Mma Dinare Archives | Blog

Honour Boipuso Independence Week at Botswana’s Heritage Spots

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 14:30:03 +0000

The Independence Day of Botswana, commonly called Boipuso, is a national holiday observed in Botswana on September 30 of every year.

Botswana is sought after by tourists from across the globe. Lonely Planet describes Botswana as “Blessed with some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, Botswana is one of the great safari destinations in Africa”. It is also a country growing in stature with a secure economy and political stability.

Celebrate Independence Day and experience your beautiful Botswana like never before. Fatshe leno la rona!

Under One Botswana Sky and its sister properties with Kwando Safaris are offering great deals for the long weekend, get in touch with our team for resident’s rates.

Here’s a guide on where to honour Botswana’s heritage.

1. Visit Botswana’s first national park

Kasane’s oldest tourism offering, Chobe Safari Lodge is a landmark establishment on the border of Botswana’s first and oldest national park. Following the successful and prosperous tourism appeal of the Kruger National Park, the vast lands of the Chobe district were officially declared as a non-hunting zone in 1932 by the resident commissioner, Charles Rey, in then-Bechuanaland. However, the area was proclaimed a national park just one year after independence in 1967.

Chobe Safari Lodge has helped travellers explore Chobe National Park for 60 years. Set up to overlook the charming Chobe riverfront, this lodge is the only one in town sharing a border with Chobe National Park.

Book now: Celebrate Independence Day and experience Chobe as you’ve never seen before! Just BWP799 B&B per person sharing. Book three nights and get a free river cruise 🎉 Call 625 0336 to make a reservation or mail diane@chobesafarilodge.com

2. Explore Botswana’s blessed UNESCO World Heritage

The Okavango Delta is one of the best places in the world to go on safari and was declared the Earth’s 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Each of our Okavango Delta camps is situated in a private concession, offering an exclusive safari experience with a light-on-the-earth footprint.

Meander by Mokoro at Moremi Crossing

Eco-friendly Moremi Crossing rests below tall palm trees in the Okavango Delta. It’s islanded for most of the year when water, flowing south from the highlands of Angola, fills the swampy floodplains. This incredible annual descent of water makes Moremi Crossing an ideal destination for boating and walking safaris.

Book now: Experience the Okavango Delta with us from just BWP1900 per person per night fully-inclusive 🎉 Please email reservations1@underonebotswanasky.com or reservations@underonebotswanasky.com for enquiries

Celebrate in Style at Mma Dinare

An intimate, relaxed camp, Mma Dinare comprises just eight tents that all share a jaw-dropping communal deck, outdoor firepit and dining area with views that make the most of the abundant Gomoti River that flows right past. Parades of elephant are regular visitors to these scenic floodplains, as are Red Lechwe and, of course, enormous buffalo herds.

Bordering the open plains of the Moremi Game Reserve, guests can expect plenty of wonderful wildlife sightings. Predators, such as jackal, leopard and prides of lion are regularly spotted and the Dinare concession is a known hotspot for seeing African Wild Dogs.

Book now: Enjoy a luxurious stay at our newest lodge from just BWP2900 per person fully inclusive 🎉 Please email reservations1@underonebotswanasky.com or reservations@underonebotswanasky.com for enquiries

3. Make for Makgadkigkadi, the motherland

A recent study of mitochondrial DNA states that the mother of all modern humans originated in northern Botswana 200,000 years ago. The Makgadkikgadi might very well be our motherland!

Located within this unique environment, Nata Lodge provides a shady refuge while still blending naturally into its surroundings. Luxury chalets and camping tents balance out the preferences of different types of travellers. The main areas, such as the swimming pool and bar, are spaces to relax and reflect on the day out on the pan or meet others.

Book now: Embrace the sun-kissed sanctuary of Nata Lodge from just BWP699 per double room per night 🎉 Call 247 1112 to make a reservation or mail diane@chobesafarilodge.com

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Botswana residents rates are available – please enquire!
These rates are valid with immediate effect for stays until 14 November 2021 inclusive.
Single supplement is 30% and chargeable for those aged 18 and above.
Self-drive is possible to Mma Dinare in a 4WD (essential).
Mma Dinare: A game drive transfer from Maun (3h+, one way) is included in the rate for a minimum of 2 pax.
Should the Botswana government impose an alcohol ban, prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in camps, there will be no refund or reduction on the rates.

Please note, Gunn’s Camp is closed for maintenance and Rra Dinare is only operational when Mma Dinare is full.

The post Honour Boipuso Independence Week at Botswana’s Heritage Spots appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Travel Update: Rivers and Re-openings in Botswana

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:32:58 +0000

Despite the worldwide lockdown (and a distinct lack of guests to enjoy it) we’re thrilled to have Botswana’s rivers return in such abundance.

