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.
Kwetsani Camp
Kwetsani offers just five spacious, tree-house thatch chalets, each designed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. These elevated chalets provide breathtaking views of a vast Okavango floodplain, which is home to an array of wildlife, including herds of Lechwe and Wildebeest.
The area is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting some of the most remarkable birdlife in Botswana. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, Kwetsani offers an intimate and unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Jao Camp
Jao Camp is a luxury safari camp situated in the Okavango delta that offers visitors an exquisite view of the wildlife and landscape in the area. Jao Camp has nine luxurious tents, each with a private balcony overlooking the floodplains.
Offering an authentic yet luxurious African safari experience, it combines breathtaking landscapes, up-close wildlife encounters, and top-tier accommodations to create a truly unforgettable adventure.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is nestled in a prime location right on the banks of the iconic Chobe River. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the lodge provides an ideal base for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the region's abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Guests can also enjoy unforgettable boat cruises along the wildlife-rich Chobe River, where sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife make for a truly magical experience.
Leroo La Tau
With twelve luxurious suites perched high on the Boteti River bank, this lodge offers a front-row seat to some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife sightings. From lions and elephants to giraffes and wildebeests, the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi National Park are home to an abundance of wildlife that you can enjoy right from your own private deck.
From game drives and game walks to watching crocodiles and hippos from the comfort of your room, there's something for everyone at this incredible desert lodge.
Eagle Island Lodge
There's a reason why Belmond Eagle Island Lodge has been called the "most beautiful lodge in the world."
From its prime location on a private island in the heart of Botswana's pristine wetlands to its luxurious accommodations and attentive service, Belmond Eagle Island is simply unforgettable.
Whether you're canoeing through the papyrus-lined channels of the Delta or watching elephants roam from your own private plunge pool, a stay at Eagle Island Lodge is an experience you'll never forget.
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.
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.
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.