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.
Camp Linyanti
Camp Linyanti is purely for those with a passion for experiencing the wilds of Africa; this is a camp that is more about the quality of guiding, wildlife and birdlife over luxury accommodation.
Camp Linyanti offers up exceptional game drives and wildlife safaris.
Mokolwane Camp
Located in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Mokolwane Camp offers a unique safari experience that combines adventure and tranquillity. Surrounded by untouched wilderness and rich wildlife, this remote camp is ideal for those looking to connect with nature.
Nestled within one of Africa's most iconic landscapes, this hidden gem invites you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the wilderness, where breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and tranquil surroundings create an unforgettable experience.
Zarafa Camp
Zarafa Camp, Botswana's first Relais & Châteaux camp has, in all honesty, no equal in our opinion. Located in the far North of Botswana in the 130 000 hectare Selinda Reserve, one of the more isolated areas in Africa.
One of the most beautiful and luxurious safari camps in the whole of Botswana offers game viewing on a completely different level.
Selinda Explorers Camp
Located on the remote banks of Botswana's Selinda Spillway, Selinda Explorers Camp offers a unique safari experience. This intimate, eco-friendly camp combines vintage charm with modern comfort, bringing guests closer to Africa's wildlife.
Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or tranquil moments immersed in nature, Selinda Explorers Camp promises an unmatched escape into the heart of the wild.
Planet Baobab
Welcome to the quirky Planet Baobab Lodge in Botswana, close to the famed Makgadikgadi National Park, where you'll find yourself amongst ancient baobab trees and some of the best desert wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa.
Here you can enjoy game drives, safari walks, quad biking, and much more! The accommodation options, excellent service, and numerous amazing safari activities make Planet Baobab a top destination for safaris. Simply put, if you are on more of a budget, look no further than Planet Baobab.
Duke's Camp
Duke's Camp is a luxurious safari lodge located in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta, providing guests with an ultimate African experience. This exclusive camp is named after Sarefo 'Duke' Sarefo and consists of eight lavish safari suites set among raised wooden decks beneath a canopy of ebony and leadwood trees.
Expert safari guides will take you on exciting game drives and mokoro cruises through the Okavango Delta to uncover its hidden secrets and explore its abundant wildlife.
Xakanaxa Camp
Xakanaxa Camp offers up 12 Safari Tents on raised platforms on the Khwai River overlooking that famous Xakanaxa Lagoon that provides year-round boating safari and game drives within the Moremi Game Reserve.
Xakanaxa in the Moremi, is one of the most popular safari camps and game viewing and reserve destinations within Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
San Camp
San Camp offers up seven luxurious khaki tented suites set in a private concession that adjoins the Makgadikgadi National Park, offering up spectacular and endless vistas of these magnificent pans.
San Camp is nestled within the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana; this luxury camp offers guests unrivalled access to some of the most unique and wildlife-rich landscapes in Africa. From game drives to walks with bushmen trackers, San Camp provides an authentic and immersive safari experience that you will never forget.