Live/Cloud: South Africa-Botswana+, Many Pix’s, Terry/Ohio

[TLCOhio]

Here is the second group of pictures, including a great leopard, from our first late afternoon game drive with Robert. Our guide is super skilled and really knows his animals and birds. My wife got a little nervous a couple times in being close to the leopard, plus some elephants that "happened" as we were returning to camp. Robert, however, is a skilled “pro” and does not want to endanger either himself or us. All worked fine!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 194,435 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here is one of the hippo scampering quickly (they can move fast) from the wooded area back through its well-worn path to the safety of the water/lake late in the evening. Second are some Cape Buffalo. We saw lots of them in South Africa, but they have not been as common here in Botswana. Third are a couple of the red-billed franklin birds found here.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leopard? Here are just three of my many, many pictures that I captured of this young female leopard that we happened to discover during this first drive here at Khwai. We ended up spending about 36 minutes following and watching from close range this beautiful animal as she was tracking a young warthog to be that evening’s meal. Things did not work out for that “kill” as the adult warthog was watching closely and protecting the young offspring. It was great seeing this leopard’s movements, prep work and actions so closely. Very interesting and spectacular!! During much of the time, we were within 18-22’ of this creature as she plotted strategies. If you are a leopard, you have great speed, but other animals can and will fight back. These animals, such as the leopard, know their limits and want to pick their battle points carefully.:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are the final two visuals from our very successful later afternoon and early evening “adventure” with Robert near the Khwai River Lodge.

 

In these posts and others upcoming, I have asked the very helpful staff for specific names of the various animals and birds. Hopefully this will be helpful and of interest for those following along on this adventure.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 209,041 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

After observing the leopard for so long, here is a spotted hyena we encountered that was nearby. The hyena was hoping to clean up on the “left-overs” . . . IF . . . the leopard had scored that main meal “hit” on the warthog. But, not such luck for the hyena or the leopard. Good news for the baby warthog.:

 

 

 

Finally for our first half-day at Khwai River Lodge, this was the sunset and an elephant in the foreground as we were heading back to our camp as darkness fell in Botswana.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are the first six of the visuals from this morning’s very successful game drive. As happened last night, it was just my wife and me along with Robert doing the exploring for this more wooded area nearby to Khwai River Lodge.

 

Also in camp for this first evening and morning were ten members of the Tourism Advisory Committee for the President of Botswana. Some of the local community neighbors want different policies for how these various lodges are controlled (who gets how much money) and how various decisions are made on employment, etc. Politics is politics, regarding of location in the world. The national leaders want to boost echo-tourism, but it is important to have the outside investment in these costly facilities. PLUS, to make sure that operations are well-managed to attract more distant tourist who will pay the prices required to operate such more-costly facilities. There is always debate and trade-offs for how these issues get decided, who has the "power", who benefits, doing long-term economics, etc.

 

Also here last night and this morning was the Belmond General Manager for these three Botswana facilities as she is working with outside consultants for upgrades to these facilities to keep them “current” and working well Last year, Belmond spent $6.5 million doing a total re-build at the Eagle Island Lodge. Look forward to seeing those results there. This includes lots of "infrastructure" changes and upgrades.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 35,990 views for these postings.

 

 

First is a chacama baboon being “neighborly” with a group impala. Now, things are getting along fine between the baboon and impala. BUT, when there are young baby impala born, the baboon will attack and go after the youngsters. Life can be tough in these wildlife regions. Like the cute second shot of the two baboon? Third is a visuals of a jacana bird. Like the bird name specifics?:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the next two birds visuals, first is a goliath heron. Second is an open billed stork. The third picture is of two hippo, including one as a baby, in the areas we explored this morning during our game drive.:

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2016 by TLCOhio

[patnlcc]

Loving your posts, Terry, keep 'em coming!

[TLCOhio]

Here is part two from this morning's game drive with Robert from here at Belmond Khwai River Lodge.

 

Want to see more lions? Maybe a female, too?? See the "photo evidence" below.

