Botswana
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| Map of northwest Botswana |
- Eight day wildlife safari organized through Travel Connections Ltd (safariafrika.com) by Felix Koskei.
- Accompanied by my wife.
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Adventure M1. Chobe National Park
To reach Botswana we flew from Nairobi, Kenya to Livingstone, Zambia. There we were picked up and driven past the Victoria Falls through Zimbabwe, into Botswana and hence to Chobe Elephant Camp in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Chobe Elephant Camp (17.94719oS 24.70203oE) is a newly built camp located on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the Chobe River in the Chobe National Park, Botswana. With sweeping views and spectacular wildlife, it is ideal for guests seeking an authentic stay at an eco-friendly lodge. Built from timber and using renewable resources, the camp has minimal impact on the environment. The atmosphere is a traditional farmstead in the midst of the African wilderness with spectacular views over one of Botswana's favourite wildlife viewing areas.
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| Crocodile | Hippopotamus |
On the first day at Chobe, we took to the waters of the Chobe River with wild Horizons Chobe River Cruise. On the islands, swamps and riverbanks we saw a wide variety of larger animals including many elephant, buffalo, giraffe and hippo as well as the less common sable, leopard and antelope. Sightings also included some fantastic bird species as well as crocodiles and other wildlife.
On the second day we went on a game viewing tour through Chobe National Park and made a visit to Kasane.
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Adventure M2. Okavanga delta
After pick-up at Chobe Elephant Camp we were driven a short distance to Kasane Airport where we boarded a small 4 person charter flight that took us to a dirt strip in the middle of the Okavanga delta. From the dirt strip we were driven a short rough distance to Baines' Camp at (19.58200oS 25.21749oE). Baines' Camp is Sanctuary's smallest and most intimate camp with only five luxurious suites. Named after the 19th century explorer and painter Thomas Baines five suites. An eco-friendly property built using only commercially grown wood, with over 150,000 recycled aluminium cans incorporated within the walls to provide insulation. The camp is raised above the permanent water of the Baro River while wooden walkways connect the main areas and luxury rooms. The swimming pool and the wide wooden deck that surrounds the main dining and sitting room is the ideal place to relax while observing the varied wildlife present here. See prowling lions looking for prey at the edge of the lagoon that the camp overlooks, or watch one of the many elephants who live in the area. The five suites at Sanctuary Baines' are opulent and luxurious, with ensuite facilities and four-poster beds. Traditional safari ceiling fans create a cooling breeze at even the hottest times of the year. Should you wish, your bed can be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck for a night under the stars, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Baro River where hippo can often be spotted. Or take an indulgent soak under the stars on your own private viewing deck in our opulent star bath.
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| Sunset over the delta | With the elephant, Jabu |
The adjacent bush around camp is rich with excitement: on game walks, day and nighttime drives, and mokoro excursions, guests can track a wide variety of big-game species, from Giraffe and Elephant to Lion and Leopard. We enjoyed guided game drives in a customized open-sided 4X4 vehicle. As Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is situated on a private concession, night drives are also offered. You can also explore the area on foot with skilled, armed professional guides and experience the bush from a different perspective. We also explored the Delta in a traditional dug-out canoe or mokoro. We glided through reeds and lily ponds to get up close and personal with wildlife.
On the second day, as part of a unique learning adventure, we were introduced to a trio of semi-habituated elephants named Jabu, Thembi and Morula. We were invited to discover the elephants, from the bristled ends of their long tails to the tip of their powerful yet sensitive trunks. Marvel at their big ears, thoughtful eyes and enormous padded feet. Trace the textures of their skin and the silken polish of their ivory. Explore the astonishing bonds of kinship forged over more than a decade between the elephants and their guardians in a wilderness of mesmerizing beauty. A delicate blink of Morula's long lashes reveals her sensitive yet powerful personality. Jabu takes you, trunk in hand, with his bold and generous nature and together you slowly uncover the age-old secrets of the African elephant and the mysteries of the surrounding wilderness. Thembi, cute, boisterous and impossible to ignore, infatuates you and transforms your understanding of elephants to a deeper and more personal level. Elephants can live for 50 years, when Doug and Sandi Groves adopted Jabu, Thembi and later Morula, rescuing them from culling operations that had left them orphans, they knew they were making a life-long commitment to the trio. Jabu, short for Jabulani, a Zulu name, means happiness and indeed Jabu's zest for life is inspiring. Jabu is a proud and handsome bull, who enjoys his role as alpha elephant of the small herd. He is kind, playful, generous, big-hearted and dependable. Of the three elephants he is the most independent and confident. Jabu loves interacting and building solid relationships based on mutual trust and respect. He is predictable and unconditional in his giving. Thembi, is a common Zulu name meaning trust. Thembi is the sweetheart of the herd and the smallest in stature. Perfectly formed, pretty and dainty, Thembi knows a few tricks for getting her way. Smart and very social, she loves to be the centre of attention. Morula, is named after a beautiful African fruit tree. Her strongest personality trait is one of great gentleness; she is mild-natured, sensitive and easily bruised emotionally. She can be described as a wallflower but she blossoms beautifully when love and attention are focused directly on her. Morula weaves a powerful magic of her own as in her quiet and subtle way she captures your heart with her sincere, loyal and sweet nature.
After the introduction we accompanied the elephants on a foraging trek through the bush. The morning activiy culminated in a picnic lunch in the bush accompanied by the elephants. Jabu embraced Barbara with his trunk.
After breakfast on the third day we were driven to nearby Kasane Airport to catch a charter flight to Livingstone International Airport for our flight to Harare Airport in Zimbabwe. From there we flew to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi
Last updated 3/18/13.
Christopher E. Brennen