Jimny Botswana Expedition; scaling the banks of the Khwai River – Part 3

There’s much to be admired about the vast starry skies at night and the animal cries during the day, however, when nature is left to its own devices it becomes a gift that keeps on giving. The Suzuki #BigInBotswana Safari continues to surprise along the Khwai River writes Damian Adams. 

Image: Chris Wall

Day 3: Leisurely Game Drive on banks of the Khwai River

We were woken by the smell of freshly brewing coffee on the fire and the yummiest Magwinya (Vetkoek) with butter & jam made by a local woman who owns “Hipposide Tuckshop” in Mababe Village. After breakfast, we set off for some more Game Viewing and this time we had the pleasure of seeing even more than the previous day. This was also the day of the Ellies because everywhere we turned, they were present in all of their majesty.

Related: More Suzuki Jimny stock confirmed for South Africa – new trim added

We drove along the Khwai river and parked off to observe some Hippos honking about in the water. We must’ve parked a bit too close for their liking because within minutes two of them had locked eyes with us and the staring competition had commenced. We couldn’t make any sudden movements, this included starting our Jimnys, because these Hippos were very unhappy, and they made it known. Seconds later we were met with the “laughing” hippo, a power-play technique used by Hippos to show dominance and dissatisfaction with how close we were. The sight of their teeth and tasks sent shivers down our spines and just when we thought their jaws couldn’t open any wider, they did. We quickly, but more importantly stealthily, made our way out of there and unfortunately, my wife’s perception of Hippos and wildlife changed drastically after that hairy experience. However, our guides did very well to educate us and get us to a place where we could evade disaster and feel more comfortable.

Image: Chris Wall

As the evening drew closer, we got to hear the visceral and mighty roar of the King of the Jungle and it was estimated that these Lions were approximately 1 km away from us. The moment was surreal, and the goosebumps were visible. We ended off the evening by reflecting on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and everything we had gained from getting the chance to go #BigInBotswana. This was a very emotive exercise as you reflect on all that nature has to offer and how we as human beings are actually only a tiny part of this special place we call Earth.

Day 4: Departure to Maun Airport

On our final morning we bid our picturesque home for the weekend farewell and departed for a 130 km drive to Maun Airport. We stopped in Mababe to meet the woman who had made the tasty Magwinya and thank her. We had to have our wits about us on the drive to Maun as the road was in terrible condition and we were trying to not miss our flights. Even on our way out, the sighting of wildlife did not stop and we have the pleasure of affirming that Botswana has certainly left a pleasant taste in our mouths. This Suzuki Safari was like nothing any of us could ever have imagined and the #BigInBotswana experience will be etched in our minds for a very long time.

Image: Chris Wall

FAST FACTS

Model: Suzuki Jimny 1,5 GL AllGrip

Price: R343 900

Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol

Transmission: 5-speed, manual

Power: 77 kW @ 6 000 r/min

Torque: 130 N.m @ 4 000 r/min

Ground clearance: 210 mm

Fuel consumption: 6,3 L/100 km

CO₂ emissions: 146 g/km

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, which we would highly recommend that you do, visit africaexpeditions.co.za.

The post Jimny Botswana Expedition; scaling the banks of the Khwai River – Part 3 appeared first on CAR Magazine.

The Car Guide