In May 2019, President Mokgweetsi Masisi officially declared drought across Botswana. Thankfully, excellent rains have fallen and our lodges across the Okavango Delta are surrounded by floodwaters once again.

In a double dose of good news, many camps and lodges are also open again! Where’s the first place you want to go?

Here’s an update on the rivers and re-openings in Botswana’s best addresses.

Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge Update

Botswana’s National Parks have been open for 14 days already following the national lockdown, which lasted for seven weeks to help contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The elephants of Chobe National Park are still going about their merry munching business and the Chobe River floodplains are positively brimming.

This video taken from Chobe Safari Lodge shows how high the Chobe River has risen. In fact! Our favourite sundowner spot, Sedudu Bar, was even underwater in May 2020.

However, Chobe River water levels are already starting to subside again.

Safari operators across Botswana are working towards recommencement of travel for international guests around October. However, tourism is likely to only be open for selected destinations as global governments and tourism bodies monitor the global pandemic and subsequent border controls.

The Botswana Tourism Organisation has issued strict Tourism Industry Covid-19 Guidelines for reopening.

We are incredibly pleased to help pioneer resumption of travel with the announcement that Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge are open for local travel from today, 10 June 2020.

Chat to us about planning your future safari in charming Chobe National Park.

Okavango Delta Water Levels 2020

The rain in Angola falls between November to April before slowly meandering south into Botswana. Usually, the Okavango Delta fills by late May or June and floods peak during July and August.

Contradicting the most water-laden plains, this is actually Botswana’s dry season.

There are water stations at various points of the Okavango River system. Data from Hydrology Services in Namibia showed water levels rising steadily and 2020 waters at their highest in past five years. On 24 February 2020 water levels measured 7.06m at Rundu compared to 2019 measurements of 5.14m and well above the annual average of 5.59m.

After entering Botswana at Mohembo, the Okavango River then spreads near Seronga where it starts to form Botswana’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta. There are then three main channels that develop, namely Thaoge, Jao and Nqoga. Jao is the central channel and seems to be carrying the most water this year. This middle channel later becomes the Boro River.

After 18 months since the last floods and having travelled 2000km from the Angolan highlands, these are the first waters of the 2020 Okavango flood. On 12 May, the Boro River brought water to the safari base town of Maun, passing it into the Thamalakane River.

As rivers start to reform again it is tradition for Batswana to fetch water from these fresh floodwaters. Many believe it is the beginning of new life for everything.

On 20 May 2020, floodwaters travelled a further 13km since passing below the Matlapaneng Old Bridge and continue to hit the Boteti River on 28 May 2020.

Moremi Crossing and Gunns Camp Report

Last year we introduced game drive safaris to Moremi Crossing and Gunns Camp due to dry conditions. However, both camps are now back to being water-based stays again as floods have completely islanded the lodges!

Camp managers report that the boats are back on the water and walking safaris will take place on Chiefs Island (via a mokoro crossing over the Boro River) until the Okavango Delta swamp waters recede again. You’ve gotta love the rhythms of nature!

Note: As of April, Pom Pom camp is now part of the Kwando Safaris family.

Mma Dinare and Rra Dinare Lodge Report

Although we have had no guests for the past two months, our camps have still been busy. A skeleton staff remained on call to ensure lodge upkeep, and they have also enjoyed some fabulous sightings.

Both Rra Dinare and Mma Dinare lodges are located to make the most of glorious views and game across the Gomoti River. Floodplains are full again and at much higher water levels than last year. These lodges share the same concession, which borders Moremi Game Reserve.

If you’re confused about concessions, read this guide to the Okavango Delta, which lays it out simply for travellers.

Mokoro excursions are all in action and expose visitors to the soothing tranquillity of the floodwaters up close.

Nata Bird Sanctuary Report

Sadly, the blessing of floodwaters has not extended as far as Sua Pan in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. The Nata River received water twice this year but with very shallow flows. At the moment, the Makgadikgadi Pans here are bone dry, but that doesn’t make it any less magical.

Nata Lodge is also open for business!

Keen to see Botswana in all its glory? Contact us about staying at one of our lodges or camps for local deals.

The post Travel Update: Rivers and Re-openings in Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

World Animal Day: Celebrating Botswana’s Beasts and Birds

admin — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 09:10:43 +0000

From the footprints of a big cat and the joyful frolicking of elephants in cool water to the resounding call of the fish eagle above and the kori bustard’s comical walk on the ground below, we celebrate Botswana’s diverse wildlife this World Animal Day.

Poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking are having devastating effects on many of Africa’s wildlife species, with some populations left highly vulnerable to extinction and the health of ecosystems already experiencing the serious knock-on effects. An Africa without animals is an unimaginable reality and on a safari in any of Botswana’s wilderness areas, it is the beasts and birds that steal the show, no matter how big or small.

