Exploring the Jewel of Africa
Africa, with its rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes and cultures, has always been a dream destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. My recent safari to Botswana and Zimbabwe did not disappoint. It was an exceptional journey that took me from the northern fringes of the Kalahari Desert to the breath-taking spectacle of Victoria Falls with stops at the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and the Chobe River along the way.
My safari began from Cape Town with a direct Airlink flight to Maun, the gateway to Botswana. It’s only a 2.5-hour flight and we enjoyed its on-board meal and drink service. Maun, nestled on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta, served as the launching pad for the trip.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – A Desert Safari
My first stop was the expansive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a place of striking beauty and unexpected biodiversity. Not only that, but the lodge I stayed at turned out to be one of the trip’s absolute highlights, surpassing my expectations in every way.
The Kalahari Desert is typically characterized by semi-arid savannahs, featuring grasslands and acacia woodlands. The wildlife in these landscapes is influenced by various factors, including the region’s demanding ecosystem, season, and human impact.
So I was pleasantly surprised by both the diversity and numbers of animals in this challenging environment. Over time, Kalahari animals have developed unique adaptations and are perfectly suited to the desert’s challenges, not least extreme temperatures and limited water sources.
The camp staff, guides, and meals were outstanding. Activities included day and night game drives and guided walks, which provided opportunities to encounter unique desert species. The underground bunker and elevated photographic hide offered great places for wildlife photography.
Moreover, I was also provided with a glimpse into San Bushman culture. The San people represent Southern Africa’s oldest indigenous culture, primarily residing in the Kalahari Desert across several different countries. San culture is remarkable for its rich history, distinctive traditions and profound connection to the natural world – a testament to the resilience of indigenous peoples and deserving of respect, recognition and protection in the face of modern challenges.
Moremi Game Reserve – Where Land Meets Water
Leaving the dry Kalahari behind, I headed to the Moremi Game Reserve. Protecting much of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is both green and full of animals; a different world compared to my last destination. Staying at a land-based camp, I saw elephants, big cats, hippos and lots of different birds near the water – we even saw African wild dogs. We also explored by motorboat and mokoro – the traditional canoe – which let me view animals and birds from the water.
Okavango Delta – The Heart of Africa
Next, it was deeper into the Okavango Delta, often called the “Jewel of the Kalahari”. It’s a stunning place and I explored it in different ways – by boat, mokoro and on guided walks. These walks gave me a new perspective on the environment, discovering the plants and animals that we miss when on a vehicle safari.
The wildlife in this area was truly incredible. I ticked off lions, leopards, cheetahs, more wild dogs (!), elephants and many more animals. The birdwatching was a highlight too, with birds both abundant and diverse. I stayed in small, eco-friendly lodges, and they really took good care of me and the other guests in camp. The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It is a unique feeling: in the middle of the wild, surrounded by amazing sights, tastes and sounds.
Chobe National Park – Elephant Capital
My final stop in Botswana was the Chobe National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and fantastic wildlife viewing all year round. The park offers diverse landscapes, from floodplains and grasslands to forests and baobab trees, but I was in the Chobe River area where game drives and boat safaris allowed me to get up close to elephants, hippos and crocodiles. However, the most incredible sight was watching large herds of elephants swim across the Chobe River to graze in neighbouring Namibia – an experience I will cherish forever.
Victoria Falls – The Smoke that Thunders
The grand finale of my journey was spent at Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The sheer power and beauty of the falls left me speechless.
Victoria Falls is not only a marvel of nature but also an adventure enthusiast’s dream, offering thrill-seekers activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. During my visit, I had the opportunity to stay on a remote island in the middle of the Zambezi River, an experience nothing short of amazing. The sunrises and sunsets were beautiful, and I also enjoyed a night at a riverside lodge where from my balcony I watched a family of elephants grazing below.
For my final night, I stayed in Victoria Falls town, which – to be honest – can be a bit noisy but has its advantages. It’s super-convenient for visiting Victoria Falls and surrounding craft markets; in fact, I found Victoria Falls to be one of the safest towns I’ve ever been to, both during my prior visits and on this trip. I ended my safari with a memorable Zambezi sunset cruise and a delightful evening at the Boma restaurant, where I tasted both local culture and African cuisine.
Conclusion
Botswana is truly an amazing destination with its diverse landscapes and strong commitment to conservation. This 15-day safari offers an unparalleled safari experience and is well-worth the time commitment, but I also discovered that travellers with limited time who want to see the Big 5 and Victoria Falls in one trip can do so simply by staying at Victoria Falls!
