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.
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.
Savute Elephant Lodge
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge has 12 luxurious safari suites on raised wooden decks overlooking the Savuti Channel, one of the most popular lodges in the Chobe National Park that we offer, and for a good reason.
Depending on the flood levels, safari activities at Savute Elephant Lodge include; game drives (morning and afternoon) as well as tours to the nearby rock paintings.
Meno a Kwena
A hidden gem of a camp perched on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River and overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. If you're looking for an amazing safari experience that is off the beaten path, Meno a Kwena should be at the top of your list.
Whether you're a fan of wildlife viewing or just want to relax and take in the amazing night stars, Meno a Kwena Camp is definitely worth considering for your next safari in Botswana.
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.
Shinde Camp
Shinde Camp is one of the most enchanting safari destinations in the Okavango Delta. Nestled on a lush, palm-studded island in the heart of this pristine wilderness, it offers an exclusive and intimate experience.
Shinde consists of 8 beautifully appointed twin-bedded safari tents, each thoughtfully designed to blend traditional charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by breathtaking views and teeming with wildlife and birdlife, this is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Chitabe Lediba Camp
Chitabe Lediba Camp in the famed Moremi is a small and intimate safari camp offering up five spacious and luxuriously appointed safari tents, with game walks and game drives as part and parcel of one's day in the game reserve.
Chitabe Lediba Camp is an outstanding option when it comes to Moremi Game Reserve accommodation, wild and remote.
Baines Camp
Are you looking for an unforgettable African safari experience? Then Baines' Camp in Botswana should be at the top of your list.
This luxurious camp is located in a private wildlife concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve and offers guests amazing views of the Okavango Delta waterways and wildlife. Baines' Camp is perfect for those who want to experience Africa in style.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Located in Botswana's Okavango Delta Panhandle, Nxamaseri Island Lodge offers a unique African safari experience. Guests can relax in one of eight Safari Chalets, built with traditional materials and furnished with locally made pieces that showcase the region's culture.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge is the ultimate retreat for those seeking an extraordinary Botswana safari and a truly memorable African adventure.Nestled in the tranquil Panhandle region of Botswana's Okavango Delta, Nxamaseri Island Lodge offers an exceptional African safari experience.