With a heaviness of heart we reached the fourth and final of our camps, Abu. The heaviness of heart was due to the fact that our Botswana adventure was all too rapidly drawing to a conclusion.
Abu turned out to be a wonderful camp. Famed for being an elephant sanctuary, it provides the opportunity to ride or walk with the small herd of trained elephants (which is a fantastic experience). Having done both I can report that I much prefer the walking rather than the being swayed around indiscriminately and as long as you make sure you aren’t stepped on relatively safe…
Abu turned out to be a wonderful camp. Famed for being an elephant sanctuary, it provides the opportunity to ride or walk with the small herd of trained elephants (which is a fantastic experience). Having done both I can report that I much prefer the walking rather than the being swayed around indiscriminately and as long as you make sure you aren’t stepped on relatively safe…
Trouble in paradise
Sadly, we soon discovered that not everything in life is in your control….
Mrs B first alerted me that there was trouble brewing in Paradise when she mentioned that she had been snubbed by a woman who ignored her when Mrs B had said hello (Safari camps tend to be friendly places) but then said “Perhaps she didn’t hear me.” I next overheard a conversation about some new arrivals who had caused problems at their previous camp….
I didn’t put 2 and 2 together.
It was only the next morning when we joined our guide and went to get into our Land Rover. There was a German couple already sitting in the front seat – it looked like they had camped there all night (I’m surprised they didn’t use the normal German trick of putting down towels on the seats – sorry for the racial stereotyping, I know some wonderful Germans but these were not of that ilk*). Our guide introduced us and the woman looked us up and down and then put her nose in the air as if a bad smell has assaulted her very being. He wasn’t much better…. As we drove off, the warm breeze turned icy cold as it ran over our two new friends, leaving us chilled to the very bone….
* It must have been a bad batch of Germans** on the trip because their was another group staying at Abu who moaned about the tribal singing that greets you when you first arrive at a camp. unbelievable, what is not to love about beautiful harmony singing from happy people proud of share their heritage.
I didn’t put 2 and 2 together.
It was only the next morning when we joined our guide and went to get into our Land Rover. There was a German couple already sitting in the front seat – it looked like they had camped there all night (I’m surprised they didn’t use the normal German trick of putting down towels on the seats – sorry for the racial stereotyping, I know some wonderful Germans but these were not of that ilk*). Our guide introduced us and the woman looked us up and down and then put her nose in the air as if a bad smell has assaulted her very being. He wasn’t much better…. As we drove off, the warm breeze turned icy cold as it ran over our two new friends, leaving us chilled to the very bone….
* It must have been a bad batch of Germans** on the trip because their was another group staying at Abu who moaned about the tribal singing that greets you when you first arrive at a camp. unbelievable, what is not to love about beautiful harmony singing from happy people proud of share their heritage.
** More often than not it is my fellow Brits abroad who are the ones best avoided - specifically the heavy drinking loud mouthed louts that we often seem to export. I guess it helps to keeps our country nicer for tourists....
After that, every time we got to the Land Rover we found the air conditioning units already installed in the front row. (There is an unwritten rule on safari that people take turns sitting in the front seats). In the two days that we had the pleasure of the company of these wonderful people not one word did they say to us. If they didn’t speak any English I could understand it but we heard them chatting away to the guides and any staff who they thought would be useful to them.
To offset the Sour Krauts the staff at Abu were fantastic. We were first greeted by Nathan who claimed that their aim was to make us feel at home…. They came close but I would liken it more to visiting your favourite relatives who make you feel so welcome and look after you so well that you want to forget you have to go home. For the whole of the trip I had been bravely coping with man flu but succumbed during one game drive and felt awful – a combination of rain and our cryogenic traveling companions. Nathan greeted us on our return and, noting my flagging demeanour, arranged for a herbal bath to be run for me and created a herbal and lemon concoction and vitamin booster tablets to help me. What service….
Lizzie – The general manager, was just so calm and friendly that you forgot she was running the ship. Think of a swan serenely moving against a strong current: you don’t appreciate the enormous effort that is going on below the waterline, to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She seemed to notice everything and sorted things before they became an issue.
