The McClouds are going to Zimbabwe: From Zimbabwe to Botswana and back again

Today is African Safari day! We got off to an early start for the famous Chobe National Park in Botswana. When we arrived at the border, we went thru customs twice. Once to exit Zimbabwe and again a few meters later to enter Botswana (weird). At the second post, we had to walk through a special cleaning solution to prevent hand/mouth disease. Even the bus tires had to be treated. What's interesting is the fact that there was no hand soap or toilet paper available in the restroom. Seems like an opportunity area.

Our group did the Safari cruise on the Chobe River first.

After lunch, we continued on to the game drive to see more of the land animals.

Funny thing happened on way to game drive. As you can see from the above picture, we are in an open air jeep. Quite a windy and dusty ride indeed. We were very worried that Maydelle would lose her hat and leap out of the car to try to retrieve it. What happened was Kevin lost his convention name badge. It flew right off his shirt and out the back of the jeep! We were going way too fast so we didn't even mention it to Stanley the driver. But we were amazed when we got to the first stop and Kevin got his name badge delivered to the car! What was once lost, had now been found.

Throughout the day, we learned many fun facts. . .

Hippos sleep at the edge of river so their noses can rest above water. Can only breath underwater for 5 minutes. Kudu has stripes that are like fingerprints. No two alike. Kudu babies must learn pattern of their mother. Crocodiles can stay underwater for an hour by constricting veins and slowing heartbeat to less than 6 beats per minute. Baboons can distinguish between male and female humans and will try to take advantage of females. The impala, baboon, and kudu move together. The baboon has very good eyesight - can warn the others of danger.

. . . And we saw many incredible sights: