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.
Gunn's Camp
One of the last remaining luxury vintage safari camps, Gunn's Camp overlooks the legendary Chief's Island teaming with birdlife and wildlife.
A camp with just six tented suites that is an ideal destination for honeymooners and romantics alike.
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.
Tuludi Camp
Tuludi Camp is an exquisite safari lodge in the Khwai Private Reserve of Botswana, comprised of 200,000 hectares of untouched wilderness that is located to on the edge of the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Enjoy the spectacular beauty of this region and its diverse wildlife by staying in one of the seven luxurious tented suites, all set in a tree-house style and shaded by leadwood trees.
During your stay, participate in game drives, walking safaris, swimming pool and water-based activities to make the most of your time here and discover what makes Tuludi so unique. It is an experience you won will soon forget!
Mombo Camp
Mombo Camp is located on Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve (part of the Okavango Delta) and is second to none in Botswana.
This is Mombo, a luxury option for those seeking the finest in service, decor, cuisine, and wildlife in the reserve; there is simply no other safari camp quite like it in the whole of Botswana.
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.
Savuti Camp
Savuti Camp with seven safari suites is ideally situated on the banks of the Savutie safari region and Channel; discover all the channel has to offer on game drives in custom safari vehicles with the chance to spot lions, hyenas, elephants and wild dogs
A fantastic viewing deck and swimming pool (with sun loungers) overlooks a water hole teeming with the best birdlife and wildlife of the of the Savute and Chobe National Park region.
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.
Dumatau Camp
The ten luxurious safari suites at DumaTau Camp within the Linyanti Reserve all overlook a large hippo-filled lagoon on the Linyanti waterways, game drives to the Savuti Channel are also on offer.
A spectacular camp on what can only be described as the Linyanti waterfront, wildlife and birdlife is outstanding in this area.