We are Travelling: Back to Botswana (Here’s why)
Why would you want to go back to a destination like Botswana? Seen it once, seen it all… Right? On the contrary. We sent two of our consultants to Botswana; Tanja as her first time in the destination and Liezel who has been countless times. We’ve asked them the questions you’d ask when booking your second (or tenth) Botswana Safari so let them share their stories with you.
Liezel: What changed between your last Botswana safari and this one?
My last Botswana safari was in early December. It was hot and dry and although we were traveling during the rainy season, there was no rain in sight. We were all waiting in anticipation for the rain. High temperatures and low water levels offered ideal game-viewing conditions and with less water available, wildlife movements became more predictable as animals gathered around permanent water sources every morning and afternoon. The focus on this safari was mainly on game drives and land-based activities. Due to the low water levels mokoro activities were limited and only available at camps with permanent water sources.
On my most recent safari, the Okavango Delta looked completely different and that is what makes a Botswana safari so exciting. The unusually high rainfall in Botswana this year created a green season safari experience in June which was a first for me. June is usually the start of the dry season. The landscape was green and lush with higher water levels and a different wildlife experience altogether. Despite the high water levels, we enjoyed incredible wildlife sightings—there is never a dull moment on a Botswana safari.
Tanja: What Makes Ker & Downey Different from your previous Safari travels?
Having experienced safaris before, I quickly realised Ker & Downey Botswana offers something entirely different. It isn’t just about incredible wildlife, it’s the feeling of being welcomed into a home. There are no rigid schedules or rushed game drives, everything is tailored around the guests and the wildlife. The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely invested in creating unforgettable experiences. Coupled with heartfelt hospitality where everyone knows your name, it’s a safari that feels deeply personal, relaxed and authentic.
Liezel: Which experiences were completely different?
Due to the high water levels in Botswana this year, everything was different. Every game drive turned into an adventure. The usual route was often covered in water, and our guide tackled the deep floodwaters with ease with us every so often having to lift our feet so the water could flow in and out of the bottom of the vehicle. We were mostly in private concessions which meant we could go slightly off the beaten track allowing our guides to get us closer to the wildlife. The water levels also significantly influenced the birdlife and we had incredible sightings. We spotted one of my favourites, the Pel’s fishing owl.
Tanja: Who would want to go to these camps?
One of the things I loved most was seeing how effortlessly Ker & Downey caters to every traveller. Families shared unforgettable wildlife encounters across generations, photographers had endless opportunities to capture spectacular images, and seasoned safari-goers found new reasons to fall in love with Botswana again. Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, these camps create experiences that are personalized, meaningful, and perfectly suited to every stage of life.
Liezel: What was your most memorable moment?
People often ask me what my most memorable safari moment has been and it is always a tricky question to answer. For me there is never just one memorable moment. A safari is made up of so many amazing moments; some perhaps a little more exciting than others. There is something very special about gathering around the campfire with guests for breakfast on a cold safari morning, coffee in hand and everyone geared up in beanies, scarves and gloves. Then, as you climb aboard the safari vehicle, you are handed a warm bush baby (hot water bottle) and a fleece poncho before your adventure begins.
Tanja: What was your most memorable moment?
The adventure began before I had even landed. Flying over the Okavango Delta in a light aircraft, I looked down on endless floodplains, shimmering waterways and scattered islands stretching as far as the eye could see, a breathtaking reminder of just how wild Botswana truly is. On the ground, I was fortunate enough to see my spirit animal, the elusive leopard, on both Day 1 and Day 2, a sighting many safari-goers wait years to experience. Being chased by an elephant, curious monkeys making their presence known, and driving through flooded channels filling our game vehicle with water only added to the excitement. Maxa Camp perfectly captures that exhilarating feeling of being completely immersed in one of Africa’s greatest wildernesses.
Liezel: Why do you want to go back?
This is an easy question for me to answer. No two safaris are ever the same. Every season offers its own beauty, and every activity is a promise of a new adventure. But apart from the beauty of Botswana, and the excitement of new wildlife encounters which I have a deep appreciation for, it is the people who keep drawing me back. Their humility, kindness and warm hospitality towards their guests make every safari so special.
Tanja: Why do you want to go back?
After experiencing Botswana for the first time, I completely understand why so many travellers return again and again. This is not a destination you simply tick off your bucket list. Every concession offers a different landscape, every season transforms the Delta, and no two game drives are ever the same. Ker & Downey showed me that Botswana is about more than incredible wildlife it’s about authentic hospitality, exceptional guiding and feeling truly connected to nature. I left knowing I had only scratched the surface and already dreaming of my next adventure.