Southern African Journey Log 5: Border Crossed, Horizon Expanded
Our final game drive at Etali Safari Lodge was a bumble ride, specifically designed with toddlers in mind. These rides focus on calm, easily observable animals like elephants and giraffes rather than more elusive predators such as lions or cheetahs. The guide also opts for smoother roads and less rugged terrain, creating a more relaxed and educational experience for little ones. For our kids, the highlight was undoubtedly the elephants. They watched in awe as these magnificent creatures deftly used their trunks to drink water, spray each other playfully, and roll in the mud to protect their skin. It was a heartwarming conclusion to our three-day stay at Etali, an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yes, the luxury came with a price tag, but it was worth every penny. For those considering safaris, I’d recommend trying both public and private ones to fully grasp the unique experiences each offers, especially if you’re traveling from far away.
Crossing into Botswana: A Seamless Adventure
Our next destination took us beyond South Africa to Botswana, a country celebrated for its remarkable wildlife conservation efforts and political stability. Once one of the poorest nations, Botswana has transformed into an upper-middle-income country, thanks to diamond wealth and sound governance. The Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Kalahari Desert are just a few of the natural wonders that make this nation a top safari destination.
We crossed the border at the Derdepoort Border Post near Kgatleng, a quieter option compared to the busier Kopfontein Border Control. The post was less than a 30-minute drive from our lodge, but we made a quick stop to refuel and grab snacks—just in case we faced unexpected delays. Upon arrival, we found ourselves the only travelers there. The paperwork, including an authorization letter from the car rental company allowing us to take the vehicle out of South Africa, was straightforward. The officials, curious about our journey, mentioned that non-locals rarely use this crossing. As we waited, I noticed a box of free condoms at the post—an important reminder of Botswana’s proactive approach to addressing its HIV/AIDS epidemic, which affects over 20% of its adult population.
First Impressions of Botswana and Gaborone
Once across the border, the scenery shifted noticeably. Despite its rural outskirts, Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, soon revealed itself as a modern hub. Known as “Africa’s diamond city,” Gaborone blends tradition with contemporary vibrancy. Its downtown area, dotted with sleek buildings and bustling markets, surprised us with its polish and urban energy.
We admired the city’s cultural and natural attractions. This lively mix of old and new was a stark contrast to the tranquil wilderness of Madikwe.
A Day of Travel Woes
Our plans to explore Gaborone further took an unexpected turn. Initially, we had intended to visit the Mokolodi Nature Reserve and Gaborone Game Reserve the next day. However, a scheduling change meant we had to catch a flight earlier than anticipated. Things took another twist at the airport, where we learned that our flight was delayed by several hours. To pass the time, we strolled through the terminal, admired local art, and contributed to donation boxes for community causes.
When the delay stretched further, we discovered we’d miss our connecting flight in Johannesburg. The airline provided a voucher for an airport hotel in Johannesburg, but the ordeal cost us a day of our vacation and a cancellation fee for the better hotel we had originally booked. Although frustrating, we reminded ourselves that this was our first hiccup after six smooth days. We resolved to stay positive and looked forward to restarting our adventure the next day.
