The Swamp: Where the crickets play in our dreams

The Okavango delta is a swamp in the Northern part of Botswana. It is one of those places I have dreamt of visiting for years and years. And when it finally comes true it is beyond expectations. It isn't situated that far away from cities and urban areas, but it feels remote in a way that makes the time stop for a while. Travelling there is like stepping into a bubble of peace, living in the middle of the nature among the birds, antelopes, buffalos and elephants. 

I wake up early to the sound of hippos in the water right outside our tent. Later, an elephant comes by the tent together with a troop of baboons. During chilly mornings we warm up with hot coffee on the veranda while the sun is rising. And then we spend hours out in the swamp. Sometimes on land, sometimes in the mokoro, the canoe.

And even though I know it is not true, this area feels untouched. It is so strange to be out and suddenly see a tower of giraffes walking by. Or the lions resting. It is unreal in so many ways. And when the elephant looks at us and clearly marks that we shouldn't come closer, I am quite scared and want to run. The guide then whispers: "Be quiet and just take pictures." So, I do... One shouldn't run. Just stay still. 

And while the sun is setting and we take farewell of the day, we almost miss the giraffes. The guide turns back and we are laughing at it. How can anyone miss seven giraffes? And since the hippos and lions are hanging around at the camp, we aren't aloud to walk between our tent and the main area without company. 

I love these evenings and fall asleep to the sounds of the Okavango swamp. The crickets and the frogs are playing and singing all night, making dreams feel real and create a strong resistance against reuniting with the rest of the world. I think I could have stayed forever.

Stayed by the hungry lions, or on the water in the mokoro. Being close to the wild life in a way I would never think was possible. It is a privilege being able to take part of this environment that still seems to be a hidden corner of the world.