Ten days on safari through Botswana's national parks - and far more than just impressive animal encounters.
The company owners Kristin and Dirk from Moments gave us a warm welcome at the airport in Maun. Their experience coupled with a deep respect and enthusiasm for the country and nature was a defining moment during the entire tour. Our local guide "Moronga" had a wide range of specialist knowledge, which he passed on with great commitment and gave us a sense of security during the trip thanks to his enormous experience and local knowledge.
We were accompanied by a local team of nine people who looked after us throughout the trip - attentive, warm and always ready for a joke. Inquisitive and interested, they tried to test their German with us, which led to many funny and bonding situations in which we became friends. In the evening, a three-course meal, cocktails, sundowners and sitting together around the campfire under the African starry sky awaited us at the camp.
Camping meant a touch of luxury: spacious tents, well thought-out facilities with washing facilities right outside the tent, clever hooks for hanging up clothes and equipment, a small bedside table and hot water for showers every evening. A luxury we appreciated after a long day on safari. Mosquito sprays had also been thought of (which, as predicted by the team, were not needed).
During the day, we experienced eventful drives where our guide's local knowledge enabled us to have extraordinary animal encounters: leopards with fresh prey, hyenas trying to get their share. Herds of elephants curiously inspecting our vehicle - and even short excursions on foot, always carefully and professionally accompanied by Moronga.
After ten intensive days, a safari team had become a friendly community, and it was hard to say goodbye to them. This trip was not just a safari. It was an encounter with the wilderness and the pristine nature. Ten days without the internet and concentrating on the essentials without the distractions of our civilized world to get an idea of what a pristine life in the wilderness must feel like. It was also the encounters with the people in our team that moved us.
Botswana touched us deeply. Many thanks to Moments and its team
Christoph and Ulrike ππ₯π
