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.
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.
Pangolin Chobe Hotel
The Pangolin Chobe Hotel is close to the Chobe on a site that commands stunning views out onto the Chobe floodplains and importantly quick access to the National Park and a 3-minute drive to the airport.
With its intimate and stylish design, it offers a tranquil retreat while keeping you close to the area's best attractions, allowing you to experience the beauty and excitement of Chobe without compromising on comfort or convenience.
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.
Tubu Tree Camp
Nestled within the breathtaking 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve, Tubu Tree Camp is a safari experience unlike any other. Boasting just five luxurious safari tents, this camp offers an intimate and exclusive retreat in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Depending on the magical ebb and flow of the Okavango's floodwaters, guests can enjoy a mix of thrilling land and water activities, ensuring every stay is as diverse as the landscape itself.
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.
Camp Moremi
Camp Moremi has 11 classic tented safari suites that offer fantastic morning and afternoon wildlife drives using an open 4x4 safari vehicle within this amazing wildlife reserve and haven perfect for photographers.
Of all the Moremi Game Reserve accommodation options, Camp Moremi is in our top 5 for most popular, and for good reason.
Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango is, without a doubt, one of the most enchanting accommodations in the Okavango Delta. Designed to host just 24 guests, it offers an intimate experience in luxurious East African-style safari tents.
Whether you’re marveling at the serene waterways or enjoying the exceptional service provided by the attentive staff, Camp Okavango offers an unforgettable blend of comfort, adventure, and value.
Jao Camp
Jao Camp is a luxury safari camp situated in the Okavango delta that offers visitors an exquisite view of the wildlife and landscape in the area. Jao Camp has nine luxurious tents, each with a private balcony overlooking the floodplains.
Offering an authentic yet luxurious African safari experience, it combines breathtaking landscapes, up-close wildlife encounters, and top-tier accommodations to create a truly unforgettable adventure.