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.
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.
Qorokwe Camp
Qorokwe Camp is a luxurious safari camp located in Botswana's southeastern Okavango Delta region, offering guests the perfect base from which to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife.
Qorokwe is ideally located in the southeastern Okavango Delta region and offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife of this incredible area. An amazing safari experience in Botswana awaits at Qorokwe.
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.
Deception Valley Lodge
Deception Valley Lodge offers eight safari tents where you can relax in total luxury and learn about the Bushman's ways of life, survival and hunting skills as well as game drives to Deception Valley.
This unique Deception Valley Lodge is located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert and offers guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing wildlife sightings and birdlife in all of Africa. But what really makes Deception Valley Lodge stand out is its proximity to the famed Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve - one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in all of Botswana.
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.
Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango is, without a doubt, one of the most enchanting accommodations in the Okavango Delta. Designed to host just 24 guests, it offers an intimate experience in luxurious East African-style safari tents.
Whether you’re marveling at the serene waterways or enjoying the exceptional service provided by the attentive staff, Camp Okavango offers an unforgettable blend of comfort, adventure, and value.
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp is a classic African safari camp in the Khwai Private Reserve, just to the north of the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana's premier game-viewing area.
Situated on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve and spanning 35,000 hectares of pristine wildlife habitat, Machaba offers guests a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Here, you can embark on game drives, mokoro adventures on the Khwai River floodplains and walking safaris to see some of Africa's most iconic wildlife species, like lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, buffalo, and elephants.
You can view superb wildlife and birdlife from the private tented suites or the main guest areas without leaving the camp.