Botswa safari Archives - Under One Botswana Sky Blog

Saying ‘Yes’ in Botswana-a guest post by Kelly Kidson

admin — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 13:50:28 +0000

Kelly Kidson (now Robertson) shares her magical Botswana engagement love story.

What’s the most romantic place on earth you ask? I’d answer without a second thought: ‘It’s Botswana!’ The romance of Botswana is unquestionable. And it was the perfect setting to be asked the most important and ‘butterflies-in-my-tummy’ filled question of my life.

Sunset at the platform in the Magadigadi salt pans © Kelly Robertson

It was the 21st of March, and we were at our happy place. The whiteness of the Makgadikgadi salt pan sands encircled us, interspersed with honey-gold tufts of Botswana grassveld. We dotted that landscape – the only two human dots there. Beside Sowa Pan, its salty water waters licking softly at the shore, he was down on one knee looking up at me with wide eyes and I gasped… loudly. My hands flew to my cheeks in surprise and wordless delight as I realised what was happening. In the next breath I found my voice and repeated the answer from behind the widest grin and tear-blinking eyes. ‘Yes! Of course, yes!’ I shrieked as he placed the one-of-a-kind ring on my waiting finger. He swung me around in his arms, between kisses, giggling and overwhelming happiness.

Engaged!!! ©Kelly Robertson

Too nauseatingly gushy for you? Tough! That’s exactly how it all happened and I haven’t been able to wipe the monkey smile off my face since. If I’m writing like we’re in a Mills and Boons novel set in the pans then I’m ok with that. I was proposed to in my favourite place by the love of my life. I’m completely caught up in the romance of it all so just give into it and share the mushy romance. It’s real.

It was a moment I’ll rewind and watch over and over again in my mind forever. A moment that was ours alone; witnessed only by a solitary pelican on the water, a flock of flamingos that flew over at sunset and a few wildebeest in the far background. It couldn’t have been more perfect. It couldn’t have been anywhere else but Botswana. The exact spot in the Makgadikgadi Pans, where our engagement took place is special to us. It’s on the sandy shoreline at the ‘platform’- a small elevated wooden viewpoint structure next to one of the largest bodies of water within the Nata Bird Sanctuary.

Sowa Pan, Nata Bird Sanctuary © Kelly Robertson

The water is ocean-like in its vastness and from that spot near the platform; you can’t see its end. Birdlife is plentiful and busy, and that’s the only thing that bustles there. It’s quiet. It’s remote. And it’s oh-so-romantic in its wildness and natural beauty.

Just over 3 years before this, we discovered this spot. We were on our first trip as a new couple and on our first night in Botswana we bush-camped right there, at our future engagement site. Similarly, we were the only two humans around then and had the expanse of natural wonderment all to ourselves. We were in awe of it then and on our return trip we felt the same sense of amazement and the feeling that we were part of that landscape.

The rest of our trip transformed into a romantic engagement holiday where we celebrated in our own bush-loving way at each stop. We traversed through the flat, wild and intoxicating landscape that is elephant country from Nata to Kasane, onto a houseboat on the Chobe River and then into the Chobe National Park . We then headed back to the South African border by camping at some incredible spots.

The Botswana bush is wild at heart and murmurs of constant adventure. Sunsets are more vivid and command silence and reflection and the sundowners at the best time of day taste better. It’s the perfect setting for an African love story.

Date in the sand ©Kelly Robertson

Planning a romantic getaway in Botswana?

Kelly Recommends…

Nata Lodge: We were spoilt with champagne, congratulations and chilled bushveld recuperation at Nata Lodge. We especially loved staying in a safari tent there. Ours was next to a giant termite mound and boasted the most romantic outdoor shower too. Nata Lodge is an absolute must as a stop over stop on route towards Chobe whether you camp or treat yourselves to a night in the rustic safari accommodation options. They also offer pan drives as an extra activity and we went on a guided drive through the Nata Bird Sanctuary as part of our stay. Stay for 2 nights if you can.

Original article published on Bushbound Girl. Read the full article here.

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A Little Getaway of Epic Proportions

admin — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 11:45:13 +0000

The best part about a quick Botswana getaway is that one moment you’re in Jo’burg, the next you’re tracking leopards through pristine wilderness.

The cryptic message crackled through the Land Rover’s radio. Andries, our driver and guide, turned to us with a grin. “Ingwe is the local name for leopard,” he beamed, “let’s go find it.” The next 15 minutes were spent ducking acacia thorns and holding on for dear life, as Andries went ‘off piste’ through the African bundu. It was a far cry from the frenetic streets of Jo’burg, where – we had to keep reminding ourselves – we had been sitting in a traffic jam only 4 hours earlier.

