Botswana
by David Sutcliffe
Stupidly I had already half written my report on Botswana in my head before I'd even arrived. It was going to be along the lines of ‘been to South Africa try Botswana!' Now, while that is still valid, Botswana is not necessarily just for experienced safari experts looking for the next challenge - it could just as easily be for safari virgins.
Botswana offers a huge variety of accommodation and landscape. From the wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the aridity of the Kalahari Desert, from the game herds of Chobe to the birdlife of Moremi. A twin, or more probably triple, centre stay is essential to get the most out of this wonderful country. Add on Victoria Falls over the border into Zambia and you have a journey to remember.
We initially stayed at Savute Under Canvas in Chobe National Park. As the name suggests it is tented. It relocates within the region every few days to give a new experience, but more importantly to prevent the animals from having their environment disturbed too much. Trying to sleep with the sound of lions outside your tent can take a little getting used to, but you feel a real part of their world and soon get into the swing of things.
I have seen game throughout South Africa, but nothing compares to Botswana. I saw my first leopard on day one and by day five had seen three more, I saw a pack of 22 wild dogs, hyena pups, a lion kill, elephants, hippo, genet, giraffe and more birds than you could shake a stick at!
After Chobe we flew into the Okavango Delta region - a vast wetland area, previously a colossal lake, fed by rising waters from Angola. This gives an entirely different aspect to Chobe and different wildlife. Here you are more likely to see hippo and crocodile and other animals associated with water. Also, if you are interested in birdlife, this is the place to be. One highlight was a tranquil mekoro (hollowed out canoe) ride down the waterways.
I stayed at the super luxurious Xudum and Xaranna (the ‘X' is pronounced ‘K'), which even had their own plunge pools from where you could watch hippo and elephant.
The rangers/trackers were first rate throughout the trip. They really make the game drives special no matter how many times you go on one and how they can spot the slightest little thing is beyond me.
If I were to give a full report here then it would last page after page. The bottom line is - you need to go to Botswana, ring me or email me and I'll fill you in on all the details.