AAC travelers Melody and Rick returned to Africa this year to celebrate a milestone birthday for Rick. After falling in love with the continent on their Tanzania safari they chose to visit three countries in Southern Africa for their return. Namibia was on their list so that they might explore the diverse topography of the desert, the wild coastline, the wildlife of Etosha National Park and the country’s unique quiver trees. Botswana offered the Okavango Delta, world famous Chobe National Park and its reputation for fantastic lodges. And Victoria Falls rounded out their trip – they didn’t want to miss the chance to see one of the world’s natural wonders. After visiting both the Iguazú falls and Niagara Falls, they were excited for the opportunity to see a moonbow in Victoria Falls.
Above all else on their safari, they treasured the chance to spend 4 full weeks of time of daily adventures together.
“The wonderful thing about Africa is that every day brings a new adventure, a new experience and a breathtaking appreciation for the wonder of this continent.”
Melody and Rick fell in love with the black rhino, with a highlight being their first sighting of a black rhino while trekking on foot in Namibia from Onduli Ridge. This was their favorite lodge they stayed in while on safari in the breathtakingly beautiful Damaraland region. Beyond the camp’s beautiful location, luxurious suites and incredible food and wine, we love that the bed can be rolled out onto your private deck for a night under a billion stars. Other activities offered at Onduli Ridge include the chance to see the impressive rock art at Twefelfontein, searching for desert-adapted elephants, solar e-biking, nature drives and walks.
During their two weeks in Namibia, Melody and Rick were impressed with their guide Johann.
“His knowledge of the local flora and fauna is prodigious. We are also very impressed with his multiple random acts of kindness to various strangers we encountered on our journeys. We have had many great guides on our adventures around the world and he truly stands out.”
Another Namibia highlight for Melody and Rick was a hot air balloon ride soaring above the beautiful sand dunes of the Namib Desert in celebration of Rick’s birthday. This ‘sand sea’ is full of ever-shifting, crimson-hued dunes – some of the highest in the world – that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. Seeing them from above is an incredibly special experience. A visit to the area provides photographic enthusiasts the chance to capture wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light.
One of their objectives while on safari was to see some of Africa’s unique and beautiful tree species. Melody and Rick enjoyed seeing the ancient quiver trees in Namibia, so named because the San people traditionally used its branches to make quivers. Quiver trees are also known for appearing upside down because its leaves look somewhat similar to roots. Similarly, baobab trees are another long-lived species that appear to be growing upside down, as their branches appear more like roots when bare. Both trees are culturally important in African societies.
“We live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and are surrounded by beautiful forests. We love to see unique species be it the African baobabs, quiver trees, the Joshua trees, sequoia of California and the banyan tree covered temples of Angkor Wat. There is a peace to be found among these ancient living trees.”
They also enjoyed seeing enormous baobab trees in Botswana on a full day excursion from their camp. Other highlights in Botswana consisted of amazing wildlife sightings which included countless elephants, a pack of denning wild dogs, many lions, zebra and even a honey badger!
Melody and Rick got their wish to see a moonbow when visiting Victoria Falls. The lunar rainbow is a unique phenomenon that is created when light is refracted through airborne water particles, but instead of sun as the light source, it is instead the moon. For a moonbow to form, the skies must be clear and the moon must be full. They had a clear night and bright moon, so were able to capture the lunar rainbow on camera.
A cruise on the Zambezi is another ‘must do’ when in Victoria Falls and Melody and Rick enjoyed their sunset cruise immensely. Between the water, views and the lovely food, it was the perfect Zambezi experience!
Melody and Rick have some excellent advice for travelers considering a safari –
“Just GO! Quit making excuses and just go. No matter how great you dream it would be, the reality is even better.”
They are looking forward to their next African safari, which might include Kenya, as well as gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
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Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Melody F. and Ultimate Safaris