Capturing the Moment

What looks like a mighty roar, is actually just a relaxing yawn, from this sleepy young male lion. But look at those teeth!   The Okavango Delta has always seemed like a far off, almost mythical place. I grew up seeing books and photos of it. Lions among palm trees, elephants wading through deep water. There were stories of having to sit up on top of the seat of the safari vehicle because you drove through water so deep it came over the floorboards. Having to take small bush planes to access the interior of the floodwaters. It has always seemed a place where the feeling of wild Africa permeates every moment. This is what I wanted to share with Greg and Sue on our epic 'Best of Africa' trip around the continent. We have experienced the Great Migration in the Serengeti, trekking with gorillas in the Virunga Mountains, and tracking leopards in Sabi Sand, but I wanted to finish with the feeling and experience that only the Okavango Delta can provide.

  Our safari tents were situated perfectly so the sunrise would stream in. This was our view each morning after the butler delivered coffee and opened the flaps. 14 days, 5 different parks, an elephant orphange, giraffe center, 2 countries, and thousands of pictures later, we have come to the conclusion of our East African Safari. Each day has brought new experiences, from the excitement of seeing our first wild animal from the rooftop pool at the Hilton, to have mating lions a few feet from the vehicle. Everyone soaked up a ton of knowledge from James, Jackson, and Godliving. We were cared for, and led, so well throughout that it was easy to fall into the groove of morning and afternoon game drives, delicious meals, and chatting around the campfires. Yet we were still tired each night, as we lay down on our comfy beds out in the middle of the African wilderness. We listened to bird songs, zebra, elephants, hyrax, and hyena from our beds. After starting with very pleasant overcast ...

      Embarking on a safari to Amboseli National Park in Kenya is a journey into the heart of the wild, a mesmerizing experience that transcends the boundaries between man and nature. Our adventure was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with encounters with majestic wildlife, cultural immersion, and moments of pure awe.    One of the highlights of our safari was the decision to opt for a private driver and vehicle. This choice granted us the freedom to dictate our pace, linger in the presence of magnificent creatures, and savor the untamed beauty of Amboseli. Our skilled driver, James, not only navigated the terrain with expertise but also shared insightful knowledge about the flora and fauna that surrounded us.    Our journey extended beyond the borders of Amboseli as we visited a nearby Maasai village. The encounter was more than a tourist experience; it was a profound connection with a community whose traditions and way of life have stood the te...