can help with camera gear.
My friends did this trip about 3 years ago and have said it’s amazing. Can’t wait.
I had a chat with one of the tour people about the Botswana trip. I explained my disability and he said as long as I can climb into the vehicles and also move from a launch boat to the house boat I should be ok. He also said “you really don’t want to fall in the water because it’s infested with crocodiles !” So I am working on my arms and upper body to make them stronger , easier for me to haul myself up if need to !
I had my yearly meeting with my MS nurse and we talked about lots of stuff . She sent a letter to my Consultant and in it she mentioned my possible trip to Botswana and she encouraged me to go. trying to get rid of me maybe !
First log January 2023
So this is the start, some months earlier. It is January now and I am starting to think about what I want to get out of this trip so , one thing is s log . Sort of a diary but more free format because there will be days when I don’t get round to filling it all in.
This image of a Cheetah was not taken by me but by my step son when he was in South Africa. I will be adding pictures of my own hopefully later in the year.
Anyway I am starting to get the money lined up for Botswana . Also I bought a new pair of Binoculars and a rucksack in the january sales. I have got a good pair of binos 10-50 but they are too bulky so I’ve got some smaller lighter 10×42 which seem really good. Still looking to get my photo gear sorted out but no hurry. I am doing loads of regular exercises with balance added to everything else.
Next I need a way of getting stuff into my blog but not use my laptop – too heavy , so Ipad possible but I am having issues. I don’t want to resort to cut and paste.
Latest on the camera gear – did some tests with d7500 plus 70-300. Not too impressed TBH so back to the drawing board. It was a bit of a dull day but after I cropped it the noise on the sensor was pretty bad. The z 100-400 is just so expensive and you don’t see any second hand either. Maybe buy an af-s 80-400 and use the af-s/ Z converter , it’s a cheaper option.
I have bought an af-s 80-400 second hand and I have done small tests so far. Could be the job for Botswana.
February 2023
I have taken a set of pictures with the af-s 80-400 and I am very impressed with the results so I am going to stick with this. As I can use this with the Z6_2 I am now thinking again of selling my dx stuff. Could do with the money as we just had our boiler replaced v expensive.
The 80-400 is pretty heavy but handles really well with the monopod. I have bought a rucksack for camera gear and everything fits well but its very heavy for me so it will be quite tricky for me to get it on a plane so I will have to get my friends to help or air staff . I shall ask for an assisted flight so hopefully I will get a bit of help.
I think all my other gear will go in a rucksack I am borrowing from my Son-in-law.
I have now asked the travel company to arrange for assistance at the airports. I recon the rollator is a good thing to take with me.
Next is vaccinations which will be tricky because of my meds and MS etc etc.
I bought a wide angle zoom af-s 16-35 second hand but it was much heavier and bulky than I expected so I have returned it. I also bought a z 24-50 second hand. Very cheap , light lens which is super sharp. I like using it so it may be a keeper.
So the lineup is now:
z6 II . z 24-50, z 24-200, af-s 80-400 (with converter and monopod)
If I can’t take some good pictures with these then it’s me not the equipment.
Well into feb now . Not much to report. I am looking at a new hat for Africa . It’s a bush hat . I think I need to grow a moustache or a beard or something. God I,m so vain but who cares I am a 60 year old train wreck with MS . A bit of eccentricity would be good . I think lesser people may have gone round the bend by now anyway. I managed to walk 1/3 mile which is good.
I have now got a walker which at the moment I loathe . I will get used to the idea. I suppose. However, it may be a really good thing to take to Africa. So far I have walked 1/2 mile with rests. It has some good points: I can carry things with me like camera and binoculars. I can sit on it to recover . It goes over bumpy ground . It helps with balance and increases the distance I can walk. Also it folds up and is light enough to shove into a car or even a boat ! It was a couple of a hundred quid so not cheap but not thousands like my powered chair. So if it gets damaged or lost it’s not the end of the world.
So all worth it apart from my pride with says I don’t need a walker , I am fit and used to run miles etc etc etc. drone…. drone ….
I was thinking that I may have to walk a bit at Victoria Falls so could be ideal.
March 2023
I went to see my friends at the weekend who had done the trip to Botswana a few years ago . I used the rollator and took my camera and we went on a little walk . I have to admit the rollator was really good . I walked further with less fatigue, less problems with balance and I could sit down if tired.
I had lots of time to discuss the ins and outs of the safari and I now feel quite confident that I will be able to handle it. For example at Victoria Falls the rollator should get me where I need to be.
New hat, new attitude ! It’s the crocodile Dundee look ! You gotta laugh , Wot a prat , I am sure I will get the mick taken out of me for this one.
it’s now the end of feb , still struggling but I recon I always will . However much less back pain now I’ve got my meds sorted out. It puts me in a much better mood. I feel more optimistic.
Next I need to get going on the vaccinations for Botswana. Get a hold-all to get all my stuff in.I have my camera gear sorted out. Clothes need some thought. I have a new hat. Five months to go .
