Epic Botswana Safari

Arrive at Maun Airport, one of the busiest little airports in Africa, and board a private, fixed wing aircraft bound for the Chobe National Park. Spend the next two days exploring this magnificent Park, home to the world’s densest population of Kalahari elephant and large herds of buffalo.

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.

Located with the heart of the Chobe wilderness, the secluded and charmingly authentic Chobe Under Canvas offers an intimate, unspoiled wilderness experience. The campsite relocates every five to six days, keeping close to the resident game. Limited to five en-suite guest tents, Under Canvas is a romantic, one of a kind wilderness encounter where you fall asleep listening to the gentle snorts of dozing antelope and awake to the mantras of wild pheasant.

A morning air transfer brings you to the 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. 

Comfortable, en-suite tents echo the simple luxury of Chobe Under Canvas with the addition of a personal butler service that recalls the opulence of Africa’s early explorers. The roar of lions, starlit dinners and campfire camaraderie are certain to be among your favorite memories of Savuti.

A quick flight transports you from the Savuti thirstland to a true 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.

Your first two nights are spent at Sandibe Safari Lodge, located in the famous Moremi Game Reserve. The lodge is characterised by sumptuous decor, brilliantly sensitive architecture, and charming touches, like the outdoor shower with its excellent stargazing. Relax in this tranquil forest setting between expeditions to explore the area. There are excellent opportunities to see the Big 5 and activities include day and night safaris, bush walks, and boat cruises.

A breathtaking flight takes you even deeper into the delta for two nights at Xaranna Camp. The camp overlooks a permanent lagoon, offering delightful entertainment as you relax in the comfortable communal lounge. Early morning game drives allow you to range far and wide in search of big game encounters, while leisurely guided walks offer a more intimate experience of the local flora and fauna. After the daily siesta, the best way to spend the late afternoon is on an invigorating boat ride on the waterways of the Delta.

A farewell flight brings you back to Maun Airport to return home. Part of your heart remains behind in the wild paradise you have explored. It calls you back, back to the scent of wild basil, the call of the fish eagle, the thrill of seeing an elusive leopard, and the pure joy of baby elephants at play. Your anecdotes and photographs bear testimony to the extraordinary landscapes, the warmhearted people, and the thrill of unspoiled wildlife that you have witnessed.