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.
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.
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.
Sitatunga Private Island Camp
Located in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Sitatunga Private Island Camp blends luxury, sustainability, and cultural heritage. This Relais & Châteaux retreat offers an immersive experience that connects guests with nature and celebrates African traditions.
Surrounded by tranquil waterways and vibrant wildlife, Sitatunga invites travellers to indulge in unparalleled comfort while embarking on adventures that celebrate the extraordinary environment it calls home.
Sanctuary Chiefs Camp
The twelve luxury safari suites at Chief's Camp in the Moremi are equipped for privacy and comfort being situated on Chiefs Island within the extraordinary Mombo Concession of the game reserve, some of the best wildlife is found here.
The Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta and Chiefs Island, there are few regions in Africa that can compete with the game viewing available here.
Koro River Camp
Koro River Camp is a luxurious safari lodge located in Botswana's Tuli concession area on the Limpopo River's banks.
River Camp offers seven tented suites with private decks that provide captivating views of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.
Guests can take advantage of various safari activities, including game drives, bush walks and safaris and night drives and mountain biking with experienced guides to provide a unique safari experience.
Koro River is the perfect escape for families, solo travellers or groups looking to explore Botswana'sBotswana's wild beauty in comfort and safety.
Hyena Pan
Hyena Pan is an intimate safari camp in Botswana's beautiful Khwai Private Reserve. This exclusive camp offers unparalleled access to the wildlife of the area, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and wild dog, as well as abundant birdlife.
Guests can enjoy luxurious tented suites with private decks and stunning views over the bushveld.
A variety of activities are available such as morning and afternoon game drives, a ground-level hide alongside the waterhole and wildlife walks with a highly skilled guide.
Families with children over 6 years are welcome and can make the most of this unique experience!
Selinda Camp
Selinda Camp offers eight spacious and luxurious tents all under thatch is located in the Selinda Wildlife Reserve, a 135 000-hectare of a private wildlife reserve in far northern reaches of Botswana.
Offering up some of the best game viewing in Botswana, all the while being located within the pristine Chobe enclave.
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.