So this is the rollator. If there is an anti-cool pill then I have taken most of a bottle. Very much a love (like) hate relationship. It does make a difference because it helps so much with my balence and it allows me to walk further than I can with sticks and if I get tired I can sit , I can carry stuff ….etc..etc.. but I still feel like I am pushing a supermarket trolley.
I don’t get hardly any comments on my blogs but I would like to know what anyone thinks.
Today I organised my jabs for 5th June .
Nearly the end of June now. Last jab in 1 week and also I will pick up the malaria tablets. I have progressed with suitable clothing and footwear etc. I am still struggling with the weight loss . It used to be so easy but I am now down to 13st 12lb which ain’t too bad but I would like a few more pounds off.
I am exercising with hand weights to strengthen up my upper body which is going quite well. Also as the weather has been quite good lately I have been getting some rays so I am not daz white.
It’s now 24th July so just over a week to go . I am still a bit overweight surprise surprise. However I have been doing my weights for upper body religiously so that may have added a few pounds of muscle I never had before. ( good excuse):
I am pretty much ready to pack which means I haven’t got anything left to buy for the trip . I have had a few conflabs with my friends . Got my dollars, had my jabs etc etc.
So 4th August off I go . I will try and keep a diary on the trip. This maybe on paper at times . Then I will transfer to my website when I get the chance.
It’s very exciting. Hope I can cope with everything.
Monday 24 July
Packing – looking ok at the moment. Ordered another fibre towel.
Tuesday 25th
Walked 1/2 mile up the lane.
Wed 26 July
I will get outside again , weather not looking too bad. I am getting lots of sleep . Feeling not bad. Weights today. Upgrade firmware today.
Firmware upgraded to 1.6.
Thu 27 July
Final packing. Crammed everything in, no room left whatsoever.
Thu 3 Aug
Crammed everything in again.
Fri 4 to sat 5 aug
All packed. Left house at 15:30 . Got to LHR 17:30 , met Malcolm outside the terminal . Met Caroline and Caitlin inslide. Great to see them all.
Assistance useless at Heathrow. Quite stressful to get through. I have a letter to write. Flew to Johannesburg then their assistance couldn’t have been better . Flew to Maun also very helpful. Now on African soil proper. Met the guide , Chief . Seems nice.
As we left the airport someone hit our trailer which caused a delay.
Hotel in Maun very pleasant, birds in the grounds twittering about. Met a few of the other guests they seem a jolly lot. Crashed out.
Sun 6
Up late due to alarm cockup
Long but beautiful drive along roads very straight roads . Chief explained they are lined with acacia trees. Noticed yellow billed hornbills. Saw our first ostriches.
Travelled by car to okavango pan handle . Got to houseboat by launch. I managed to get on and off but not very elegant! We seem to have a very nice group , they were helpful and encouraging which means a lot to me. Travelled up river. Very beautiful many birds to see. Tried to take pictures of pied kingfishers etc not certain of results. Saw a croc !
Fantastic sunset.
So far managing things but with a lot of help from everyone.
To the cabin and sleep.
Mon 7 Aug
Everyone else went on the trip to the hills.
Too much walking for me so I spent some time on the houseboat. Took some pictures of the kingfishers then saw 2 hippos in the distance coming slowly down river towards me.
Decided to have a trip in the boat with the captain and we saw crocs and hippos . Hot and sunny. Pied Kingfishers fun to watch.
When everyone got back went out in the evening saw hippos and very large crocs. Getting better at getting in and out of the launch which is great because I am not slowing everyone up.
Tuesday 8 aug
Had 2 trips in the launch. Huge crocs got to within 6 feet of one. Filled in forms for next day. Stars amazing , Milky Way very visible. In bed could hear hippos round the houseboat. The hippos can be very loud , it echoes about the river. Very exciting .
Wed 9
Up v early 4:45 , stuff into the truck and away. Out of Botswana customs etc and into Namibia. lovely morning as usual. Immediately saw a herd of buffalo crossing in front and into the trees . First Zebras as well.
Drove a very long straight road through namibia with small huts in the trees. Recent wild fire damage. Saw some elephants. Crossed back into Botswana (confusing) . Changed car twice and into Zimbabwe saw giraffes and baboons. Into lodge at Victoria falls very nice but very very tired. The group always seem to be joking about things even though they are tired as well.
Thur 10th
Quiet morning getting some sun and rest . Organising stuff, charging up batteries etc. Finally sent some pictures home. Sat with Caroline, Malcolm and Caitlin having coffee in the lodge. The lodge is very comfortable with lovely grounds. in the afternoon went to Victoria falls , truly awesome we could hear the falls from the lodge so very loud when close. Chief and Malcolm pushed me round the falls in a wheelchair. Some tight rope walkers were there going over the falls nuts !
I let the girls and Fran know that I would be off grid for seven days in the bush.
Not a good nights sleep just very excited about going into the bush.
Friday 11th
Packed up and into the car.
Did a river boat safari. Very good , saw loads of animals. Very close to crocs hippos . . Lots of impala and Elephants.
Off to Chobe – Camp 1.Saw our first leopard soon after getting into the park.
Into our tent for the first time . Not bad. Camp beds are comfortable. Cold at night going out to the loo. Stars amazing, Milky Way very clear. Heard lions roar not far off . Very exciting..
Sat 12th
Elephants heard near the camp breaking branches in v early morning.
Up 5:30
Saw Honey Badger.
Game drives in Chobe saw lions around dead elephant in the distance. Loads of elephants.
To camp and crash out. Heard lion roar at night.
Sun 13th
Drove out of Chobe going towards Savuti.
On the way out had our first close encounter with lions. A large pride of 1 male, 2 females and 8 cubs all lazing about in the shade under a tree. Not scary just very cute.
Followed the chobe river amazing place Herds of giraffes and buffalo to our right.
Change of scenery to red earth and rocks. Acacia and baobab trees . We blew a tyre and had to change it . The team all helped . I had a look at the rock it was volcanic possibly granite. Very weathered.
When we got going the scenery changed back to mixed scrub and light sandy soil.
Got to camp 2. Savuti. Long drive . Slept well.
Mon 14th
Heard lions roaring in the night.
A lion came into the camp in the early hours of the morning and took a drink from our water container ! Cheek
Early start. Pack up . Game drive
Felt good spotting game in the bush. Elephants and giraffes. Found a hyena laying down in the shade.
Travelled to camp 3 – on the Kwai river on the delta. A truly stunning spot , low and vast with the river meandering, herds of elephants and giraffes. We had lunch by the river. Unfortunately getting very tired . Luckily the group are so nice , chatting and laughing which carries me along.
When we got back in the jeep Chief turned to me and asked how I was doing . I said I was pretty tired so he said I will find you a leopard then we will go back to camp. And that’s exactly what he did ! It was lying down in the heat . Beautiful creature.
After when we were heading back we came across a pride of lions 4 females 2 males . We were about 4 ft away from them never felt scared. They were planning some mission to catch a zebra . Then they stalked off. Back to camp.
2 Long days flat out driving super tired can hardly walk Decided to skip morning game drive and recharge. I need to pace myself a bit. Nice evening with wine. Stars amazing.
When we were having dinner in the evening, there was a loud commotion right next to the camp. It was obviously hyenas . Unmistakable from their howling. Chief said not to worry but we should get into our tents soon and zip up because the hyenas are likely to come into the camp in the night.
So we got into our tents and zipped up. I wasn’t frightened just very excited so I lay awake waiting for them and sure enough about 1/2 hour after lights out several hyenas came into the camp howling at each other in their weird way. They left after a while and then all was quiet. In the morning chief reconned about 4 or 5 were in the camp.
Wooooo !
Tue 15th
Heard hyena’s eerie howls in the night and lions roaring.
Morning in camp. Really enjoyed just looking around for a change . Good call to have a break . In need of rest. Listened to blacksmith magpies chattering . One of the camp guys brought me some coffee and toast on a table . How nice . So I sat having breakfast and just beyond the camp in the trees a herd of zebras passing through . Wow I had to pinch myself. Botswana is a truly beautiful country with nice people.
The countryside is like nothing I have ever seen before. There is fallen trees and wood everywhere because it never gets tidied up cos it’s real wilderness. I noticed that the elephants can cause a lot of damage to the trees which they push over. Chief says there is not much they can do about it. It’s the most populated place in the world for elephants and they won’t cull them so they are trying to relocate them to other countries. They really care about their animals . They never carry guns . They are working in a way that the animals feel no threat from the vehicles .
Everyone returned from the morning drive, nice to see them again.
Wed 16th
Travelled to camp 4 – X
Thur 17th
Chief spotted lion tracks first thing and doubled back to camp to warn the cooks. Later in the day they found that a number of lions had walked through the camp while we were asleep. Probably about the time I was going to the loo ! Ha ha
Game drives all day.
The team finally lost it, they were asking the car near by how many lions they had seen just so we could say , well we’ve seen 47 so there ! There was a lot of hysteria and laughing something to do with the people in the other car’s clothes mainly safari suits etc. very unprofessional.
Fri 18th
Up early.
Travelled back to Maun to same hotel . Very nice. Last meal with everyone. Nice to say some good things to Chief , what a brilliant guide . Such a nice guy . He had encyclopaedic knowledge of the wildlife and trees . We added him to the WhatsApp group so we could keep in touch and share information.
I recon practically everything I took I used . I am left with a bag of dirty clothes and no power in any batteries. Head torch invaluable
Sat 19th to sun 20th
Flew home . Sad to leave Africa – Trip of a lifetime. What next . I can’t see anything else coming close. Botswana is a friendly , beautiful country. Such an adventure.