Romantic Botswana

Your African honeymoon begins at the confluence of three countries, landing in either Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) where a guide waits to transfer you by road to Botswana’s Chobe Game Lodge. This is the only permanent hotel in the magnificent Chobe National Park and overlooks the Chobe River and game-rich Caprivi floodplains.

Spend your days seeking out the Big 5 on morning and afternoon game viewing expeditions. This Park is the second largest in Botswana and positively teems with wildlife. The perennial Chobe River supports the world’s densest population of Kalahari elephants along with large herds of buffalo and zebra. In the north eastern part of the Park, surrounding Chobe Game Lodge, you may even spot unusual aquatic antelope, such as the Red Lechwe, or the rare Chobe Bushbuck. Such abundant game supports an equally healthy population of predators, and the Chobe is no exception with lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah resident in the Park.

While exploring the floodplains, it is not unusual to come across a breeding herd of 100 or more elephants. It is truly a privilege to observe these graceful giants in the wild with their tight-knit family groups and formidable matriarchs. One cannot help being intrigued by the deep, rumble of their ‘conversation’ or entertained by the adorable antics of their mischievous babies.

The little ones are often as curious about the game viewing vehicle as you may be of them. Should they wander too close, as they often do, you may witness an annoyed adolescent baby sitter stomping around the vehicle to round up her young siblings; or even the thrilling bluster of a mother’s protective mock charge, often followed by a gentle tap on the naughty calf’s rump, and its loud squeal of indignation in reply.

The charming Honeymoon Suite features a private plunge pool and lounge with unspoilt views over the Chobe River, along with all the comforts you expect of a luxury hotel. Game viewing options include exploring the land by vehicle, or the river by boat, either option promises you exciting encounters with the abundant wildlife. In between the morning and afternoon game viewing, the communal boma is a great spot to unwind in the sunshine beside the sparkling pool.

African evenings were made for romance. Celebrate the sunset with a river cruise or cocktails on the open-air terrace bar. As the last fiery rays of the sun disappear over the rambling inky waters, stars emerge in the vast sky overhead, doing their utmost to outshine each other.

After breakfast, transfer to Kasane Airport for a scheduled flight to the Chobe National Park’s western tip, the Savuti. Wide open savannah grassland greets you here, vastly different from the north’s lush woodlands. The arid plains of the Savuti Marsh are home to one of the densest populations of predators in Africa. Two days of thrilling game viewing unfold as you explore the plains, encountering vast herds of zebra, gazelle and predators, such as lion and wild dog.

Savuti Safari Lodge awaits your arrival, situated on the banks of the Stolen River in the pristine Savuti Channel. Settle into your comfortable chalet with its sophisticated palette of neutral tones and gorgeous African textures. The spacious bedroom includes a tranquil lounge, and the en suite bathroom is neat and elegant. If you tire of watching the passing game from your own superb viewing deck, the main Lodge offers a delightful lounge, library and stylish bar sheltered in a magnificent thatch and timber building. Evening meals are a romantic occasion served al fresco in the gentle glow of candlelight, serenaded by the sounds of the wild.

After breakfast, a quick flight transports you from the Savuti thirstland to a veritable natural wonder: the pristine and uniquely beautiful Okavango Delta. Located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, the world’s largest inland delta supports a rich diversity of wildlife on its islands and waterways. A birder’s paradise, some 450 species make their home here. Among the excellent game viewing, you may encounter the rare and graceful Red Lechwe and semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope.

Welcome to Xugana Island Lodge, overlooking the lovely Xugana Lagoon, and its network of mysterious waterways, whispering papyrus beds, and deep pools. The Lodge offers thrilling power boat cruises and dreamy jaunts in traditional dug-out canoes (mekoro), always in the expert care of local guides. Bush walks on the islands offer outstanding bird watching, while fishing enthusiasts will love the challenge of catching tiger fish and bream.

The Lodge’s reed-and-timber chalets epitomize minimal sophistication with smart en suite bathrooms and tranquil views from your private deck. The service is warm and sincere, complementing the food and wine. The central boma is delightfully free of fussy décor – it blends classic Colonial-inspired styling with homely comfort and charming practical touches. The viewing deck lends itself to convivial conversations with your fellow guests, while the stylish little bar is the ideal spot to share an after dinner liqueur. A romantic, candlelight dinner for two on the floating deck is highly recommended, with its spectacular views over the lagoon and star-studded canopy overhead.

After an early morning game activity at Xugana, a scheduled flight whisks you away from the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the haunting beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Among the world’s largest salt pans, the Makgadikgadi is largely uninhabited and, at first glance, appears quite inhospitable to man and beast. Your home for two days is Leroo La Tau, a very special lodge on the fringe of this fascinating landscape.

Interspersed between the stark moonscapes of the pans are sand dunes, rocky islands and desert scrub. No vegetation grows on the salt flats, but the fingers of scrub between them are covered in grass and provide anchorage for mighty baobab trees. Legendary explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, crossed the pans in the 19^th century using a massive baobab – the only landmark for hundreds of kilometres – to keep his bearings. Chapman’s Tree still stands today and is believed to be between 3000 – 4000 years old.

This desolate landscape transforms after the annual summer rains. The shallow pans fill with rain water, which is supplemented by seasonal rivers. Large herds of up to 30,000 wildebeest and zebra migrate into the area, followed by the predators that feed on them. Positively spectacular clouds of flamingoes, in their tens of thousands, settle on the pans to breed. Magnificent species of antelope abound, including noble kudu, solitary gemsbok and stately eland. The pans are also home to rare predators, such as the brown hyena.

Leroo La Tau is set on high cliffs above the non-perennial Boteti River, which borders the western edge of the Makgadikgadi. This majestic setting provides a fantastic vantage point for breathtaking views over the surrounding grasslands. Its thatched chalets with en suite bathrooms are raised on wooden platforms. The sparkling pool, convivial bar and lounge of the central Lodge all boast lovely views, but none quite as panoramic as those from the hide specially built into the river bank.

Explore the fringe of the Makgadikgadi Pans on day and night game drives accompanied by expert guides. At night, gather together with your fellow guests to share your stories around a splendid fire in the crisp cool of evening.

After a final game drive, an air transfer returns you to Maun Airport for your journey home. Your anecdotes and photographs bear testimony to the extraordinary landscapes, the warmhearted people, and the thrilling wildlife that you have witnessed. A little of Botswana’s wild spirit travels with you in your memories of the warmth of the African sun, the scent of wild sage, the call of the fish eagle, and the pure joy of watching baby elephants at play.