Leopards are notoriously difficult to lay eyes on. Yet we were in the Sabi Sands, one of the world’s most famous private game reserves, where these usually elusive cats tend to be a little more obliging. Despite knowing this, we were still completely shocked when Andries pulled up beside a large ant hill and casually pointed out a beautiful young Ingwe catching some late afternoon rays. It was a privilege to be in the company of such a magnificent animal, and much clicking of Nikons ensued. We then headed off to attend to some G&Ts. The Sabi Sands and its leopards weren’t done showing off, however, and before we were able to find a suitable sundowner spot, we came across an old, dominant male meditating under a tree.

We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the trip – a 4-day adventure that would see us flying with SA Airlink from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sands, up to Livingstone and Victoria Falls, and finally to Botswana’s incomparable Chobe National Park.

After crossing the Zambezi (and border) at Kazungula, we checked into the awesome Chobe Bush Lodge, a relatively new extension of the venerable old Chobe Safari Lodge, which opened in 1959. Although set back a little from the river, the Bush Lodge offers great value, a chilled atmosphere, and is the perfect base from which to hop onto a boat cruise or game drive into the park. Kasane is also so close to Victoria Falls and Livingstone, that you could easily pop across there for a day trip.

The section of the Chobe river just upstream of the lodge might be as close to paradise as we’ve ever come. Sure, there are a few more boats on the water than there used to be, but you can understand why people from all over the world flock here. A boat trip up the river in the late afternoon has got to be one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on the African continent. Elephants come down to the water’s edge in their hundreds, where they’re joined by huge herds of buffalo, giraffe, a multitude of antelope, crocs, hippos, and a staggering array of waterbirds. In July, when the water levels start dropping, herds of elephants often swim across the channels to feed on the lush islands. If you’re lucky enough to intercept one of these crossings, trust us, it’s a sight that will live with you forever.

Sitting in Kasane’s airport the next day, waiting to board our flight home – our 5th Airlink flight in four days – we tried to process everything that we had just experienced. Ordinarily we would’ve driven up to this part of the world in our trusty Landy, Andy, a journey that takes around two days each way. With the detour through the Sabi Sands, we’d have needed at least nine or ten days to see and do everything we’d just done. The magic of flying is how instantly it connects you to such diverse experiences. One moment you’re in Jo’burg, the next you’re tracking leopards through pristine wilderness. The next thing you know you’re floating down the Zambezi in a canoe, peering over the edge of Victoria Falls, or rafting the rapids in the gorge below. You could be sipping a G&T while watching a herd of elephants crossing the Chobe river at sunset, and be back in the office the next afternoon. Don’t worry, Andy, we’re not going to desert you just yet. But we’ll definitely be doing a few more of these epic little getaways in the years to come.

Read the full article here: Pass The Map

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Showcasing Botswana at Its Finest – Photo Contest

admin — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 12:23:13 +0000

There is something magical about Botswana that keeps drawing visitors back to the country. The breathtaking scenery and diverse selection of wildlife guarantees many memorable safari experiences.

Under One Botswana Sky’s photo contes aims to showcase Botswana as a top safari getaway destination. It has received awe-inspiring photo entries so far.

Submit your photographs taken at one of Under One Botswana Sky’s properties or taken in the Botswana bushveld around them and stand a chance to win a safari stay.

Find out more: http://underonebotswanasky.com/photo-contest.php

Here are some of the recent entries to the different categories:

Photographer: Reto Boltshauser ( Photo captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge)

Photographer: Koos Fourie ( Photo captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge )

Photographer: Denny Payne (Photo captured on safari at Pom Pom Camp)

Photographer: Joyce Edwards ( Photo captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge )

#MagicOfBotswana #PhotoCompetiiton #MagicOfBotsPhotoCompetition

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Botswana Photo Mania – The Magic of Botswana Photo Contest

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:14:25 +0000

Under One Botswana Sky’s photo contest has been running for just under two months, and the selection of entries, ranging from action-packed wildlife shots to breathtaking landscape photos, has been impressive. The purpose of the competition is to celebrate the beauty of Botswana and showcase the country as a top African safari destination.

Submit your photographs taken at one of Under One Botswana Sky’s safari lodges or camps or taken in the Botswana wilderness around them and stand a chance to win a safari stay at our properties.

Find out more: http://underonebotswanasky.com/photo-contest.php

Here are some of the many beautiful entries we’ve received so far:

Category: On Safari © Veeser Wolfgang ( Photo captured on safari at Moremi Crossing )

Category: The predators of Botswana © Oliver Martin ( Photo captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge )

Category: Birds in flight © Rebecca Moreau ( Photo captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge )

Category: The essence of Botswana © Category: Birds in flight © Rebecca Moreau ( Photo captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge )

#MagicOfBotswana #PhotoCompetiiton #MagicOfBotsPhotoCompetition

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Highlights of the Makgadikgadi, Botswana

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:08:39 +0000

The white Makgadikgadi salt pans cover a vast Switzerland-sized patch of Botswana. This was Africa’s largest inland sea a million years ago, before tectonic movement to the west transformed everything. Rivers changed course and water evaporated from the lakes, leaving condensed minerals and salt behind. Today the pans fill only with rain water then dry again to a salty crust.

I first visited Nata Lodge in 2005 after camping rough in the Moremi Game Reserve. I remember it as a welcome oasis of cool and calm. In 2008 there was a devastating fire but the lodge rose again from the ashes in 2010, its wooden cabins as lovely as ever with their freestanding indoor baths and outdoor showers. The lodge is a good place to stop over on your way to Chobe National Park, either in a chalet or at the campsite, and a kick-off point to the community-based Nata Sanctuary. The lodge’s guides take tours to Makgadikgadi pans and the local village of Nata.

Nata Sanctuary

It’s an easy drive (less than 10km) from Under One Botswana Sky’s Nata Lodge to the Nata Sanctuary, which is managed by a trust for the benefit of the local communities of Nata, Manxotae, Sepako and Maposa. We saw a few swirling dust devils in the distance, wildebeest, jackals and a number of bird species but there were no flamingo, the water in the main pan still too deep for them to feed when we were there in May. We did see great white pelicans on a far shoreline and flying overhead. We loved the quiet solitude and the flat, open space where it felt like we could see forever. There’s a small campsite near the entrance gate and a viewing platform about 7km away on the edge of the pan.

Originally posted by Roxanne Reid. Read the whole article here.

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Unforgettable Destinations For Your Honeymoon – Botswana

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 06:45:25 +0000

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious yet affordable island accommodation, the adventure of a lifetime, or a private and romantic getaway, there are plenty of destinations that will meet and even exceed your expectations.

The old standbys like Hawaii are great, and have become established for a reason, but there are many possibilities beyond the obvious, in this vast and beautiful world we live in.

Botswana, Africa is full of adventure, sights to see, and wonderful people to interact with.
The most breathtaking safari adventure is waiting for you in Botswana. Untouched wilderness gives you access to amazing sights, from lions stalking their prey to beautiful bird life.

Under One Botswana Sky offers six lodges and camps to choose from, at various price points giving access to four major safari destinations. You won’t find a more wildlife-rich experience than in Botswana.

Originally posted on the Huffington Post. Read the whole article here.

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A Safari Through the Wildlife Paradise of Botswana

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 12:25:36 +0000

For the last decade, I have been privileged to travel to many exotic locations to pursue my passion for observing wildlife in its natural habitat. On most of these trips, I joined a prepackaged tour organized by a tour company. While I enjoyed them all, I decided to try and organize such an expedition of my own.

Botswana is a politically stable, English-speaking nation of about 2 million people in an area the size of Texas. Most of the country is taken up by the great Kalahari desert, but on its northern edge is the Okavango Delta, a 15,000-square-kilometer wetland that holds one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. Having never been there previously, I decided that Botswana would be my destination.

I wanted to be certain that my traveling companions shared my interest in wildlife, so I first invited my fellow Memphis Zoo docents. Regina Cook, Richard Mashburn and Nora Fernandez and Nora’s husband, Al, all signed on. Kay Owen, a former zoo docent, and her husband, George, also agreed to go. Dawn Wilkins, a biology professor at UT Martin, completed our roster.

We left Memphis on Nov. 4, flying first to Atlanta, then taking the 16-hour flight to Johannesburg. Exhausted and jet-lagged, we checked into the hotel airport for the night.

Next morning, we met our guide, South African Lee Gutteridge, who shepherded us through the airport and onto our flight to Maun, Botswana, the jumpoff location for most Okavango safaris. From Maun, we took charter flights to the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta.

Landing at reserve headquarters, we met our local guide, Shadreck Tshanga, and the modified Toyota Land Cruiser that was our transportation for the next 10 days. Shaq drove us to our first camp, which the three-man safari crew had ready.

We camped at that location for three days, observing elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, zebra, antelope and many different species of birds. On the fourth day, we moved to the Khwai Community Campsites, near Khwai village, outside the reserve. Tour companies pay the Khwai village council to operate the campground and conserve wildlife for ecotourists. It is a win-win situation for everyone; tourists, tour companies, villagers and especially the animals.