 

Ready to start our 4 pm game drive and will post more later.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 57,637 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

First shown are two wattled cranes. Next are two rupees parrot. The camp manager said it is somewhat rare to be able to see and photograph these birds. Third are the cape griffin vulture that helped tip us off to the location for these lion and their "kill" The vultures were hoping to get some meals from the left-overs that the lions did not need.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the male lion discovered by Robert with a portion of its "kill" from a couple of days ago. The "victim" was a waterbuck, normally not considering good eating by lions and others. BUT, this is what had happened. Sorry this visual is so "realistic", but that is how things operate with wildlife in nature. Also, right nearby was this female lion. Does she look majestic and interesting? .:

 

 

 

 

 

[Tothesunset]

This must be, without exception, the most impressive collection of photographs anywhere on this website. Outstanding.

[specialcruisegirl]

Agree with Sunset.....these visuals are absolutely brilliant Terry....so pleased you are enjoying the adventure....and as another poster commented....you must surely have some of these photos displayed at home to remind you of whole experience.

 

Sophia [emoji4]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Zimbo]

Wonderful photos Terry, Botswana really is a beautiful country. Not to detract from the quality of your photography, but you probably have to admit that Botswana, and the incredible guides, do make your job easier... :D

 

Wrt. politics around tourism, Botswana has actually taken an interesting approach, as you are no doubt aware. Whilst other countries in Africa have gone for the "high volume" model, eg. Kenya, where you will see many vehicles around an animal sighting, Botswana has instead opted for the low-volume conservation model.

 

Many private safari operators are offered large land concessions, and are required to operate at a much lower bed:square mileage ratio than in other parts of the continent. This is why the lodges in Botswana tend to be quite small, and animal sightings/events are rarely shared between more than two vehicles. Of course, this results in higher costs, but this is the more "upmarket and exclusive" clientele they seek to attract. But there are many discussions around whether this is the best approach, with many balancing factors and requirements ie. revenue/profit, local vs international operators, conservation, etc. It has though, by most accounts, been an incredibly successful approach so far - safari tourism, along with diamond mining, has been Botswana's most successful industry. Tourism is seen as the long-term sustainable alternative to the diamond mining industry.

[TLCOhio]

This must be, without exception, the most impressive collection of photographs anywhere on this website. Outstanding.

 

specialcruisegirl Agree with Sunset.....these visuals are absolutely brilliant Terry....so pleased you are enjoying the adventure....and as another poster commented....you must surely have some of these photos displayed at home to remind you of whole experience. Sophia

 

Zimbo: Wonderful photos Terry' date=' Botswana really is a beautiful country. Not to detract from the quality of your photography, but you probably have to admit that Botswana, and the incredible guides, do make your job easier... Wrt. politics around tourism, Botswana has actually taken an interesting approach, as you are no doubt aware. Whilst other countries in Africa have gone for the "high volume" model, eg. Kenya, where you will see many vehicles around an animal sighting, Botswana has instead opted for the low-volume conservation model. Many private safari operators are offered large land concessions, and are required to operate at a much lower bed:square mileage ratio than in other parts of the continent. This is why the[b'] lodges in Botswana tend to be quite small, and animal sightings/events are rarely shared between more than two vehicles[/b]. Of course, this results in higher costs, but this is the more "upmarket and exclusive" clientele they seek to attract. But there are many discussions around whether this is the best approach, with many balancing factors and requirements ie. revenue/profit, local vs international operators, conservation, etc. It has though, by most accounts, been an incredibly successful approach so far - safari tourism, along with diamond mining, has been Botswana's most successful industry. Tourism is seen as the long-term sustainable alternative to the diamond mining industry.

 

Appreciate these very kind and nice comments from Sophia, sunset and Zimbo. Glad to know that there are so many persons of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment on these CC boards to make these types of generous comments. Will try to "keep it coming" and maintain high quality, interesting visuals. Lots more still to see and do, plus post here!!

