After an overnight flight from London to Johannesburg and an hour long drive to another airport we piled into a couple of small planes to get to Botswana. What was supposed to be an hour flight was much longer as we bumped along looking for literally “a” hole to get beneath the cloud layer and land at our destination. I kept sipping fizzy water to still my stomach {I was facing backwards} and looking around for vessels {other than my handbag} to grab in case things got desperate. When he found “the hole”, and we all saw it, our pilot took a severe left banked turn and then dove into it like a pro. I don’t know if anyone was able to take a breath as we pushed our way down through the blinding, thick layers of clouds but soon, we were clear and able to level out and catch our first glimpse of the Limpopo Valley.
Everyone was beyond relieved when we finally bumped down on the airstrip at the Limpopo Valley Airfield.
The thatched roof and rough hewed architecture quickly helped me to forget about the rough flight.
I loved the natural elements, the stones, the rustic lanterns, the log supports and then again, my favorite, the thatched roof.
The crew from Limpopo Safaris, who we grew to love over our 8 day adventure, were there to welcome us and helped us to settle into a properly worn and rugged open air Landcrusier.
We didn’t realize it at the time, but it was a good thing that the area had been experiencing an unusual level of precipitation prior to our arrival, because it resulted in less dust for our rides, more lush vegetation and plenty of thick mud on the tires.
As we bound along the muddy roads we saw a few animals and took in the earthy, grassy fragrance of the damp Savannah. Then we pulled into Mashatu camp.
I was immediately entranced by the 2 bomas, one for gathering before and after outings, breakfast and beverages and the other for dining.
Next, we settled into our tents.
For the first two nights we stayed in these tents, set on a teak platforms. I have such fond memories of this tent living, curling up on my cot at night, listening to the lions, hyenas and birds in the distance.
In the mornings we would be awoken by our gentle~giant guide Wes delivering us “good morning coffee” just after lighting the hot water heaters. In our outdoor bathrooms we’d splash off watching the sun rise behind the trees and listening to the birds and monkeys screeching overhead.
But before I experienced that, we were collected in the gathering boma, to have a glass of wine and meet all of the incredible people with whom we would share the week.
Then lunch was served, in my absolute favorite dining situation… elegant food in a rustic setting.
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| elegant food in a rustic setting |
The elegance of this food was that it was so wholesome, delicious and satisfying, yet made under very rugged {by our standards} conditions by our beloved and talented cooks everyday.
One of our favorites was our first meal {which they kindly replicated on our last day}. Around the table we concurred that this chicken was naturally much more flavorful than any chicken any of us had ever tasted. It was served with a little yellow squash tart and salads, I couldn’t have asked for anything more
{but the wildflower at each place setting was a nice touch}.
After lunch, we were off to the stables where we would meet our horses and take “the test” to see if we were actually capable of cantering across the desert and running away from whatever dangerous wildlife we might encounter.
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| The General |
This trip looks incredible, Emily. We have had more fun following along on your journey…next time I want to travel in your suitcase!
Being on safari is just the most amazing thing in the world! I am in Heaven reading about your trip and can't wait to follow along for the rest…
I was only in Botswana once – for a photo shoot that just lasted a weekend! So I didn't see much but what I did was just gorgeous…
Dear Emily, I have a feeling I will be dreaming of being on this safari tonight with you!! An Incredible experience of a lifetime!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
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DC, Heather and Karena — it was the most amazing trip and I have the most amazing dreams and memories of cantering across this desert covered with wildflowers, the wildlife, the tent and the people. Thank you for following along and sharing in my passion!
xo, ebh
WOw how amazing I will live vicariously through you on this trip!
Emily-
No one can say you are not an adventurous person. Such an experience.
Love seeing this. Did you get the recipe for the tart?
Teresa
xoxo
Teresa, I am looking back at this because it is suddenly getting so much attention. I did not get any recipes, most of our communication with the cooks was through smiles and touches. xo, ebh