A great example of this was when we booked a canoe trip – the first evening we attempted it, strong winds meant it was not possible. The following morning we woke to heavy rain and we discussed with the guide that if the rain kept up it would be better to do a walk with the elephants. As it happened the weather cleared and by the time of our afternoon drive it was back to glorious blue skies. I spoke to our guide and asked, as the weather had changed, if he had arranged the canoe trip. His replied that it was not going to be possible. I might be wrong but I believe our German friends had put pressure on him which made it easier for him to leave us with the elephants rather than taking us out to where the canoe trips started. I voiced my displeasure: a combination of feeling a bit under the weather and having been worn down by our travelling companions, although not so much that it upset me. I actually found their rude behaviour funny but I knew it upset Mrs B….Anyway, Lizzie must have overheard what was going on and a few minutes later, told us the canoe trip was ready whenever we were………………no fuss, just sorted quietly in the background. Brilliant.
On meeting famous people
As we came into the camp we heard rumours that there were some famous people staying. These turned out to be -
Sue Flood, a wildlife photographer who has worked extensively with David Attenborough no less… My excitement reached fever pitch levels amid my fear that my simple photographic efforts would be shown up for what they are – the struggles of an opportunist snapper. As it was Sue was so lovely it didn’t matter. As I prattled on about various things she never once made me feel awkward or intrusive.
Sue was guiding Harry Shearer (anyone who is a Spinal Tap or The Simpsons fan will be familiar with him) and his wife Judith Owen (the singer). I must admit that I wasn’t familiar with Judith’s work but checked it out when we got home. Very impressive. I was chatting to Harry one night and moved the subject towards Spinal Tap….even insensitive old me could tell he wasn’t comfortable so I abandoned the subject. I’m glad I did as it meant we could have a proper conversation and I got to hear his views on the problems in New Orleans where he and Judith have had a home for years. As a Simpsons fan (our house is called Springfield for a reason) it almost killed me not to talk about Mr Burns and some of the other 20+ characters that Harry’s voice brings to life, however they were so lovely I would have hated to intrude on their holiday…..
If you thought keeping up with the Joneses was hard enough, forget it keeping up with the famous is in a different league altogether -
Sue and Judith were discussing Sting one evening, I was about to interject that Sting was the first person I had seen in concert, back in 1989 at the Rainbow Islington when he was touring the Reggatta de Blanc album with the Police. I’m glad I didn’t, their remembrances were a little bit more personal, being from the dressing room side of things rather than the clouded judgement of a 14 year old boy in the 25th Row…
The final curtain
We ended up with a different guide on our last morning as the Germans (I wouldn’t mind but I hadn’t mentioned the war, towels on sun beds or even the 1966 World Cup Final) had complained about having to share with anyone. Not that they were willing to pay out for a private tour…. It was just as well because their flight out of Abu camp was an hour before ours which would have curtailed our tour.
We arrived at the airstrip to find there was a problem with our plane and so there was going to be a delay while they sorted out alternative arrangements. The plane arrived about half an hour late, allowing us the opportunity to drive up and down the airstrip clearing the runway of a family of Wart Hogs who were determined to play Fly Piggy Fly …. A bit like playing "chicken" only with less feathers when the inevitable splatter happens...
Deja vu (Part 1)
As we made our way down the aisle, who should we find sitting in the front seats….? Only our favourite Germans. Their flight must have been turned back to pick us up …which must have delighted them…. You will not be surprised to learn that they did not acknowledge us as we sat in the seats directly behind them. I waited until we landed at Maun airport before I poked my head through the seats in front and with a big beaming smile and as cheery a voice as I could muster and proclaimed :
“Can I just say thank you for being the rudest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And whatever you do please, please don't change because you have provided such great entertainment for us...”.
Finally I got a response from him – when what appeared to be a rather painful smile crossed his face and he curtly replied “Thank you very much.” She, on the other hand, showed no emotion and just continued to move further up her own backside....I’m guessing that was where the smell came from on our first meeting that so put her nose out of joint..