 

Excellent summary from Zimbo for how Botswana is approaching tourism very differently and trying to avoid too much "mass" crowds in favor of higher-yielding visitors and operations. In addition to diamond mining and tourism, the local folks here also take great pride in their beef production. Botswana has had a long history for more self-government, being stable in their operation, etc. Botswana was never a colony, but only a protectorate of the British as certain tension were happen with the Dutch in the "old days". PLUS, only having a population of two million in a country the size of France, has its advantages, too.

 

We have arrived at the third of Belmond's three Botswana camps. It's Eagle Island in the middle of the Okavango Delta. This region was voted the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the few delta systems in the world which does not flow into the sea.

 

In November 2015, Belmond reopened Eagle Island Lodge following a $6.5 million “total rebuild.” They have tied-in the region’s natural elements, used*local artisans and materials to create the lodge’s new tented guest accommodations, restaurant and lounge.

 

Each of the lodge’s new twelve tented roomshave its own plunge pool, outdoor deck, a mini-bar crafted in the style of an explorer’s toolbox, hand-stitched waxy leather upholstered furniture, and a custom-designed table with canvas and leather pockets. The centerpiece of the room is an oversized bed with a handmade copper finished headboard that references Botswana’s mining tradition. Bathrooms include a large bathtub, a double vanity, large inside shower, a walk-in wardrobe and a walled outdoor shower. Lots have upgrades have been done for better electrical hook-ups, etc. Outside, you can see a large grid of solar panels, etc. Very nice!!

 

We are now getting ready for a 5 pm helicopter flight here at Eagle Island. Should be a great way to sample this area and see some added highlights. This will help us in planning out our final two days in Botswana.

 

Right now as a I type, there are three baboons at the next door cabin. They are loud and hyper active. Lots of jumping from trees to the roof, crawling around on the deck, etc.

 

Below are some added pictures from our earlier exploring at Khwai River Lodge. Many more to come.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 136,153 views for this posting.

 

 

Here are three more views/angles of that younger male lion that we had a chance to observe at great length yesterday morning. Lots of character in this face!! Plus, notice the size its front paws and legs? And, the size the teeth? Large and powerful!! When you capture this many different views and details, it takes more than one picture to share and reflect these aspects of our amazing experience with this animal and its female friend.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For birds from yesterday, first is a yellow-billed hornbill. They describe this bird with its distinct nose a "flying banana"!! Second is a open-billed stork being in its element with all of this water and these varied water flowers. Third is a gray-headed kingfisher. Like these birds?:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are two more quick pictures from yesterday morning. Still have lots more Khwai River area pictures from yesterday afternoon and this morning to share.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 194,435 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

How can you go wrong taking pictures of elephants in Africa??? Here's another fun example!! Don't you love it when the elephant trunk is swinging and there is also a baby elephant involved?:

 

 

 

To finish this group with an exclamation point, here is their fish eagle. It is referred to as "the call of Africa" Clearly it is related to and looks very much like the famed American bald eagle. Classy and strong bird?:

 

[msakmom]

This is awesome! The pictures are absolutely beautiful! Just found another trip to add to my bucket list :)

[drmikemd]

Hi Terry,

 

Mike & I are now studying your photographs and travel preparations for a similar adventure thanks to your posts. They should really hire you to promote these expeditions! We loved traveling with you and Penny to Russia and profited so much from your preparation. I would like to know, as you prepare to return home, what has been the most surprising part of your trip and what was your most unexpected discovery.

 

On a lighter side, Mike wants to know what's the velocity of an unladen swallow, African vs. European?

 

Safe travels home.

 

Cindy

[badgerdee]

What an amazing adventure, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photographs! We weren't lucky enough to see a leopard when we were in Bots however your thread has convinced me we need to return!

