Our Africa specialist James recently ventured into the Botswanan bush for some safari excitement. From sailing down deltas to spotting big cats at night, James has the inside scoop on what makes this corner of Africa so special. Read on for a roundup of his trip and his top tips for travellers planning a trip here…
- What should people expect from a trip to Botswana?
- What is the approach to tourism in Botswana?
- Any highlights from your trip?
- What’s the best time to visit?
- What are the camps like in Botswana?
- What is a night in a camp like?
- What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
- What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
What should people expect from a trip to Botswana?
That it’s absolutely one of the best safari destinations in Africa. When you’re there, it’s all about getting what you pay for – a top-quality wildlife adventure. Out in the savannah, the only other vehicles you’ll come across is one or two from your camp. It’s a world away from crowded spots like the Ngorongoro Crater, where you could find yourself surrounded by 50 vehicles at a single site. Botswana is the place to be for an exclusive, unspoiled wildlife adventure.
What is the approach to tourism in Botswana?
Botswana follows a tourism policy that supports a low number of visitors who bring high value into the country, which helps to ensure long-term sustainability. Because of this, Botswana’s wildlife areas are remote and full of vibrant wildlife. You really are treated to a safari experience like no other – I was never in a car with more than six people and got to build a great relationship with the guides and trackers, who really impressed me with their endless wildlife knowledge.
Any highlights from your trip?
I sailed down the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) which was a really magical experience. You get to sit back and relax while a guide uses a pole to push you through the shallow waters. The shore is full of wildlife like long-legged ibis, royal crane and some of the Big Five (elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards and rhinos), although I found that the best chance of seeing these is on a game drive. Speaking of game drives, the nighttime drives were really cool. We used a carefully aimed spotlight to spot the reflective eyes of nocturnal animals. Blue-tinted eyes are the ones you really want to see, as they belong to incredible predator species like the serval cat, genet cat and African wild cat. We certainly saw our fair share of these night-time hunters.
What’s the best time to visit?
The weather in Botswana allows for year-round game viewing, so unlike other destinations with long rainy seasons, there isn’t a particular time to be avoided. This makes Botswana extra special, as you’re never met with impassable areas or monsoon downpours.
What are the camps like in Botswana?
The camps in Botswana offer a very exclusive experience. They’re small in size, with between three and 11 rooms each, and it’s this intimacy and personal service that people pay for. The rooms are in semi-permanent structures constructed from materials like wood, thatch and canvas which have minimal impact on the environment. It’s such an authentic experience, but with all the creature comforts you’d expect from a luxury safari holiday.
What is a night in a camp like?
Noisy, but in the best way possible. You can hear any number of incredible sounds coming from the bush and it’s not uncommon to be awoken by the sound of a hippo tearing grass from the ground or elephants shaking trees and peeling branches. With your tents zipped up and doors securely closed, there’s absolutely nothing to fear. Just lie back and enjoy the experience.
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
Sitting around the campfire for pre-dinner drinks. It’s a lovely place to socialise and meet other like-minded, adventurous guests.
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Temperatures can be quite cool in the mornings and evenings (especially when the air rushes against you in the vehicles) so thick fleeces and beanies are very welcome. Sometimes you’ll find the camp has left you with a ‘bush baby’ (a soft-coated hot water bottle) in the vehicle as well. Very cosy indeed! Another tip is having an experienced tracker with you to look out for animal tracks. Their ability to spot the smallest evidence of nearby animals will improve the quality of your experience to no end.
Header Image by Grant Ryan | Body Images by James Back