The Diversity of Botswana – Vanessa’s Trip Report

3 min Read May 28, 2020

The Diversity of Botswana – Vanessa’s Trip Report

Traveling to Botswana any time of the year is a fantastic experience, but for me November is one of my favorite months … I love the warmer days and dramatic landscapes.   

The highlights on this trip included amazing wild dog sightings in the Khwai Reserve while staying at Tuludi and Sable Alley . I also loved the experience of the bunkers and sleep out deck while in the Central Kalahari at Dinaka Camp, the helicopter ride in the Okavango Delta, the Mokoro at Kanana and the boat experience on the Chobe River while at Chobe Game Lodge.

My trip began in the private Khwai Reserve.  Each of the camps I visited, though in the same reserve, offered something different in style and location. I had the privilege of staying at the newly opened Tuludi Camp. With only 7 rooms, the camp feels very private and intimate.  The rooms are spacious, with wonderful views of the floodplains and all have their own private plunge pool, a great treat for those warm November afternoons.  The interior design of the rooms and the main areas are warm and welcoming, with lots of spaces to relax. You can watch wildlife,  read a book in the Treehouse library, or have a post dinner drink at the gorgeous mosaic bar. 

My next stop was Sable Alley Camp, which is located about 15 minutes away if you go direct, however the trip usually yields a lot of game along the way, making even the transfer a memorable event. Sable Alley has 12 tents set around a beautiful lagoon, and the main area is the perfect spot to sit and relax. You can also enjoy a dip in the pool with perfect views to watch the wildlife congregate at the water.  The camp has lots of activities as well, with day and evening game drives, mokoro excursions, walking safaris and viewing hides.  

The reserve is rich in wildlife and for me the abundance of hippos are a real highlight.  If wild dogs are on your must see list, this is also the place for you.    

From here I flew back to Maun to meet the group that I would spend the next two weeks with. Our first stop was Dinaka Camp, a 25 minute flight from Maun and situated in an exclusive private reserve on the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This area is known for the Kalahari lion, springbok, oryx and brown hyena. Dinaka only has 7 safari tents that are well-spaced on wooden decks, offering perfect views over the active water hole. Activities include day and night game drives, several bunkers and hides for great wildlife photographic opportunities, as well as the option to sleep under the stars… a very unique experience and well worth adding to your itinerary.   

Camp Moremi was our next stop, located in the famous Moremi Game Reserve. This camp has recently gone through a complete refurbishment and the 12 Safari Tents are spacious with all new amenities.  The main areas are spacious giving guests many places to relax. Activities range from morning and afternoon game drives, to exploring the Xakanaxa Lagoon by boat.  While in Moremi we had the opportunity to visit other camps including Xakanaxa Camp and Okuti. These camps also offer wonderful experiences and are well worth considering for your next trip.   

From Moremi we headed to the Okavango Delta.  After a short charter flight to Xugana Island we had the unique opportunity to do a scenic helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta. The Delta is one of the most beautiful places on earth and seeing it in all its glory from the air is an amazing experience and something I highly recommend adding to an itinerary.  

Another short charter fight we arrived at Kanana camp, another lovely hidden gem on Xudum River in the Okavango Delta.  With only 7 tents, this camp offers an intimate experience. Activities include day and night game drives as well as boating and of course mokoro excursions. The mokoro excursions are by far my favorite activity at this camp with crystal clear waterways and a huge variety of birds and plants to enjoy including a seasonal heronry. For those who want a little bit of extra adventure you can sleep under the stars on the sleep out deck.   

From the Delta we made our way to the Chobe National Park and the Chobe Game Lodge which was our final stop.  This is a larger property in a prime position situated on the banks of the famous Chobe River.   Even though the lodge has 44 rooms, everything is spread out with many different viewing areas. While this lodge was the end of our journey, I recommend this camp as a great way to start your safari experience before heading into the remote areas of Botswana.   The activities focus on game drives and boat safaris witnessing the herds of wildlife and birdlife along the river banks.

Vanessa 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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