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.
Dinaka Camp
Dinaka Camp is located just north of the famed Central Kalahari Game Reserve in its own 200km² private game reserve. Dinaka Camp, surrounded by the beautiful Kalahari Desert landscape and home to some of the best wildlife in southern Africa, Dinaka Camp is a safari lover's paradise.
With game drives and guided bush walks available, as well as several photographic hides and platforms, you are sure to see some amazing desert wildlife during your stay. And don't forget the swimming pool - perfect for cooling off after a hot day in the desert sun!
Sango Safari Camp
Sango Safari Camp is a budget-friendly tented camp located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in the Khwai Reserve.
Surrounded by a stunning natural landscape, guests at Sango are treated to spectacular views from the comfort of their tents. They can enjoy a variety of safari activities such as game drives, mokoro excursions on the Khwai River, night drives, and cultural walks.
The area's abundant wildlife also makes for amazing sightings during game drives and walking safaris.
With its unique combination of affordability and luxury, Sango Safari Camp is the ideal destination for those looking to get an unforgettable Botswana safari experience without breaking the bank!
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a small and intimate 6 tented safari camp positioned on an island is interestingly perhaps the Okavango Delta's most remote camp.
Access to Duba Plains for your Okavango Delta safari is by light aircraft transfer only.
San Camp
San Camp offers up seven luxurious khaki tented suites set in a private concession that adjoins the Makgadikgadi National Park, offering up spectacular and endless vistas of these magnificent pans.
San Camp is nestled within the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana; this luxury camp offers guests unrivalled access to some of the most unique and wildlife-rich landscapes in Africa. From game drives to walks with bushmen trackers, San Camp provides an authentic and immersive safari experience that you will never forget.
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu is a luxury safari lodge situated along the banks of the Limpopo River in the Mashatu Game Reserve and Tuli Block area of Botswana.
It offers guests an exclusive African experience with its luxurious appointed interiors and only eight tented suites - each featuring a private wooden deck and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can relax in the tranquil setting of the lodge and take advantage of its swimming pool, star-gazing deck, hide and walking trails, or explore the nearby wildlife.
Kings Pool Camp
Kings Pool Camp in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve offers up nine of the most luxurious safari suites in the whole of Botswana; overlooking Kings Pool Lagoon, each suite has its own private plunge pool and a sala.
Kings Pool Camp is one of the best Linyanti bush camp options; yes, expensive, but oh so worth it in every way possible.
Little Sable Camp
Little Sable Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari camp in the Khwai Private Reserve, a private concession in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.
This exclusive tented camp offers eight suites designed to be secluded and private, with stunning natural scenery stretching out before them.
Guests can experience various safari activities with the opportunity to see large herds of elephants in the dry season or predators such as cheetahs and lions during the green season.
With over 350 species of birds calling Khwai Community Reserve home, birdwatchers will be treated to an incredible visual feast!
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in an 8000-hectare private concession bordering the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is a unique luxurious offering for guests who demand only the finest.