Botswana
Lodge-based, camping, wing and budget safaris in Botswana.
Botswana is the ultimate safari destination. Vast herds of animals cross the plains of the Kalahari to the Okavango Delta, the Chobe River swamps and flood plains and the salt pans of Makgadikgadi – a unique range of ecosytems in which bird, plant and animal life abound.
Roughly the size of France, but with a population of 1.3 million, Botswana is one of the last unspoiled corners of Africa. It is a stable country, committed to preserving its natural heritage. One-sixth of its territory is dedicated to permanent, well-managed game sanctuaries. It is not a place to drive yourself around. There are few roads and the shifting tracks are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles. The two principal game-viewing areas are the Okavango Delta and Chobe.
The Okavango River flows down from Angola into the Kalahari Desert, where it creates the world’s largest inland delta. Trapped between deep fault lines and dammed by rising land to the east, the Okavango Delta is an oasis in the desert, a paradise of islands and lagoons, papyrus swamps and reed beds. The best way to see the Okavango is to spend at least two nights in a water-based camp, followed by two nights in a land-based camp.
Chobe National Park is a vast wilderness of forest, river, floodplain and swamp inhabited by a rich variety of game, including some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. The few camps are situated mostly on the northern and western boundaries.
We use light aircraft to link our safari camps in Botswana. These memorable trips give you the opportunity to see and understand the complex topography of this pristine wilderness.
CHITABE CAMP is set on one of the most beautiful islands of the Okavango, surrounded by ancient ebony,leadwood and sausage trees. Chitabe is built on raised wooden decks, linked by walkways. The dining room, lounge and bar provide superb views of the open flood plain. The area offers an incredible variety of habitat = marshland, dry acacia and mopane woodland, seasonal floodplains - sustaining populations of elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra, reedbuck and wild dog. Activities include day and night game drives, game walks, and mokoro (a wooden, dug-out canoe) trips, water level permitting.
MOMBO CAMP is set beneath huge trees on the edge of the flood plain. It has an enviable reputation for sightings of all the predators - lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog - and for the large herds of the animals on which they prey. Waterfowl and waders are commonplace among the rich birdlife. Day and night game drives in open 4X4s explore the floodplains and savannah. If you want even closer contact, experienced guides will accompany you along the foot trails. Situated on the tip of Chief's Island within the Moremi Game Reserve, in the central Okavango, this is Botswana's premier wildlife documentary location.
VUMBURA CAMP, on the northeastern edge of the Okavango Delta, has both wetland and savannah wildlife - lechwe, waterbuck and hippo, as well as wildebeest, kudu and tsessbe. You will find herds of elephant and buffalo; and their predators - lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. You can observe the exuberant wildlife of the flood plains and clear waterways from a mokor, or by land on game walks and game drives in a 4X4. If you enjoy birding, the combination of the Okavango water 'specials' with the acacia and mopane species is hard to beat.
Vumbura offers game-viewing on both water and land, so you might choose it as your one base in the Okavango. In this case, we recommend a stay of at least three nights.
KING'S POOL CAMP is in the Linyanti Reserve, a vast area on the remote western edge of Chobe. The area is noted particularly for its very large herds of elephant, which reach enormous densities in the winter months. Impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, sitatunga, sable, roan, waterbuck, buffalo, bushbuck and the smaller antelope are all found here. The major predators - lion, leopard, wild dog and hyena - are regularly sighted. Numerous and diverse species of bird inhabit the reed and papyrus swamps. Hippo and crocodile can be seen from the tented rooms, which are built on teak decks beside the King's Pool Lagoon. You can explore the lagoon by boat, follow foot trails with a guide, and go on 4X4 game drives, day and night.
OKAVANGO WING SAFARI
Fly in to the Okavango Delta from Maun, stay two nights at Vumbura, fly on for two nights at Chitabe, then fly out, either to Maun or Kasane (for Victoria Falls), or onward to another Botswana camp.
Price from £1145, high season (July-Oct) £1395, includes return air transfers to Maun and between camps, accommodation, meals, laundry and camp activities.
Additional nights at Wilderness Camps cost from £210, except for Mombo, which is from £395.
The Selinda Walking Safari is a three-day walking trail from Selinda to its sister camp, Zibalianja. It is not an endurance test, more of a nature ramble – about 12 kilometres a day on flat ground - with expert trackers who share their fund of knowledge about the flora and fauna. You overnight in two different trail camps and enjoy superb bush cooking under a canopy of stars. Ask for full details - and see our exclusive special offer.
PLANET BAOBAB is for those seeking something truly different and closer contact with Botswana’s culture and traditions. In collaboration with the owners of Jack’s Camp, the local Bakalanga people offer inexpensive access to the nearby Makgadikgadi Pans. The community-run cluster of Bushmen grass huts and Kalanga mud huts are built under a shady grove of baobab trees and activities available include quad bike expeditions, bush walks to find both game and fossils, and tours of Gweta, the local village of over 2000 people. In the evening, enjoy a drink in the shebeen. Planet Baobab is accessible - you can hire a car and drive the 200 kms from Maun.
It combines style with comfort while remaining true to its traditional African inspiration. From £22 per person sharing for a Bushman Grass Hut, to £79 for a Bakalanga Mud Hut (with en-suite facilities), full board.
MUCHENJE SAFARI LODGE is an intimate, exclusive lodge bordering the renowned Chobe National Park. The ten exquisitely furnished thatched chalets are sited on the edge of an escarpment, each with private balcony and breathtaking views over the Caprivi Strip. The lodge offers game drives along the game-rich Chobe River with its vast herds of elephant, and bush walks. This friendly, owner-run lodge is two hours by road from Victoria Falls. From £185/ 215 pppn sharing, including all meals and activities.
BOTSWANA ON A BUDGET
Okavango Special
A 4-night safari flying into the delta from Maun to stay in two attractive permanent camps with walk-in tents. Bathroom facilities are shared. From £745 pps, fully inclusive, Maun to Maun. Ask for full details.
Okavango Camping Safari
A 7-day safari in secluded bush camps in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve. Begins/ends Maun. Ask for itinerary.
Price £475/$715 pps; £525/$790 July-December
Botswana – Zimbabwe Camping
A 15-day overland camping safari to the Matobos, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Chobe, the Okavango and the Magadikgadi Pans. From £745/$1120 per person sharing, Johannesburg to Johannesburg. Ask for full itinerary.
Mashatu fly-in safari
Mashatu is a remote game reserve in the eastern corner of Botswana. A wide variety of wildlife inhabits this vast, rugged wilderness along the Limpopo River, which offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. The two camps are under the same ownership as Mala Mala and provide the highest standards of comfort, cuisine and service. From £395/$595 pps, for a fully inclusive 3-day fly-in safari from Johannesburg. Departs Wed or Fri.
Contact us
or phone (44) 20 7226 1004 for more information