At breakfast next morning, Shaq announced that he had found very fresh lion tracks just outside the campground. We hurried through our jam and toast to scramble aboard the safari car to pursue it. Not one hundred yards from camp, we found a gorgeous young male lion, traveling alone.
He had most likely been ejected from his pride by his father when his scruffy mane had begun to grow. He had not yet acquired the battle scars and torn ears of a pride ruler and his bright yellow mane showed sign of becoming especially beautiful.

Paying us no attention, he sat on his haunches gazing back toward the campground. Whether he had caught scent of potential prey or another lion who might be a potential threat or even better, a companion, was impossible to tell. His expression seemed oddly wistful, as if he knew that lions are social animals for which solitary life is not natural. We sat mesmerized by his beautiful golden eyes until he finally turned and walked silently away.

Our next destination was one of the many channels and waterways that crisscross the Okavango Delta. Waiting for us there were four young men and five “makoros,” or dugout canoes. Two of us boarded each canoe, with Lee joining Gina and me. One of the young men stood in each stern, poling us through the shallows, while Shaq came behind in the last vessel with our morning’s refreshments.

A hippo and her calf watched us suspiciously as we shoved off. I knew that there must be crocodiles close by, so I was definitely nervous. The water could not have been more than 4 feet deep, but with both species of these dangerous creatures around I was concerned about much more than drowning.
Water lilies and other plants grew profusely along the waterway. The boatmen pulled up water lilies, then fashioned the stems and flowers into ingenious necklaces for each of the ladies.

The channel was a magnet for water birds. We flushed a rufous-bellied heron from the reeds and watched a saddle-billed stork snap up fish and frogs with its massive, colorful beak. Comb ducks and African pygmy geese swam alongside our makoros.

As we rounded a bend, three very tall gray-and-white birds came into view. They were wattled cranes, named for the peculiar lappet of skin that dangles from either side of their bill. Wattled cranes live only in the Okavango and a few other locations in southern Africa. I had not expected to find these majestic birds and was thrilled to do so.

After refreshments on the bank, we turned for home. Our boatman took our craft through a side channel to admire some especially lovely water lilies. We glided past stalks of rushes and other water plants when I noticed that one of the stalks was keeping pace with us. I called Lee’s attention to it and his response was “It’s a Mozambique spitting cobra!” The snake swam unconcernedly away behind us as our guide poled us back to where we had left the car. We unloaded quickly and returned to camp for lunch and a well-deserved siesta.

Since we were outside the public wildlife reserve, we were under no constraint to be in camp before sunset. Accordingly, we lingered on our afternoon drive, observing zebras, hyenas, elephants and baboons until nearly dark.

Of all the animal species that I had hoped to see in Botswana, the one I most wanted was the African wild dog, the rarest large predator in southern Africa. Botswana is the animal’s last stronghold. For that reason, we were all excited when the radio crackled, “Wild dogs are close and they are hunting!”
The dogs made their kill just before we caught up with them. They were tearing apart the unfortunate prey animal, which could be barely recognized as an impala. All of this activity attracted tourist vans and a pickup driven by wildlife biologists who had been remotely tracking the alpha male, who was wearing a radio collar. It also attracted a pair of spotted hyenas who were quickly driven off by the dogs. We observed the pack as it fed and played until well after dark. We arrived at camp late but exhilarated.

Next day, we embarked on a short walking safari where an approaching herd of elephants caused us to scramble for shelter. That evening we made our only night drive, finding nightjars (birds), springhaas (rodents), lesser bush baby (nocturnal primates) and an African wildcat.

We rose early next morning for the long drive to the Savuti channel in the Chobe National Park. This was a savanna area where there were many more hoofed mammals, more reminiscent of the game parks of East Africa. Nora and Gina had brought along jackets that they wear as docents at the Memphis Zoo. These uniforms jackets feature an embroidered sable antelope. Shaq had noticed and tried hard to find a sable antelope in our two days at Savuti. He found roan antelope and gemsbok, large and handsome animals, but there were no sable.

We left Savuti on a very hot morning for the long, dusty, bumpy ride to Kisane where we were to spend our last night at the Chobe Safari Lodge. As we rumbled along, Shaq shouted “Look!”
Just next to the road a handsome bull sable was lying under a bush. Sable are perhaps the most beautiful of Africa’s antelopes; they are certainly its most aggressive and dangerous. We observed the powerful animal for some time before moving on.

