Adventure and Wildlife in Southern Africa

Adrenaline pumping from the most exhilarating white water rafting [it is definitely worth taking into account that there is a very steep walk back up the gorge having completed the rafting] I was energised and ready to begin my 6 day safari in Botswana. A short flight took me direct to the airstrip of the camp that I was staying at. This shows how easy it is to combine both Zambia and Botswana in an itinerary. I split my time in two different camps in the magnificent Okavango Delta which fans out across the North-Western corner of the country, creating a paradise of islands and lagoons teeming with wildlife and birds.

In the delta, you have two different types of camps, land based and water based. The first camp I stayed at was a land based camp. I spent my days exploring the variety of habitats home to a huge variety of big game including lion, leopard and cheetah. Within five minutes from the camp we had already spotted a lioness strolling along the path in front of the vehicle with her cubs trotting along side. This was only the beginning of the most incredible wildlife sightings I saw during my three night stay.

Reluctant to leave such a magical place surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery I was shown onto the small plane that was waiting to take me and other guests to a camp deeper into the delta. Little did I know that my trip was just about to reach an all time high. At this water camp I was lead effortlessly through the delta in a traditional dugout canoe [mokoro] by an expert poler. My heart started to beat faster as we slowly and cautiously approached an elephant on the bank, you don’t realise the vast size of these mammals until you are within a few feet of them sat in a canoe with no form of protection. My expert guide obviously new exactly what to do and we were able to watch the elephant peacefully enjoying the early morning sun without disturbing. I could not have wished for a more exhilarating experience and one that I will never forget.

Three nights in a land camp followed by three nights in a water camp does provide you with a varied and full 6 night safari, I would recommend doing the land camp before the water camp. You see more game at the land camp and then you are able to relax at the water based camp whilst appreciating everything that you have seen.
Next time I want to make it to the south of Botswana to the Makgadikgadi salt pans deep within the Kalahari Desert. Not only to be able to walk with a gang of habituated, yet wild meerkats, but also to learn more about the bushman which originate from the area.

Little can prepare you for the intense thrill of white water rafting at Victoria Falls, or the exhilaration of being less than a few feet away from an elephant whilst sat in a canoe. Combine both of these in Zambia and Botswana and families, honeymooners and individuals a like will return with an abundance of the most wonderful memories.

Three nights in a land camp followed by three nights in a water camp does provide you with a varied and full 6 night safari, I would recommend doing the land camp before the water camp. You see more game at the land camp and then you are able to relax at the water based camp whilst appreciating everything that you have seen.

Next time I want to make it to the south of Botswana to the Makgadikgadi salt pans deep within the Kalahari Desert. Not only to be able to walk with a gang of habituated, yet wild meerkats, but also to learn more about the bushman which originate from the area.