Overhauling an icon: Part 1
2 May
The wooden bridges in the Okavango are iconic. Unfortunately the water rots the hardwood of the mopane (Colophospermum mopane) and regular maintenance is required. 3rd Bridge has been unusable for the last 2 weeks, but now the construction crew have nearly completed the needed upgrade.
In the early hours of the morning there were lion (Panthera leo) roars that moved passed our camp towards 3rd Bridge. We were out early and found 2 sets of male spoor just after 06h00. Regrettably the tracks headed straight for the bridge and we caught a millisecond glimpse of the rear end of one of the lions as it turned the corner on the other side.
By lunchtime the bridge was completed and we headed across onto Mboma Island. Eventually we lost the lion tracks in the thick bush, but did find a herd of buffalo (Syncerus caffer).
- Jason Loughran
Hello there,
Any news on the state of tracks in Moremi? are they passable with current water levels?
Cheers & keep it up.
Hi Dani
The majority of the tracks are passable and there are a few crossings that have become to deep to use. If you stick to the tracks that have been used by the lodges and tour operators.
Just remember to take it slow and easy through the water and you should not have any problems.
Cheers
Jason
Hello Jason,
Thanks very much for the quick update. Sort of good news then. We’re off in 2 weeks time and be on our own so I was kind of worried we would not be able to get around Moremi and reach Savuti. One more thing and I won’t pester you any further: heard anything from Savuti o Ihaha/Chobe areas or do you think the same situation applies?
Thank you and greetings from Mallorca.
Dani
I have not heard much about Savuti, but the flood this year is resulting in water everywhere. Just stick to the most used tracks and you should be fine. If you are going to travel from Moremi straight to Savuti, you’ll need to use the Khwai road from South Gate, as the other 2 roads are impassable.
Cheers
Hi,
I enjoy your site and the great images.
Has the road situation changed much since since your last post? Can one still get to 3rd bridge from south Gate?
Regards Mike
Mike
Yes, DWNP has been hard at work and both 3rd and 4th Bridges are now usable.
The road from South Gate, via 1st & 2nd Bridge is very wet and there have been reports of even trucks getting stuck. I’d recommend that you rather use the road to Xakanaxa and head for 3rd Bridge from there, but double check at the gate and they should give you a better current estimate of the road conditions.
Cheers
Jason
Hi Jason
Thanks for keeping us glued. Keep feeding us with images from the bush. Thanks for breaking down all those bridges and rebuilding them again. We are on our way in September to visit Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, Khwai, Savuti and the whole shebang. Hopefully the water levels would have evaporated to a passable level! Will double cross that bridge when we get there! Keep us informed tho.
Cia and may the force be with you.
Karin
Hi Karin
The water is dropping slightly, but the levels will probably remain high for quite some time.
Cheers
Jason
Hi Jason
Thks for the update. I will stay in touch and hopefully news will only get better.
My sis, Linda Louw and Pierre Minnie did some shooting in Etosha for Earth-Touch in 2009 or was it 2008? Time sure flies when you’re in the bush!
Karin
Karin
Funny that, Pierre is here in Moremi at the moment.
He says he was in Etosha in 2008 and sends his regards.
Cheers
Jason
What a small world. Thanks Jason. Hi Pierre!! Hope you are keeping well. Mike also sends his regards. Hey, don’t leave before we arrive. It will be so good to see you in your office! Its Ls birthday today. Sorry, i’m off the topic.
Cheers
Karin
In Moremi from 10 – 17 August. Third Bridge / Xakanaxa / South Gate / North Gate
What are the road / water conditions like?
How is the game viewing. Especially keen on the cats.
We were at Moremi on June 9 / 10 in 2009 and were hit with 150 mm rain in 24 hours. The road to South Gate from Xakanaxa was a river.
Fitting a snorkel this time.
Hi Owen
The game viewing is great, as always.
The water is rising again, but the roads & bridges are all in good shape.
Best to check with the gates and campsites.
Cheers
Jason
Travelling is best but the place should be amazing. Proper information is very important while you travel.
Hi
very short news