Why this mother and daughter decided to repeat their Ultimate Africa adventure five years later
By Susan Giaccotto, 6-time traveler, Farmington, Connecticut
My mom—Norma Moskey, a 6-time traveler from West Hartford, Connecticut—and I had talked about repeating our 2005 Ultimate Africa adventure during five of our subsequent OAT trips. While we were visiting OAT’s Boston headquarters for a travelers’ event in early 2010, we glanced at one another with that familiar “Let’s just do it!” look, and our decision was made.
The outstanding wildlife—like this young lion cub—drew Susan and Norma back to Africa five years after their first adventure.
We enthusiastically embarked on our second Ultimate Africa trip last June, and everything about our experience met or exceeded our expectations—from the outstanding game-viewing led by our knowledgeable local guides, to the camaraderie that our cohesive group of twelve fellow travelers shared, to the learning and discovery opportunities in which we participated. We had considered that this trip had the potential of being a repeat of our first, however, there was something unique and brand new around every corner. We encountered never-before-seen wildlife; exciting activities, including a “bush trivia hunt;” and a basket-weaving class by local women from Botswana.
Susan and Norma appreciated the expertise of their Trip Leader, Robson Zimbudzi, and local guide, Tendai—who they were fortunate enough to first meet on their original 2005 adventure.
There were also several wonderful similarities between our two Ultimate Africa trips: an excellent Trip Leader, Robson Zimbudzi—who possesses a vast knowledge of African wildlife and culture; a visit to a Grand Circle Foundation-supported school; quality interactions with the local people; and comfortable, secure accommodations right where the animals live. Watching the gorgeous sunsets over the African savannah during our frequent “sundowners” was a favorite group activity.
Seeing the animals in the wild has been the magnet that keeps drawing Mom and me back to Africa. Watching a large herd of elephants with their young in tow “snorkeling” across the Chobe River, a very close encounter with two lionesses and their tiny cubs during a sundowner game drive in Hwange National Park, and observing a pack of rare wild dogs and their pups in the Okavango Delta were just a few of the wildlife “firsts” for both of us.
During one of our afternoon game-viewing drives, we had three one-of-a-kind sightings—a huge male hippo running after his brother through a river, a large family of warthogs at close range zipping one right after the other from their termite mound home, and an elephant standing on top of a termite mound munching on a tree. The excitement among our group was high!
During their second Ultimate Africa adventure, Susan and Norma enjoyed their first mokoro canoe ride through the waters of the Okavango Delta.
A peaceful mokoro canoe ride through the waters of the Okavango Delta was punctuated with sightings of rare birds and other wildlife as our skillful guide navigated us among the reeds and water lilies. In 2005, the waters from Angola had not yet come down to fill the delta, so this was our first mokoro experience.
Revisiting the Ngamo School in Zimbabwe was especially exciting as we witnessed firsthand the many changes made possible by Grand Circle Foundation. There have been such wonderful improvements since our last trip, including additional classroom buildings, new concrete classroom floors, piles of well-cared-for books, updated desks, and a student-tended garden. The welcoming students performed energetic songs and dances to our group’s delight, and we joined in without hesitation! The principal of the school, Mr. Moyo, told us that more children are staying in school longer. To see the progress of the Foundation’s work right before us was so rewarding!
Especially memorable was our last morning visit to a local nursing home in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We had shopped for groceries for the residents (Robson congratulated us on our choices of appropriate provisions) and the staff graciously accepted the food. This new learning and discovery experience ranks among our most heartfelt memories.
Before returning home, we were able to spend a short time with Flater Ncube, the hostess from our 2005 home visit. We had attempted to stay in touch with Flater since our last trip through notes and small trinkets transported by fellow OAT travelers visiting Victoria Falls, who in turn connected with Robson. Robson arranged our surprise meeting, and there were lots of hugs and feelings of renewed friendship.
Norma and Flater reunite after first meeting five years before.
Flater spoke of building a second house next door to her present home to help shelter the 22 family members who live together. She talked with pride about her three children, as well as the hardships that her people face in Zimbabwe. A lifelong maid and provider of home visits for foreign travelers, Flater maintains strong family values and a positive attitude. There could not be more differences between us, but the similarities are even more numerous. We have become friends for life.
Our hearts drew us back to Africa. In revisiting this unique continent, we experienced the overwhelming warmth of its people, the natural beauty of its land and animals, and once again, left a piece of our hearts behind.
Discover the incredible wildlife and heartwarming people of Africa on our Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari adventure.