[TLCOhio]

This is awesome! The pictures are absolutely beautiful! Just found another trip to add to my bucket list

 

drmikemd: Most Surprising/Most Unexpected Discovery. Hi Terry' date=' Mike & I are now studying your photographs and travel preparations for a similar adventure thanks to your posts. [b']They should really hire you to promote these expeditions![/b] We loved traveling with you and Penny to Russia and profited so much from your preparation. I would like to know, as you prepare to return home, what has been the most surprising part of your trip and what was your most unexpected discovery. On a lighter side, Mike wants to know what's the velocity of an unladen swallow, African vs. European? Safe travels home. Cindy

 

badgerdee: What an amazing adventure' date=' thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photographs! We weren't lucky enough to see a leopard when we were in Bots however [b']your thread has convinced me we need to return![/b]

 

Appreciate these continued very nice and positive comments. Glad to bringing back nice memories and/or encouraging future travel to this wonderful part of Africa.

 

For Cindy, the "most surprising" part to me would be that we got as close to some of these major animals as we did. And, for nice, extended, long period of time. That "connection" was so spectacular!! We expected to "see" some well-known animals, but to establish more of a "relationship" and having excellent guides give us excellent background about each of them made the viewing more meaningful. Keep the good questions from any and all rolling in. Like having those kind of good comments to help us in sharing more while it is fresh in our minds.

 

Don't be shy!! Ask any and all questions, etc.!!

 

Below you will see the first part of our "helicopter adventure" that happened during our first day at Belmond Eagle Island. It is hot here, but the weather is clear and there are now no immediate threats of rain or storms.

 

Yes, we were very lucky and fortunate with both the leopard and lions to have such good experiences in connection with these animals that can be fairly hard to find in the wild.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 209,094 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

After arriving at Eagle Island, our first major "activity" was do a helicopter tour of this Okavango Delta. Our pilot was delayed a little, which worked to our benefit as it made it happening even later in the afternoon. That made the lighting even more dramatic as we spent 27 minutes flying over this very unique and amazing environment. At times of the year, this whole area is mostly covered in waters that soak into the desert area here after flowing from the north in Angola. Shown first is our helicopter and the pilot waving. The doors were off of the helicopter to allow us better pictures and visibility. Normally, my wife does not like doing any "heights", but this flying trip worked well. I could not get her to do the Cape Town helicopter tour. This variety of pictures show a number of different animals on the ground, plus in the fifth shot a "bird's eye" view of a stork flying above the ground. Notice the one picture with Cape Buffalo, zebra, birds all getting along well at this one watering hole? :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are some more visuals from our helicopter tour over the Okavango Delta. These visuals were done with the last little parts of battery life left for my back-up Nikon camera with the better lenses, etc. The better Nikon camera body still has not recovered from the Victoria Falls misting.

 

Fortunately, this Nikon camera worked through this great helicopter flying experience. Now I have my smaller and more basic Nikon waterproof camera to use, plus my iPhone camera option. Will keep shoot and sharing more as we get ready for our final day plus here in Botswana.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 36,013 views for these postings.

 

 

Here are three more pictures from our helicopter tour at Eagle Island in Botswana. This includes a massive number of hippo ALL at one location. It's especially interesting to see this significant of a number of hippo from high in the sky. At times during this air tour, we went over some flat plains at the height a giraffe would see things. Finally, here was our guide and his vehicle waiting for us at the point near where we landed and re-joined the tour group.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunset? Was it good last night? Here are three different angles and views. First was with a dining table in the foreground from the main lodge area. The second two pictures were taken from their special "Sundowner" raised and covered area nested close to the water where we were perfectly positioned to enjoy the sights as the sun was setting. In the middle picture, notice the reflection of an elephant that was "working" along the side of the river bank. In this great location, of course, there were drinks and munchies to enjoy. These Botswana sunset in the Delta are so amazing. Looking forward this evening with the final chance to capture these sunset views!!:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

