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.
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.
The camp is perfect for those looking to get away from it and experience an authentic yet luxurious African safari.
Koro River Camp
Koro River Camp is a luxurious safari lodge located in Botswana's Tuli concession area on the Limpopo River's banks.
River Camp offers seven tented suites with private decks that provide captivating views of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.
Guests can take advantage of various safari activities, including game drives, bush walks and safaris and night drives and mountain biking with experienced guides to provide a unique safari experience.
Koro River is the perfect escape for families, solo travellers or groups looking to explore Botswana'sBotswana's wild beauty in comfort and safety.
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.
Pom Pom Camp
Pom Pom Camp with nine safari tents is found on the Pom Pom Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, game drives and mokoro safaris are part and parcel of one's day here amongst the wilds of Africa's.
Moremi Crossing
Moremi Crossing is located on an idyllic palm-fringed island bordering the Botswana's wildlife-rich Moremi.
A relatively new camp that offers up 16 tented suites all with views out over the waters of the Okavango.
Mashatu Tent Camp
Mashatu Tent Camp is a luxurious safari destination situated in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve.
This picturesque tented camp offers an African experience, combining home comforts and nature's sounds.
Tent Camp consists of 8 Meru-style tented suites, each fully furnished with modern amenities and creature comforts, while the surrounding wilderness offers a range of activities, including night game drives, guided nature walks and bird watching.
A stay of 3-5 nights is recommended for a truly unique African bushveld experience.
Dinaka Camp
Dinaka Camp is located just north of the famed Central Kalahari Game Reserve in its own 200km² private game reserve. Dinaka Camp, surrounded by the beautiful Kalahari Desert landscape and home to some of the best wildlife in southern Africa, Dinaka Camp is a safari lover's paradise.
With game drives and guided bush walks available, as well as several photographic hides and platforms, you are sure to see some amazing desert wildlife during your stay. And don't forget the swimming pool - perfect for cooling off after a hot day in the desert sun!
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.