That is why, this World Animal Day, we take you on a photographic journey of some of Botswana’s incredibly beautiful and diverse wildlife that we are so honoured to experience every time we go exploring into the bush:

Flamingos strut across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where they come to breed and rear their chicks when the water levels are just right.

A leopard prowls amidst the dry and bare bushes of its territory in a wintery Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best places in Botswana to witness this exquisite feline.

A herd of buffalo stand alert in south eastern Okavango Delta, a stronghold of these powerful members of the famous Big 5.

A multi-generational elephant family quench their thirst at the shoreline of the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, home to an impressive 120 000 elephants.

Unable to fly away, an ostrich begins to pick up speed running across the flat and dry landscape near the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

A lone wildebeest kicks up dust as it crosses a particularly dry area of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans on its way to find good grazing grounds and reliable water.

Contact us for more information on Botswana’s different wilderness areas and which of our properties will best-suit the kind of wildlife safari experience you are dreaming of.

The post World Animal Day: Celebrating Botswana’s Beasts and Birds appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

What Our Guests Say

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 08:02:23 +0000

Guests weigh in on their stay at Under One Botswana Sky lodges and camps.

Guests have been loving the complete safari experience offered at our properties located within all of Botswana’s world-class destinations. Here are some of the reviews received by guests staying at Under One Botswana Sky lodges and camps over the course of this year so far.

Chobe Bush Lodge

Good Base for Exploring Chobe River

The Chobe Bush Lodge has large, modern rooms with a balcony overlooking the pool area. The open-air dining room is on the first floor. The sister facility, across the highway, is similar but with a larger dining buffet and is a gateway to the pontoon boats used to navigate the Chobe River on game drives. Overland game drives in Safari vehicles were also experienced. Definitely, can be recommended.

Home location: United States
Travel date: June 2018

Chobe Safari Lodge

Great Place

My fifth visit to this lodge and I already have reservations for 2019 and 2020 sorted too. It’s the best description of my experience I can think off…Ohh, yes, I travel all the way from Scandinavia every summer to visit this place. Great service, fantastic safari, friendly locals and great activities!

Home location: Scandinavia
Travel date: September 2018

Nata Lodge

Camping

We camped at Nata Lodge on our stay-over from Kasane to Francistown for two nights, the rates were surprisingly good! Had a great stay amongst the trees and relaxed next to the pool. Ablutions were neat and easily accessible. Close proximity to Nata Pans where the flocks flamingos and pelicans are, just a few of the birds we saw. Well recommended.

Home location: unknown
Travel date: September 2018

Gunn’s Camp

Outstanding Camp

Gunn’s Camp is set on the Okavango Delta, there is a stunning view from every tent and from the communal area. Our tent was wide, with king size bed and a lot of space to put our things. There is a safe inside the wardrobe. Toilet and sink are inside the tent, while shower and bathtub are outdoor. In the morning they wake you up bringing a cup of tea or coffee. The food was very good, and wines were well paired with food. There was a wide choice of different kinds of tea and infusion. All the staff is top level.

Home location: Italy
Travel date: August 2018

Moremi Crossing

Highlight of Our Southern Africa Trip!!!

I can’t say enough about Moremi Crossing! Words can never describe how amazing this resort is. We left the Chobe River and National Park right before we came to Moremi. We thought nothing in the world could top that experience, but we were so wrong! My husband and I have been a lot of places and seen a lot of things, but nothing compares to the few nights we spent at Moremi Crossing. If you can live without the internet and a few creature comforts, you won’t find a better way to experience the Okavango Delta and the nature it holds!

Home location: unknown
Travel date: August 2018

Pom Pom Camp

Extraordinary, Immersive Africa Experience

What an amazing, if expensive experience. This is the immersive Africa experience; think elephants with their little ones near your accommodation, the silence of the delta and the bush, the little aeroplanes moving you between camps/local airports, and the magic of seeing members of the Big 5 (we saw four). The staff at Pom Pom Camp are more than people serving you. You develop a relationship with them, even on a short stay. Our family is saving up to go back. Loved the place.

Home location: unknown
Travel date: August 2018

Rra Dinare Camp

Luxury Lodge with Wonderful Facilities and Excellent Game Drives

The layout of this property ensures total privacy and the feel of luxury. The food is wonderful and staff excellent. Totally worth the money spent for the inclusions and experience. The opportunity to shower under the stars is something that should not be missed.

Home location: Australia
Travel date: February 2018

Mma Dinare Camp

Fantastic Holiday

Mark was excellent in his advice when I was trying to organise our trip to Botswana and Victoria Falls. He knows his stuff and catered brilliantly for our requests. A great holiday experience and well worth the trip, a once in a life time opportunity. Pom Pom Camp, Garden Lodge in Kasane and Victoria Falls Hotel were outstanding and the location of Mma Dinare with viewing of at least 40 elephants at lunch time right by the lodge.

Home location: United Kingdom
Travel date: August 2018

The post What Our Guests Say appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.