For these early morning "game drives" (just looking, no hunting), we get the morning wake-up knock on our door at 5:30 am by our guide. He drops off hot coffee and water for tea, etc. Breakfast is available at 6 pm. Then we depart at 6:30 am to see what we can find. We generally return around 10:30-11 am. We use a Toyota Land Cruiser that is specially equipped and designed for working these rough terrain settings. We did briefly see a leopard today, but he was "shy" and got away quickly before we could study him. As always, we saw a number of elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, impala, Cape Buffalo, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 30,812 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

 

Here are some highlights of the Saturday (today) game drive this morning with our guide and three others in our group. One picture shows that there are even palm trees out here in this flat, unique range of land and areas that will fill with waters in a few months. Notice the really tall termite mound at the left of the palm trees? Many of the areas with the larger trees become "islands" with their higher elevations as the waters fill the lower areas. Lots of interesting grasses out here, especially as the early morning sun is playing with the various "looks"!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

As we were returning from our morning game drive, our guide took us through the nearby "settlement" that is closest to our camp. With only about 200 people living here, it is not called a "village". There is no school here, nor a health clinic. The government is trying to encourage, slowly, residents in these types of settlement to shift/move to larger villages of 500 or more people or larger cities where they can have the educational, work and health facilities/opportunities needed to advance this country.

 

For this community, schooling is providing in Maun, the four-hour away town that is the "center" for this overall Delta region. Students starting at age seven go there on a "boarding school" basis. A mobile health care team visit here. It was good to see how the Botswana people live here. With what we have experienced in South Africa, Zambia and now in Botswana, these situation and challenges are enlightening to see and learn such details. We have seen much worse conditions, but there are challenges here in Botswana. Fortunately, Botswana has a much better than average economic and leadership situation/history as a nation. Many people here, however, desire to live and be where they have always been. BUT, changes are happening and they are trying to move the country forward for the future.

 

On returning to Eagle Island, the manager here gave us more background for how the government and others are trying to help those who live here, issues facing these areas, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 27,284 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

Here are three views from driving through the settlement nearest to Eagle Island Lodge.:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From our two days at Khwai River Lodge, here are some added game drive visuals that had not been posted previously. A couple of these give you an idea for how you can get fairly close, but safely, to the wildlife in these areas of Botswana.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 57,699 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

Here are a few more of the varied game and bird life visuals we saw and experienced nearby to Belmond Khwai River Lodge. In the third and fourth visuals, you can see how really big, BIG can be these hippos when you encounter them outside of the waters. Not exactly slim and trim are these animals that are the biggest killers of people in Africa. Is that a surprise? Hippos do not eat meat, but they are very protective of their young and/or do not like anyone getting between them and their pathways to the safety of water. Interesting birds shown in this grouping??:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Khwai River Lodge is the largest of the three that Belmond operates in Botswana. It has fourteen units compared to the twelve each at Savute and Eagle Island. Below are some visuals of the helpful and well-focused staff at this facilities. Plus a sampling for the main lodge areas where we would dining, drink, hang out, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 136,246 views for this posting.

 

 

Guides are super, super important in these camps!! Here is Robert with my wife in front of the Toyota Land Cruiser that we used to explore these fairly wood and challenging areas. He was excellent in finding both an amazing leopard and two lions for us. Plus, plus, so much more!! His knowledge on birds and so many other details really added to our learning experience.:

 

 

 

These visuals give a sampling for the main dining and lounge facilities at Khwai River Lodge. Finally, is a visual of Steve and Chantelle, the married couple who manage activities here. They are shown on the left side along with one of the four chefs for this facility. Each of these three locations have a staff of about 45 people. The staff live on-site as the locations are fairly remote. Many of the staff work a three-month shift and then are off for a month. All of the breads are baked locally. There are no nearby supermarkets handy to pick up any needed items. Logistics at these camps are part of the challenge and reason why costs are not cheap.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As an animal bonus, here is a cute little baby zebra we saw nearby to Khwai River Lodge. Unique colorations for this animal at this early stage of its life. Like?:

 

[liptastic]

Terry,

You just continue to delight with your first class pictures and commentary. I am sure everyone will be sad when your trip ends, as this has been a daily ray of sunshine to read and view. Many thanks again, Jean.

