The Real Bush Camp and Safari Drive-Elephants

The next two day were spent camping out and visiting the three areas of Chobe national park. Each of the three areas are distinct with different ecosystems and huge wildlife concentrations. One the first day we left our tree houses and took a three hour drive in open air 4WD 11 seat safari vehicle. The “simple” drive there was adventure in itself. Passing through a large Kasane on the way there it was one-third paved road and villages and two-thirds bush/game drive. Pulling through the town of Kasane we saw tons of elephants and Phono’s warning that we would be sick of “thlo” by the end of our trip or at least completely jaded like most Batswana was starting to make sense. Although I was far from jaded, I could begin to understand how Batswana could see elephants on the daily and just keep walking and that those who live in villages that are ravaged by the majestic creatures could feel contempt for them.  Before arriving in Botswana I knew that I wanted to work with elephants to the greatest degree of my ability and I had initially thought it would be in the line of nature reserve or rescue. However has I spend more time in Botswana I realize that the perspective of elephants especially in Northeastern Botswana where the population is at it’s highest is far different from the American awe and appreciation. I had hope to use my sociological skills and education to observe elephant interactions and how they held human characteristics and how the developed and structured societies. Yet, I quickly learned that the elephant population has dramatic effects on human society in Botswana. Not only do elephants in search of food and water ravage and destroy the lands and water supplies of many rural villages, creating a fear and dislike of the animals. The African Elephant play a major role in tourism. Many tourists can’t wait to see the huge mammal, a good number take part in the riding of elephant, which is not always the most humane act, and even more buy crafts made from parts of the animal for at least depict it. A lot of the excitement also has to do with elephants begin part of the big five. I can’t say I am void of the hype, I have my own collection of elephant figurines and more than enough background pictures of baby elephants but I have to say I don’t know enough about the animal. Which makes me think maybe I am jaded, not by the presence of the elephant but maybe by the idea of them. I know my time watching and learning about them while in Chobe and Kasane taught me a lot and made me desire to deepen my knowledge of the animals I admire so much and there place within their home habitats and the world.