“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett
After a short ride from Chobe National Park, our little 8-seater plane landed on the dirt strip of a tiny little island called Xugana island.
Wild and untamed, it was as if sitting there, forgotten by the world.
“I have an insane longing to be where I am not”
That’s it, we are really in the Okavango Delta now.
The Kalahari desert and the Okavango River meet in the middle of Botswana to form crystal clear lagoons, water channels and islands full of water lilies and reeds, a perfect place for us to explore the animals that call it home.
As we gaze down from the plane, the enchanting landscape unfolds beneath us giving us a wondrous preview of the next few days.
Little by little, one travels far.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
A small boat picked us up and took us to the island camp where the excited staff welcomed us with African tunes.
As we approached, the golden light of the sun lit up the lush, tree- covered island and the mirror-like reflection in the clear, still water almost seemed like it was calling us to immerse in this remote, tranquil retreat.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien
As we settled down in our new abode, the breathtaking views from the room and the calm serenity of the place left a peaceful lingering feeling and a longing for what was to come…
” Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey
A quick lunch and siesta and off we went in a mokoro to explore the lagoon and its waterways.
The island with its papyrus reeds, blooming water lilies- dotted waterways and unique environment where small and large wildlife moved undisturbed was so unique.
The evening of exploration culminated into a beautiful sundowner with drinks and snacks right at the lagoon— a cherished tradition in the Okavango Delta.
We were guided to a scenic clearing with wide open views to the setting sun with a small table of drinks and snacks as the delta around us began to quiet and the sun transformed into golden orange -rose hues.
“I never knew of a morning in Africa, when I woke up and was not happy”- Ernest Hemingway
The day started at 5:30 am with hot coffee and some chit chat with our fellow camp guests who were from all corners of the world – New Zealand, Europe, US and Africa! Keen and engaging conversations over breakfast, lunch and dinner were a highlight of the days that we looked forward to.
Off to the walking safari, where we met herds of elephants, wild buffalos and impalas, lechwis and birds. I must admit that I was really relieved that we did not run into any lions or leopards while walking!!!
How relaxing when the walk was topped off with a bush lunch with barbecue and amazing and refreshing drinks. Of course, that was in a safe area near the camp….in case anyone was still wondering about lions ( as was I!)
“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” – Alan Keightley
The rest of the days were filled with sightings of elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and so many birds we lost count.
Each day crowned with adventurous mornings, relaxed afternoons and amazing evening sunsets in the bush or in the camp as we soaked in the spirit of that remote island- Xugana island, Botswana, not just a destination, it’s an experience of stillness, wonder and connection to the natural world.