Deja vu (Part 2)
As a bonus to lift our spirits as we tramped sadly through Jo’berg airport on our way home … Who should materialise through the travelling throng but Julie and Gil (from the Kings Pool camp). It was so refreshing after the Sour Krauts and wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up on each other’s Safari stories since we had said goodbye just a few short days before. Somehow it felt more like a lifetime….
I mentioned in the last post that Julie and Gil had a good sense of humour. Thank god they did
We were talking about people we had met at our last camps – yes the Sour Krauts may have got a mention.
Julie – “We met this old couple who shuffled towards us and we thought “Oh no this doesn’t look good”, but fortunately they were really nice…”.
Me – “That’s exactly what we thought when we first ran into you guys….!!”
Don’t worry, Julie is more than capable of defending herself and she gave as good as she got
We were discussing arranged marriages which seems to be all the vogue for the locals in Botswana
Julie “It works well because families can make sure that their children don’t marry the really stupid and time wasters in the village. ”
Me “So what happens to all the dumb ones that no one wants?”
Julie “Seemed to work out ok for you and Mrs B…..”
Touché Julie, Touché …..
Footnote
I had promised my favourite café – South Street Pantry - that I would bring them back something from our adventure . I found a wonderful elephant mug which I felt would live happily amongst their wonderfully eclectic range of drinking receptacles …. They had offers to buy the mug from at least one customer, who was a huge elephant fan. They refused all offers and on my very next visit my single shot latte was served in my gift to them. Imagine my embarrassment at finishing my drink only to knock it off the corner of the table and watch it shatter into a thousand pieces….. I guess the moral of this story is “Cash in your hand is worth more than bits of mug on your floor"
A big thanks to Edward at Africa odyssey for sorting our holiday itinery out.
Mrs B and I are heading off to Finland for Christmas in search of the Northern Lights - so wish us luck.
If you are interested in more photos from the trip feel free to check out my new Photo site
or if you missed any of the previous Botswana posts
Photo finish
Some pictures to end with, if you want to see the full collection from Abu check out my photo page . BlackLOG and The Beast.
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| Mrs B reflecting on the perfect holiday or would have been if the Bosch air conditioning units hadn't shown up to cool proceedings .... |
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| The view from our bed, I'm surprised we ever managed to get up.... |
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| Mr Burns - "Smithers bring me a new Elephant this ones almost full..." |
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| Try not to get trodden on - it will smart a little... |
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| Like something from another age.... |
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| I can highly recommend a restorative bath if you are feeling under the weather... But check for Hippos before you get in, they don't like to share the water and have a tendency to pee when confronted.... |
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| Judith & Harry enjoying the thrill of the hunt without destroying the prey... |
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| Lilac-breasted Roller |
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| Synchronised Lions |
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| Watching me watching you.... |
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| No point getting down when it rains best just to enjoy the beauty of nature... |
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| Even the flora looks stunning.... |
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| Messing about on the river... |
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| Shame we didn't have someone to take a similar shot of us... |
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| Eye got jealous of those lashes.... |
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| Young Hyena mistakes the Land Rover tyres for food and rushes in for supper.... |
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| Nate - trying to work up a health tonic without alcohol I suspect not an easy task for a south African... |
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| Lizzy I can't express strongly enough just how brilliant and friendly she and her team were.. |
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| Our new German friend - She was like a cross between Truly Scrumptious and the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.... While he was like Pierce Brosnan only this time playing a Bond villain rather than 007. |
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| Beautiful harmonies and dancing - what's not to love unless you enjoy the miseries of life.... Really please with this shot which was taken without flash - just the light of a camp fire |
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| Claire - another member of the excellent Abu staff... |
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| Sue out to capture anything that nature puts in front of her... I was going to try and convince Sue to change over from Canon to Nikon but figure she has already made her choice ....Plus she is a professional Photographer with a lot more experience than me... No I won't be going over the Dark Side |
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| And so our tale comes to an end although this look more like two tails and a double end... |
