A Spectacular, personal and close nature experience that touches the soul!
This was a first visit to Botswanna and lasted a glorious 18 days! Much thought into which season resulted in August being chosen as the least risky in terms of mud and making ones way over tough roads - the result was excellent with no travelling hassles. The Savuti River came down from Angola for the first time in years and this supplemented the experience in the Chobe!
We travelled in two 4 x 4 vehicles and it is excellent to be in a team of at least two for mutual support because you are generally miles and miles from any form of support. Research well and go self contained and ready for any eventuality.
Wildlife including birds are plentiful and the experience is from the barren dessert ot the Okovango Delta with all the water species. No game fences exist and on crossing the border from South Africa we encountered a Cheetha on the tar road and outside an nature reserve area! Elephant are everywhere! The campsites are not fenced and nature surrounds you at all times. We had elephant, jackal, hyena and even kudu wandering through our campsites at various locations that really brought the SAFARI TO YOU!
A flight over the Okavango is a must - withjout that it is impossible to appreciate the vastness of the delta and to really acomprehend the splendour! Boat trips on the swamps and rivers are a must to really get close to the water environment and the birds.
The spectacular Kubu Island is a must see! The majestic Baobabs that tare clsutered on a small island surrounded by a dry pan is so unreal and otherworldy that it really takes your breath away!
As a final statement - take more time and spend more time per venue than you think necessary! Travelling takes time on the dirt roads and you need time at each stop to enjoy the splendid sights! DO NOT RUSH!
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20-35 years of age
My impression is the delta is hit or miss. It will either be the most amazing safari in africa or a real disappointment. It all depends on the wildlife that is on the islands you visit for your nature walks.
A Magical Location for a Wild Bush Safari
We stayed in a couple of "posh tent" lodges in the middle of the park. It was very exciting because we flew in on a light aircraft and were picked up by a 4x4 to take us to the lodge. Both lodges we stayed in were fantastic and very atmospheric - we got woken up at 3am one night by an elephant eating the tree outside out tent!
The guides were all very professional and had great knowledge of the area and the wildlife. We liked the concept of setting up a table in a clearing and stopping for tea and cakes for the morning and a cocktail for sunset.
Due to the time of the year the big animals were a little patchy - we could go for 30-60 mins and only see antelope - we did see everything we wanted to see with the exception of a leopard (notoriously shy).
We loved it and are currently saving up to go again!
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Email Scott and Mark | 50-65 years of age
In my review of Chobe National Park you will see why I rate Botswana so highly as a Safari destination. Overall, the people are remarkably friendly and proud of their country, its history and leaders. Even through areas of extreme poverty, there was a consistent expression of pride. The scenic beauty, isolation, and unspoiled expanses of land are worth the trip.
Lots of animals - both on land, in water and in the air. Botswana is a beautiful country.
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20-35 years of age
The highlight for wildlife in southern Africa
Botswana has an amazing amount of wildlife. From the Okovango Delta to the Chobe River, and the savannahs in between, I have never been so astounded! There were so many amazing experiences on the trip - from being charged by an elephant to seeing lions on my birthday, it really was a trip of a lifetime, we even had a juvenile leopard come into our camp one night! The country is safe, the people are friendly, and the weather was perfect - cool nights and warm days. Bring your camera because you can't take a bad photo there! I loved the trip and can't wait to get back over!
If you like safaris, Botswana is the place for you. Kilometers and kilometers of untouched land, where the big animals roam free. Moreover, Botswana has a good economical and political status, so it is a very safe destination for your safari.
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50-65 years of age
It's a beautiful place with great scenery, animals, and birds.
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Email Linda Hoernke | 50-65 years of age
Botswana "is" Africa!
Botswana has some very beautiful areas, such as Makgadikgadi, Chobe, Moremi and Okavango Delta, with loads of wildlife. However, it's close proximity to South Africa makes it a busy place. Many campsites in National Parks need to be booked more than a year in advance. This pre-arrangement doesn't give the country a real 'bush-vibe', although some gems, such as Makgadikgadi still feel very much like the real deal.
