Sunday 2nd April
We set the alarm this morning and we were up before sunrise. Just as the sun sets suddenly, going from low in the sky to dark in a matter of minutes so it is at sunrise. We packed up the tents in the dark and by the time we drove out the sky was pink. We tried the water hole again but there it was empty. The guide in one of the vehicles we passed yesterday said they had seen a cheetah at the hole the previous morning. We stopped for breakfast alongside Oryx and ostrich. We took a long route back to the gate hoping to see something other than birds and deer, without success.

It was another long drive to get to Maun. We have a few days of luxury in a lodge alongside the river. Our chalets have two bedrooms and river views. The children were immediately in the small pool. On our evening boat cruise we admired the view and enjoyed the bird life and sunset. The boat took a bit of getting going and the kitchen staff were summoned to help push the boat from shore! The boat took a leisurely route up one of the small deltas which at this time of year are full of water and water lilies. Our  guide explained that people eat the tuber of the water lily. We travelled back for dinner in the restaurant, enjoying the novelty of not cooking on gas rings or wood fire and not washing up!