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!
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!
Email Kathryn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our favourite place we've ever been
We did a two centre Botswana trip as part of our honeymoon, with 3 days in Chobe and 3 days in the Okavango Delta. Both camps were incredible and we saw and did so much on our safaris. The delta in particular is one of those pinch me locations, and is a truly wild and magnificent place.
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Email Nathan K | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly a once in a lifetime experience
Our trip to Chobe and the Okavango Delta was wonderful in every way. The game drives were our favorite part of the trip where we were able to view so many different animals including critically endangered species, but every activity was well planned and offered something new and exciting. The lodges were a perfect adventure in themselves. The camp staff, guides, and management were all so kind and attentive to our needs. Botswana is such a unique place and we were beyond grateful to Ilona for planning every detail of our perfect safari.
Email Jess van Zeil | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional experience! Incredible guide and tour
We loved our trip to Chobe! Everything was seamless from the booking process, to the pickup and drop off. Our guide Opi was incredible, he has been working in Chobe for 18 years and his knowledge was phenomenal. We had incredible sightings, including 3 leopard and 12 lions! Camping in Chobe was an awesome experience! We will not hesitate to book again :) We highly recommend this trip :)
NZ
Email Arlene Tyler | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An upclose look at awesome wildlife and scenery
We loved our 3 day safari to Chobe. Our guide, Max was so informative and made so much effort to give us the best possible experience. We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, water buffalo and we were fortunate enough to even see a leopard. We were amazed how close we were to the wildlife but we never felt unsafe. We were very well looked after by our guide all thru. Wear a warm jacket for early mornings. Highly recommend Botswana.
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Email Gloria Tostado | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Land That Takes You Back in Time
Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa yet offers an array of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. It is mostly flat, with scruffy brush and occasional trees that often times have that windblown appearance. I learned that the country is approximately 70% in the Kalahari Desert, so the soil is very thick, loose, red sand, which makes it difficult to maneuver, which is why 4x4 wheel vehicles are optimum. It is beautiful in its own way, but life for both the local villagers and wild animals can be difficult, as water availability is dependent on rains coming from the north, mostly the highlands of Angola. Having said this, while some rivers were dry, others further north were not and we enjoyed seeing an abundance of elephants, zebras, buffaloes, impala, hippos, and even lions. Botswana is also home to Chobe National Park, located on the northeastern part of the country that borders Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, which is definitely worth visiting. We always felt safe in Botswana and the people were friendly and helpful. All children learn English in school so most speak both English and the national tribal language of Setswana.
Email Glynis Eaton | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing animal sightings & bush experience, thanks to xx king Cobra our guide
Botswana is amazing. We saw so many animals up close & personal due to our fantastic guide King Cobra. We saw many more animals in Chobe than in Kruger.
NO
Email Eric Anderson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A unique travel experience
Relatives in S. Africa told us about Botswana, so we decided to check it out. We were not disappointed.
Our trip started with the Mack Air transfer across the delta that afforded us a spectacular birdseye view of the terrain. After being dropped off in the northeastern corner of Osiwanga we were driven to our lodge near the edge of Chobe National Park. To our amazement all sorts of animals - including elephants and a giraffe - came right up to our tent. During the day we went on game drives. A high points were the African wild dogs. We followed closely after a group of 13 on the chase, came across the nest of baby ones, and even witnessed an antelope being taken down by three of them. In the evenings we were treated to beautiful sundowners, which at one we were visited by a lurking serval.
We also also spent a day in the Delta exploring the aquatic life by boat. The landscape was spectacular with numerous exotic birds, plenty hippos and elephants as well as interesting plants. In the evening the staff at the lodge put on a lively show of singing and dancing.
Our last day in the north was spent resting in Maun. Before departing for home we went sightseeing and shopping for artfully crafted basketry of exceptional quality in Gaborone. These exquisite artifacts were made in the style of traditional tribal objects by artisans integrating cultural symbols into their individual designs.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Botswana, the country and its people. How lucky we are that Botswana has set aside such extensive nature reserves for the benefit of Africa's wild animals, and for us all to experience.
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Email Jason | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana has a special place in my heart.
The game parks of Botswana are arguable the best in the world; a sentiment I have heard from many people. There is a huge variety of safari options. You are more likely to check off your sightings list and get the bush vibe you want than most places. The people of Botswana are very friendly and it is worth your while to hang out with locals. We went during a prolonged drought and still had a great trip. Yet we still have a lot of unfinished business of things to do and see there on our next visit.
