Botswana
Botswana: A Safari Dream Come True (August 2023)
Botswana. The name itself conjures images of vast landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable adventures. And let me tell you, my recent trip there in August 2023 exceeded even my wildest expectations. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a soul-stirring journey into the heart of Africa.
Day 1-3: Kasane
My adventure began in Kasane, where I boarded a tiny single-propeller bush plane. The flight itself was an experience, offering breathtaking aerial views as we soared over the sprawling plains and the lush Okavango Delta. My first stop was Ker & Downey’s Dinaka Camp, nestled in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. For three glorious days, this was my home. On the first night, we had a visit from the local pride’s male lion, who came to quench his thirst at the water hole located just meters from the thatched roof lounge. To hear the roar of a male lion in the wild was a dream come true! All throughout the day, various antelopes, warthogs, jackals, giraffes, greater kudus and wildlife of all kinds would come to the water hole so we barely had to leave the Camp to see all these wonderful creatures.
My Stays in Kasane
From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in luxury. The service was impeccable, the food divine (think five-star dining under the African sky!), and the staff’s warmth was truly heartwarming. But the real magic happened out in the bush. My tracker/guide, Thuso, was an absolute legend. His knowledge of the local flora and fauna was astounding, and his ability to spot wildlife was uncanny. Thanks to him, I experienced Africa’s Big 5 in all their majestic glory. He was able to find two lionesses with their 6 cubs in the bush. We spent almost 45 minutes with them and that will be a memory I will never forget! I got so close to these incredible creatures that I felt I could reach out and touch them – an experience I’ll never forget.
Dinaka Camp - A Walking Safari
And speaking of unforgettable experiences, my time at Dinaka Camp also included a truly special encounter: a walking safari with the Kalahari Bushmen (think of the movie, “The Gods Must Be Crazy”). This was a profound and humbling experience, offering a glimpse of the ancient traditions and survival skills of this incredible culture. Learning about their deep connection to the land and their intricate knowledge of the bush was truly inspiring. It added another layer of depth and understanding to my safari adventure.
Day 4-7: Kwaraga Airfield
After three days of incredible game drives (twice daily) and cultural immersion, I took another bush flight, this time from Maun to Kwaraga airfield, which serves Desert & Delta’s Leroo La Tau Lodge. This lodge, also in the Kalahari on the banks of the Boteti River, offered a different but equally captivating experience. My guide, DR, was a wealth of information, sharing his deep understanding of the area and its wildlife. Again, the Big 5 graced us with their presence, leaving me speechless and in awe.
My Day at Leroo La Tau
Leroo La Tau offered something truly unique: an overnight stay under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Words cannot describe the sheer beauty of this experience. Sleeping beneath a blanket of a million stars, surrounded by the vast silence of the pans, was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The sunsets and sunrises were among the most beautiful sights I have ever witnessed, literally bringing tears to my eyes. It made me think of my Mom & Dad and how they always told me to travel the world, as it is more enriching than all the money in the world. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone staying at Leroo La Tau.
Outstanding Service!
Both Dinaka Camp and Leroo La Tau provided exceptional service, delicious food, and a sense of security that allowed me to fully relax and immerse myself in the experience. The staff at both locations were incredibly kind and passionate about their country, sharing stories and insights that enriched my understanding of Botswana and its people. The free laundry service at both camps was also a huge plus, allowing me to pack light and make the most of my time.
Weather and Stories
The weather in August was generally hot during the day and cool in the evenings. Packing layers is essential, but don’t overpack, as the laundry service is readily available. Some of these bush flights have strict limits on luggage weight due to the small size of the planes.
Meeting fellow travelers from all over the world at both camps added another layer of enjoyment to the trip. Sharing stories and experiences around the campfire and during meals created a sense of camaraderie that I truly cherished.
My Life-changing Experience
My Botswana safari was more than just a trip; it was a life-changing experience. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, the unique cultural experience with the Bushmen, luxurious accommodations, and the genuine warmth of the Botswanan people made it one of the best travel experiences of my life. I’m already dreaming of my next Botswana adventure, exploring different regions like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. This country has captured my heart, and I can’t wait to return.
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Tips From a Traveler!
Take it from an experienced world traveler, next time when I book my safari tour or any other tour for that matter, I’m going to do some research and call the places directly to book with them, so the money goes to the destination resorts instead of the tour companies here in the US. I found out that they are doing the same thing but charging me a very high premium on my final tour price. I realized that I was overpaying almost 30-40% more by booking with US based tour companies (Kensington Tours, Abercrombie & Kent, Amex Travel, etc.). By using the internet and making a few phone calls, you can save a lot of money which you can spend on your trip! I found the resorts knew exactly which airline to use and they would sometimes offer to make that booking for me (including transfers form the airport/airstrip to the resort) and include it in my trip price.
AirLink / MackAir