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.
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.
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.
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.
Stanleys Camp
Stanley’s Camp is an intimate safari retreat featuring just 8 exquisitely designed luxury tents, each radiating a classic charm that perfectly complements the surrounding wilderness. Set within an exclusive 260,000-acre concession, this camp offers a front-row seat to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
The wildlife sightings here are truly exceptional and include everything from giraffes and hippos to the elusive wild dogs, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.Mashatu Lodge
The luxurious Mashatu Lodge is located in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve. The Lodge features just 14 luxury suites, each with modern amenities and creature comforts to ensure an unforgettable safari experience.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities while staying at Mashatu, from game walks to cultural tours and night drives.
With its lush landscape and diverse wildlife, Mashatu Lodge is the perfect destination for a truly unique African safari experience.
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.
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.
Chitabe Camp
Eight luxurious safari tents are found at Chitabe Camp, which is located within a private concession that borders and includes the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.
A stunning camp in the Moremi Reserve that offers day and night game drives as well as guided nature walks.