[TLCOhio]

Terry, You just continue to delight with your first class pictures and commentary. I am sure everyone will be sad when your trip ends, as this has been a daily ray of sunshine to read and view. Many thanks again, Jean.

 

Appreciate so much Jean's nice "ray of sunshine" for me with her kind comments on my postings. Got more visuals to share here!! It's super warm out right now in the mid-afternoon. Around 97-98F. Hot! Hot!! So I have more time and flexibility to post added pictures before we do our later afternoon activities and prepare for the sunset.

 

Last night, there seven people staying here (out of a capacity of twenty-four). Tonight, we are the ONLY TWO guests at Eagle Island. Is that private enough? Did we say something to offend the others?

 

Plus, of course, the large staff is here to take care of our needs. Tomorrow mid-day, we depart to return to Ohio, but eleven new people will be arriving. This is still their "low-season". Things will get much busier as the timing moves into later March, April, May and June. That is when temperatures lower and water levels rise.

 

The rooms here? Amazing!! Unlike some older hotels, lodges, cruise ships, there are plenty of various types of plugs, lights, etc. AND, the walls, unlike at the other two camps, are not just canvas. They are more solid and better insulated, allowing more efficient and effective air conditioning to keep us comfortable. There is a plunge pool for each unit, plus an outdoor shower that my wife has raved about using this afternoon. Lots of room for your dressing and luggage areas. Double sinks, inside large shower, plus a large, uniquely designed bath tub, etc., etc. And, lots of windows to see out. These twelve rooms each have a huge covered patio with two recliners, plus added seatings areas, etc. WOW!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 194,566 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here are just six quick visuals to give you a sampling for how the main lodge area here at Eagle Island Lodge looks after Belmond just spent $6.5 million doing a total re-build on this facility with such a great, scenic location. These are the areas where you dining, get beverages, relax, gather as groups, etc. Like the timbers and other design touches? It's a more contemporary take on an African safari camp.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[spinnaker2]

Terry,

This has to be one of the trips of a lifetime.

Incredible photography of animals few of us will ever get to see in their habitats. Thanks so mush for taking the time to share it here with us.

[jpalbny]

Africa is amazing, and Terry has done an outstanding job of showing us that. I am so excited to get back there in October that I don't think I'll be able to stand the wait. Now we have to plan yet another trip to visit Botswana, because there will be no time for that this year.

 

Terry, have a safe journey home and looking forward to more updates as you fill in the details of your journey. I feel bad asking, but what kind of camera are you thinking of getting to replace your wet one? Sorry it's not recovering, but the prognosis must be dire at this point. :(

[les37b]

Thanks for sharing all your wonderful photos and commentary Terry and have a safe journey home. Hopefully your camera recovers. I had a trip to Iceland a while back where my Canon failed and forced me to buy a new replacement. I eventually put the battery from my new one in the dead one and low and behold I now had 2 working cameras!! Fingers crossed its as simple as that to resolve.

 

I am at the Cruise Show in London tomorrow.... I will be negotiating your next cruise for you! haha Anywhere in particular you fancy?

 

All the best

Edited February 20, 2016 by les37b

[Suite Travels]

Terry, I have been lurking here and really enjoyed your commentary and photos. We usually go to Africa twice a year as we don't get enough of it. Doing this by land is a whole different experience doing this on a cruise excursion only gives you a small sample of Africa.

 

My partner, like yourself is an avid photographer and I am terrible. I a, delighted when people after their first trip come back and tell us how much they loved the camps and the whole experience.

 

Our next trip we will be in Africa for four weeks covering east, central, and south and we can't wait. We are doing this private as we like our own tracker and driver. My partner as well carries two cameras with all kinds of lenses and takes his time on shooting subjects.

 

The luxury camps can't be beat and you still have that African feel. We found the food to be superb and fresh many items with an Indian influence.

 

Again, I am thrilled you enjoyed your adventure and may a piece of your heart remain in beautiful Africa.