For Roger Glenister, who lives in British Columbia (BC), near the ocean and the mountains, Namibia’s landscape was a shock. The African country is primarily a desert and semi-desert plateau.
Motorcycle Riding Bonded Roger Glenister and his Wife
Roger began riding when he was sixteen, but exchanged two wheels for four as life evolved. He and his wife Christine got into boating, but it wasn’t something she enjoyed as much as he did. Leaving the water behind, Roger purchased a motorcycle.
Being a passenger is something Christine enjoys, joining Roger on regular trips to Washington State, including Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. They also love riding to BC’s interior Kootenay range and visiting their daughter in Whistler.
Roger and Christine travelled to Mexico on various organized tours, so when friends introduced them to Renedian’s African motorcycle safaris they were ready for something different. They didn’t realize how diverse the cultural, geographic, and animal landscape would be when they signed up for the Waterfalls and Wildlife safari.
Being welcomed to Namibia’s Animal Kingdom
“Initially, the scenery was flat and desert,” said Roger. It was a real change from what the couple was used to in BC. That changed very quickly. “The wildlife alone was incredible!”
While seeing animals he’d only seen in pictures was amazing, Roger’s most memorable impression was how they co-existed.
“We left our bikes at one of the motels and flew into the Okavango Delta Game Reserve, landing on a strip of black top in the middle of the jungle. We got into a couple of waiting four-by-fours and within five minutes, we were watching a lion chewing on an impala. Right away, you’re engulfed with all these animals who are co-existing.
“Camping in the jungle was scary but very exciting. The scariest was getting up in the night, going out into the dark, and stepping in elephant droppings, not knowing what animals lurked nearby. The elephants are so light on their feet, you don’t hear them coming through the camp. You can, however, hear the lions rumbling all night. Your heart beats like crazy.
“Then, we got up at 5:00 a.m. at first light, to go animal sighting. Almost immediately, we saw a crocodile chewing on a dead elephant’s head, followed by a huge lion prowling for breakfast. Other crocodiles were dragging their prey into the water. Hippos come out of the water at night, and re-enter at daylight, a spectacle we found fascinating. They’re enormous but when they’re in the water, all you can see are two squinty eyes peering at you.
“Further on we saw a different lion eating an impala. The rest of the herd grazed not more than twenty-five yards away, grateful to live another day. We saw the most beautiful antelope, pure sable with straight pointed horns, and so graceful. The number of animals we saw was phenomenal – hyenas, giraffes, zebras — and they’re all there, co-existing, in small quarters.”
Through Renedian, Roger and Christine had arranged to spend a week in Cape Town following their safari. They found many similarities to Vancouver, with docks where people tie up their boats, street performers, and markets every day. It was very clean and safe. Everywhere they went people were friendly and welcoming.
Next up is a backcountry trip to Idaho with a group of friends—the men riding, the women having adventures of their own. They’re talking about returning to somewhere in Africa too.
After the initial culture shock wore off, Roger Glenister and Christine became enamored with the countries and people they met, and of course, the animals. They’d like to return to Africa, maybe venturing further north.
Photo credits: Roger Glenister
