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.
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.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is one of the most popular accommodation choices when exploring the northern Chobe National Park region in Botswana. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, this lodge offers guests an unforgettable safari experience surrounded by incredible wildlife.
Elephant Valley’s warm hospitality, cozy accommodations, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers.
Sable Alley
Sable Alley is an exclusive safari camp in Botswana's Khwai Area, offering world-class wildlife and birdlife viewing opportunities.
Guests can take advantage of day and evening game drives, as well as dugout canoe and game walk safaris.
Sable Alley has 12 luxurious tented suites and rooms, including a honeymoon suite for couples looking for a romantic getaway, and all rooms feature en-suite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor shower options.
For those wanting to immerse themselves in nature truly, guided game walks along the banks of the Khwai River offer an unforgettable Botswana safari experience.
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.
Duba Explorers Camp
Duba Explorers Camp is a wonderful safari camp that offers luxurious accommodations. It can be found in the Duba Plains Concession, which is a privately-owned reserve measuring 33,000 hectares. The private Concession is situated in the pristine Okavango Delta region of Botswana.
Explorers Camp offers breathtaking views of permanent floodplains, seasonal floodplains, grasslands and pockets of mopane and acacia woodlands.
Visitors can stay in only five tented safari suites and enjoy a range of activities from game drives, bush walks, bird watching or fishing trips.
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.
&Beyond Chobe Under Canvas
&Beyond Chobe Under Canvas offers an extraordinary safari experience in Botswana's iconic Chobe National Park. Set in Africa's stunning wilderness, this mobile camp provides a rare, intimate way to explore one of the continent's richest wildlife areas.
The camp offers exceptional service and simple elegance, letting guests enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. With its close wildlife encounters, attention to detail, and unforgettable experiences, Chobe Under Canvas is one of the most captivating ways to experience Africa's wilderness.
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.