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.
Kadizora Camp
Tucked between the picturesque Vumbura River and the serene Selinda Spillway in the northern Okavango Delta, Kadizora Camp is one of the most stunning destinations in the region. This breathtaking location, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the Delta.
The scenery here is nothing short of spectacular, with sweeping vistas and a sense of tranquility that makes every moment feel like a dream. Kadizora Camp effortlessly combines the raw beauty of the Delta with the thrill of incredible wildlife encounters, creating an unforgettable experience for every guest.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Safari Lodge, with twelve luxury safari suites in this wildlife reserve like no other, offers activities including walking safaris, Moremi mokoro trips, game drives and powerboat outings in total and utter privacy.
Xigera in the Moremi Game Reserve offers visitors the absolute in luxury, service and game viewing activities, one of the best in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
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.
Koro Island Camp
Koro Island Camp is situated on the Central Tuli Block of Botswana and is only accessible by an intricate suspension bridge over the Limpopo River.
It is a classic safari camp, offering only four en-suite Meru safari tents for guests to experience the true African wilderness in comfort.
Guests can partake in various activities such as game drives, bird watching and walking trails, perfect for small groups of explorers.
Experience the wonders of nature in an unforgettable escape at Koro Island Camp!
Pelo Camp
Pelo Camp provides guests with an authentic and untamed wilderness experience at an exceptional value. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Okavango Delta with activities such as serene water safaris in mokoros or motorboats, guided nature walks, and fishing excursions.
Whether you’re searching for a classic Okavango adventure or simply a tranquil escape from the everyday, Pelo Camp promises an unforgettable retreat into nature.
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.
Mashatu Lodge
The luxurious Mashatu Lodge is located in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve. The Lodge features just 14 luxury suites, each with modern amenities and creature comforts to ensure an unforgettable safari experience.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities while staying at Mashatu, from game walks to cultural tours and night drives.
With its lush landscape and diverse wildlife, Mashatu Lodge is the perfect destination for a truly unique African safari experience.
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.