First Day in Camp, Bush Walk, and Setswana Lessons

After a six-hour drive along dirt tracks, we arrived at our base camp in Ghanzi yesterday afternoon. This morning, Professor Thoralf gave us an introduction to Thakadu Game Farm that covered the environmental features of the area. Guided by Thoralf, we then went on our first bush walk and got to experience the vegetation, geology, and wildlife of Thakadu. 

After lunch we had our first introduction to Setswana, the national language of Botswana, from Jeb, a Botswana student and resident. He covered some essential words and phrases that will be useful during our stay here. He will also be giving us a second lesson tomorrow afternoon.

On the road to Ghanzi.

We stopped for a lunch break in the shade.

Professor Thoralf explaining the layout of Thakadu Farm before our first walk around the property.

Professor Thoralf stops to explain the geologic features of the area.

Jed giving us an introduction to Setswana in the lecture tent.

Reporting in from Maun

We have all arrived in Maun safe and sound! Tonight we are staying at Okavango River Lodge, a local backpacker. We will depart on a lengthy drive early tomorrow morning for our base camp in Ghanzi. Thakadu Bush Camp will be our home for the next three and a half weeks. Stay tuned for more posts and updates as the program gets underway.

Many greetings from Botswana!

The group all together at Okavango River Lodge.

Study Abroad Botswana 2015

Hi everyone! 

We are currently in Maun, Botswana getting everything set up for the program to begin this coming Wednesday, the 27th of May. We have two student phones, which the students will be able to use freely once they get here. You can also call Professor Thoralf or TA Dan if you cannot get through (in case of emergencies ONLY).

Calling from the US to Botswana: 011 + 267 + phone number

Student Phone 1: 76 98 53 89
Student Phone 2: 76 98 53 79
Thoralf: 72 67 08 36
Dan: 76 50 96 29

Cell phone service in Botswana does not work as well as in the United States, so you may have to call a few times to get through. We have also been experiencing power black outs from time to time which also means you might not be able to get through.

We will have a satellite phone ready once the program starts, which will be turned on every night between 7-8 PM (Botswana time, which Texas is currently 7 hours behind). This phone will work in case of power black outs and when we are on safari (where there is no phone service coverage). This phone is for absolute emergencies ONLY.

The satellite phone number: 00881631627587

Safe travels and see y'all soon!!