Some people are nervous about heights; some are agoraphobic; my particular phobia is flying. Upon discovering that I would have to endure two 'big' and four 'little' planes over a period of just four days, a cold sweat came over me, which was slightly relieved when I discovered that we would be in one of the bigger Caravans instead of the much smaller Cessna’s.
While these light aircraft weren't built to be spacious, the 12-seater Caravans are more comfortable and less claustrophobic than the Cessna’s, which are either 4 or 6-seaters. The planes used to depend on the number of travellers. The Caravans also offer a slightly smoother ride, but the general rule is: if you're prone to motion sickness, sit up near the front as you won't feel the thermals as much.
As we slowly took off from Maun International Airport (don’t be thrown by the "International" part, Sunday afternoons at a ladies bridge club are busier) I sat there white-knuckled and pale-faced. After a while a strange thing happened, I started to feel comfortable. Martin, our very experienced and friendly pilot definitely eased the nerves, but I also found myself distracted by my surroundings: the little clay buildings dotted around the centre of Maun (which really is a tiny little town,) the huge amount of cattle and the full Thamalakane River which feeds from the Boro River, one of the main channels of the Okavango Delta.
This was my first time seeing Botswana from the air, and it helped put the scenery into perspective for me. Not only was the landscape impressive, especially flying over the Savute Marsh and the magnificence of the whole of the Okavango Delta, but I also saw abundant wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, and hippo fresh out of the water (which turned out to be the only hippo we saw in the whole trip).
By the time our safari had ended, and I found myself on Terra firma back at Maun Airport. I was already dreaming up my next safari and realising how much I had enjoyed my time, especially in the 'little' planes. The whole Botswana experience is a bucket-list contender, and I recommend it to everyone; the young and the 'mature'.
I certainly will be back to visit Botswana by Air again.
Savuti Camp
Savuti Camp with seven safari suites is ideally situated on the banks of the Savutie safari region and Channel; discover all the channel has to offer on game drives in custom safari vehicles with the chance to spot lions, hyenas, elephants and wild dogs
A fantastic viewing deck and swimming pool (with sun loungers) overlooks a water hole teeming with the best birdlife and wildlife of the of the Savute and Chobe National Park region.
Shinde Footsteps Camp
The ultimate destination for those who dream of an authentic, old-school safari experience, Shinde Footsteps Camp offers unparalleled privacy and intimacy, accommodating no more than seven guests at a time. It’s truly a hidden gem, delivering a safari unlike any other.
Nestled in the heart of the Okavango, Shinde Footsteps Camp is the perfect escape from the demands of modern civilization. One of the most magical and serene safari camps for those seeking luxury and adventure in equal measure.
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Perched on the edge of the breathtaking Okavango Delta, within an exclusive 8,000-hectare private concession bordering the renowned Moremi Wildlife Reserve, &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp offers an unparalleled safari experience.
For those who demand nothing but the best, &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is a haven of luxury, adventure, and world-class service. It's an experience so thoughtfully crafted that it leaves one longing to return even before they have left.
Little Machaba Camp
Little Machaba Camp is a private and intimate safari camp located in the Khwai Concession of Botswana within sight of the famed Khwai River floodplains.
Little Machaba offers classic safari-style tented suites to a maximum of 8 guests at any time, providing visitors with an authentic and romantic experience.
Guests can enjoy game viewing and birding from the safari lodge while immersing themselves in the wildlife-rich surroundings.
Experience night game drives and dinner under the African stars for an unforgettable safari getaway in a safari region just north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
&Beyond Chobe Under Canvas
&Beyond Chobe Under Canvas offers an extraordinary safari experience in Botswana's iconic Chobe National Park. Set in Africa's stunning wilderness, this mobile camp provides a rare, intimate way to explore one of the continent's richest wildlife areas.
The camp offers exceptional service and simple elegance, letting guests enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. With its close wildlife encounters, attention to detail, and unforgettable experiences, Chobe Under Canvas is one of the most captivating ways to experience Africa's wilderness.
Savute Safari Lodge
The 12 safari suites at Savute Safari Lodge offer large private viewing decks ideally situated for watching the game at the waterhole; because of the stunning wildlife found within the area, this is one of our more popular Chobe National Park accommodation establishments.
Savute Safari Lodge offers one of the best viewing decks in the area; armchair game viewing from the lodge is a must.
Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Island Lodge is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta; Xugana offers guests unrivalled access to some of Africa's most beautiful wildlife.
From large mammals like elephants and lions to smaller creatures like antelopes and warthogs, Xugana provides a true African safari experience.
And with just 16 guest chalets available in 8 thatched chalets, Xugana offers an intimate Okavango Delta safari experience unlike any other.
Deception Valley Lodge
Deception Valley Lodge offers eight safari tents where you can relax in total luxury and learn about the Bushman's ways of life, survival and hunting skills as well as game drives to Deception Valley.
This unique Deception Valley Lodge is located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert and offers guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing wildlife sightings and birdlife in all of Africa. But what really makes Deception Valley Lodge stand out is its proximity to the famed Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve - one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in all of Botswana.