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.
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.