At last back to Savute

I took the first opportunity to get away from Europe when the Covid-19 restriction became more relaxed at the start of March 2022. Of course, I did not like being forced to wear a protective mask for the flights. Still, I happily took the bad with the positive as I once more had African soil beneath my feet.

This time I headed to Botswana with a short stop in Maun for 2 nights. I had hopes of doing a helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta, but sadly the weather did not permit it.

The rain had not been great so far during the season. We had a few thunderstorms during my two weeks in the country. Like often when it rains in Africa it pours down. Many in the west do not understand the amount of water Africa receives during periods. I have witnessed the same type of thunderstorms in Hungary. They are impressive and sadly not great for a carefree heli flight.

Let it rain

Had the pleasure of staying out in one thunderstorm in Savute. We decided to brave the weather and stayed out as we wanted to see the soaked lions. They had killed a wildebeest, and a big male was protecting the kill. And if he could brave the weather, so could we. We parked the safari vehicle with the rear towards the wind against the biggest tree we could find. Then it was just a waiting game until the rain receded.

It was for sure one of the highlights of my days in southern Chobe. To sit alone at a kill for is pure bliss. When we left the sighting, we ended up at a pan witnessing Black-backed jackal pups chasing each other in the water puddles. It felt like everything sprang to life due to the downpours.

The smell of the wild was different

 What really stuck was not all the great sightings, but the smell. The fragrance of the bush was something extraordinary for me. To sit in an open vehicle and be hit by the smell of wild basil, sage as well as wet soil was spectacular if you ask me. I had not expected to be floored by smell, but I was.

It made everything feel so alive and I now know that the green season is well worth exploring. Yes, one will see less game, but for me that is not a problem. You just stay with what you find and treasure the time you get while the scenery is stunningly beautiful.

I will surely go back during the green season.