Moremi to Thamalakane Lodge

We managed to get away at a reasonable time, partially assisted by the baboons coming to visit and for Luke the fact that we were going to a lodge. The baboons firstly took an interest in our next door neighbors, 3 young couples, obviously inexperienced in Baboon handling. One managed to score a tray of 36 eggs, and sat 20m away stuffing his face. 2 of the guys decided an aggressive approach was necessary and approached with a large stick. One grabbed the eggs whilst the other wielded the stick and yelled very loudly. It was very amusing and effective. After they left, we became the targets but they did not succeed, despite trying very hard. It was a lovely drive out of the park, about 2 hours. Quite sad as we don't know how many of these animals we will see again as we are heading to the pans and deserts of the Kalahari. Unlikely to be hippos there, maybe not even elephants. We saw them as we left there and waved goodbye. The elephants wagged their ears at us. Out of the park, we started seeing villages again. It was nice to see the locals again. We had to surrender our remaining tomatoes and spray our shoes and wheels in chemicals to ensure no fruit fly or other diseases went with us. We arrived at lunch at the lodge. We were warned about the squirrels who apparently will take things from the room. Somehow they didn't seem to be much of a concern after baboons, hornbills and monkeys. The boys went straight into the hot shower and came out a couple of shades lighter but still require further descaling of dirt. Most of our clothing was dispatched to the laundry. I don't envy them at all and will have to give a big tip. The lodge is an ideallic location next to the Thamaklane River. We had lunch overlooking the river with cold drinks and food cooked by someone else that was fresh. Everyone was very content. No one else seems to be around so the boys enjoyed the afternoon running around on the lawns and through the sprinklers, whilst Liam and I lounged about. At 5pm the German tour groups arrived en mass. We had another great meal in clean clothes. Mosquitoes visited for the first time in our trip. Climbing into a clean bed was much appreciated. We had a fabulous view outside of the river and felt quite at home with the loud frogs and the occasional hippo grunt.

Location:Maun