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.
Okavango Spirit Houseboat
Okavango Spirit Houseboat is an unforgettable safari experience located on the pristine Okavango River in the Panhandle region of Northern Botswana.
This safari houseboat features seven luxurious en-suite cabins with private decks and glass doors for maximum privacy and incredible views of the wildlife, including pods of hippos and crocs from dusk till dawn.
Enjoy a relaxing stay or explore the stunning surroundings with game viewing on boats or walking excursions - Okavango Spirit Houseboat will make your African adventure even more special!
andBeyond Savute Under Canvas
&Beyond Savute Under Canvas is an extraordinary mobile camping experience set in the heart of Botswana's untamed wilderness. Offering a perfect blend of rugged adventure and refined comfort, this exclusive camp is ideal for those seeking the raw beauty of the Savute region.
Its strategic location near the enigmatic Savute Channel and Marsh ensures unparalleled access to some of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife encounters, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers alike.
Little Machaba Camp
Little Machaba Camp is a private and intimate safari camp located in the Khwai Concession of Botswana within sight of the famed Khwai River floodplains.
Little Machaba offers classic safari-style tented suites to a maximum of 8 guests at any time, providing visitors with an authentic and romantic experience.
Guests can enjoy game viewing and birding from the safari lodge while immersing themselves in the wildlife-rich surroundings.
Experience night game drives and dinner under the African stars for an unforgettable safari getaway in a safari region just north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is one of the most popular accommodation choices when exploring the northern Chobe National Park region in Botswana. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, this lodge offers guests an unforgettable safari experience surrounded by incredible wildlife.
Elephant Valley’s warm hospitality, cozy accommodations, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers.
Koro Island Camp
Koro Island Camp is situated on the Central Tuli Block of Botswana and is only accessible by an intricate suspension bridge over the Limpopo River.
It is a classic safari camp, offering only four en-suite Meru safari tents for guests to experience the true African wilderness in comfort.
Guests can partake in various activities such as game drives, bird watching and walking trails, perfect for small groups of explorers.
Experience the wonders of nature in an unforgettable escape at Koro Island Camp!
Chobe Elephant Camp
Chobe Elephant Camp offers breathtaking views overlooking the iconic Chobe River and its surrounding floodplains, which are teeming with the diverse wildlife and birdlife that make the Chobe National Park so renowned.
Whether you're embarking on thrilling game drives, enjoying the tranquil sunsets, or indulging in the warm hospitality, Chobe Elephant Camp is the ideal destination for an unforgettable African safari in Botswana.
Camp Moremi
Camp Moremi has 11 classic tented safari suites that offer fantastic morning and afternoon wildlife drives using an open 4x4 safari vehicle within this amazing wildlife reserve and haven perfect for photographers.
Of all the Moremi Game Reserve accommodation options, Camp Moremi is in our top 5 for most popular, and for good reason.
Rra Dinare
Rra Dinare is a breathtaking camp situated right next to the iconic Moremi Game Reserve on the southeastern edge of the majestic Okavango Delta. Perched perfectly to overlook the renowned Gomoti River and its expansive floodplains, this location is a dream for wildlife and birdlife enthusiasts.
The plains are alive with diverse wildlife, offering guests an unmatched safari experience. The stunning views create a serene, immersive connection to nature.