Having just returned from Botswana on what I regard as the "Best Botswana Safari Ever," I simply must share my experience. Flying over on Air Botswana was fine, no delays as such. On arrival I was mesmerized with just how small an international airport can be, Maun airport is truly nothing that I expected, but they say, great things come in small packages but not the case here.
On arrival, my safari guide met me with a smile and really made me feel welcome. It was straight to a restaurant which is situated about 50 metres across the road from Maun airport exit. While having lunch on a Karibu safari which is included in all packages they run, I was told about my next six days itinerary which now made me very excited.
We depart Maun and drive via town to stop for beverages that you as the client must purchase or order before your arrival drinks such as alcohol and soft drinks. Water, wine and sundowners are supplied and is included in your package, but this is for the game drives and during dinner at night times. From here we head straight for our first camp which is a good hour and a bit drive from Maun as it is a dirt road all the way so very bumpy at times but all part of the experience. On arrival you get introduced to the other camping crew who sets up camp as we traverse through Botswana, this is part of an Authentic Botswana Safari. I was elated to see the set up of a tent and most of all I loved having a bed with a mattress in my tent which makes the world of difference if you have a back like mine.
The first night was scary as I had these bush babies having a ball outside my tent and me being a city boy was none the wiser as all I thought was Lions.
Day two of the best Botswana safari ever was amazing as we headed for the channels of Moremi / Okavango Delta. A 3-hour journey on the water to reach Gcadikwe Island Camp. We spent two nights here with resident wild animals roaming about like Elephant and buffalo, oh and Hippo. The staff were all fantastic characters, all so full of joy and happy to have us.
Then we moved on to Khwai where we spent two nights doing the Botswana Stanley Safari. Excellent camping area right on the river's edge. These two nights were especially scary as Lions and hyena would roar and respectively scream at night. It was said that the pride of lions were about 1 km away yet with the roar seemed like only metres away at night and I found it hard to sleep due to the excitement. Hippos were also mating, and that sound alone was deafening. Then we were off to the airstrip two days later for our light aircraft transfer back to Maun airport, wow what amazing scenery from the air.
All in all game viewing was not that great although I did see the BIG 5 and a cheetah and many more animals. The time of year was wrong as the long grass you cannot spot game so easily but still worthwhile as you can see by my added pictures.
Truly an amazing experience by far if you have never considered wild camping in Botswana.
Best Botswana Safari Ever.
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.
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.
Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Chobe Chilwero Lodge offers 15 luxury stone & thatched bungalows all offering awe-inspiring scenery as a backdrop; the lodge is bordered by Botswana's famous National Park which is elephant country.
A wide range of safari activities awaits, including game drives through the Chobe National Park to spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife, as well as tranquil boat safaris on the Chobe River, offering a unique perspective of the park's rich ecosystems.
Shinde Camp
Shinde Camp is one of the most enchanting safari destinations in the Okavango Delta. Nestled on a lush, palm-studded island in the heart of this pristine wilderness, it offers an exclusive and intimate experience.
Shinde consists of 8 beautifully appointed twin-bedded safari tents, each thoughtfully designed to blend traditional charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by breathtaking views and teeming with wildlife and birdlife, this is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Leroo La Tau
With twelve luxurious suites perched high on the Boteti River bank, this lodge offers a front-row seat to some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife sightings. From lions and elephants to giraffes and wildebeests, the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi National Park are home to an abundance of wildlife that you can enjoy right from your own private deck.
From game drives and game walks to watching crocodiles and hippos from the comfort of your room, there's something for everyone at this incredible desert lodge.
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.
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is set amidst a 272 500 hectare private concession in the Okavango Delta, a destination for those that are seeking wildlife, numerous safari activities to participate in and, of course a degree of luxury and privacy.
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp offers fantastic game viewing and birding opportunities, in this area of Botswana's Okavango Delta.
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.