Eventually, we reached Kisane, which lies on the bank of the Chobe River that separates Botswana from Namibia. At the Chobe Safari Lodge, a pontoon boat waited to take us on a lunch cruise on the Chobe River, where we observed Cape buffalo, hippos and many elephants as well as many water birds.
Next morning, we sadly left Botswana for the short flight to Johannesburg, then the very long flight to Atlanta and then home.

Originally published on the Commercial Appeal by Van Harris.

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Where the Real Botswana Begins

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:14:14 +0000

Nata is a small village in the north-east region of Botswana. Whether you are planning a weekend away or are transiting across Africa, Nata should be on every travellers must see list.

The Spanish would call this the place of cream as it directly translates. Thinking about it they would not be far off. For this is the playground for the true adventurer and explorer.

A place where donkeys still pull carts filled with drums of water to be transported to remote farms. Local shops stock only the basic of necessities and children run around pushing their wire cars with F1 spirit. Whether you are passing through, filling up your tank or staying for a night, there is so much more to Nata then what meets the eye.

To live like a local yet treat yourself to touches of luxury, you can’t go past a stay at Nata Lodge.

Activities

With a range of activities on offer here at Nata, you are sure to be spoilt for choice. Start your adventure with a game drive through the world’s largest salt pans, Makgadikgadi. If luck is on your side you can expect to spot elephant, zebra, jackal and giraffe. Even the odd lion or two are known to roam the pans freely. For bird lovers this is a particularly rewarding treat as the Makgadikgadi Pans are home to over 165 species of birds. For thrill seekers there is nothing more satisfying then feeling the wind in your hair as you race your way around the pans on the back of a quad bike.

For an authentic experience why not join a Nata village tour. Discover the local Setswana culture and their traditional way of living. If you’re feeling lazy relax by the pool with the drink of your choice!

During your stay at Nata Lodge be sure to track down one of the many friendly staff. They would be more then happy to assist you learning the local language, Setswana.

Accommodation

The chalet rooms are styled with luxury and comfort in mind. Using local materials, the chalets are built from wood forming a quant oasis away from home. Enjoy a bubble bath in a vintage style tub, take a romantic moon light shower under the stars or feel like a princess sleeping on the luxuriously large bed.

Those wanting to capture the essence of Africa by sleeping under the stars can also do so here. Happy campers are welcome to stay in the safe secure campsite where power and hot showers are provided. Really, what more could one ask for?

Facilities

A short walk from the chalets is the bar and restaurant area. A wide selection of meals, mostly western, are sure to fill even the hungriest stomachs. For something a little more traditional don’t shy away from trying the local cuisine. Seswa and pap will change your life so be sure to take notes!

For those wanting to take a piece of Nata back home, there is an enticing curio shop located on site. Here you can find anything from locally made jewellery, wooden hippo to baby gifts.

Nata Lodge truly gives you a true feeling of what Africa feels, smell and looks like. This is where the the real Botswana begins!

Originally posted on Australian Abroad on the 5th of July 2015 by Nic Vos.

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Three Reasons to Add Chobe to Your Bucket List

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:04:13 +0000

The Chobe area is undeniably one of Africa’s best-hidden treasures. Nestled at the far end of northern Botswana, this lush sanctuary hides a profusion of wildlife ranging from colourful, chirpy birds to sleek, beautiful leopards and the grey, long-trunked goliaths we call elephants. The area’s main attraction is the Chobe National Park, famous for its beauty and huge concentrations of wildlife.

Here are three things that make a visit to the Chobe memorable.

1. Elephants

There is no better place to see the African elephant than in the Chobe National Park. Those who are fond of these grey beauties will not be disappointed with the amount of sightings Chobe has to offer. Herds of elephants can be seen having a leisurely bath in the Chobe River or enjoying the warm rays of the African sun on the riverbanks.

2. Fishing

Due to its location, the Chobe River is a brilliant fishing spot. The river is home to the legendary, remarkable Tiger Fish that is notoriously difficult to catch. There are also an array of smaller fish that swim around in the river in large quantities, which makes the place an ideal destination for both novice and experienced fishermen.

3. Sunset Cruises

There is no disputing that the Chobe sunsets are a truly magical affair. As another day in Africa makes way for the night, the sun burns with a combination of colours ranging from yellow to red and orange before it disappears behind the horizon. And there, whilst sitting onboard one of the Chobe Safari Lodge’s boats, enjoying a sundowner drink, time stands still just long enough for it to feel like a dream.

Chobe Safari Lodge Contact Details:

Web: www.chobesafarilodge.com
Email: reservations@chobesafarilodge.com
Tel: (+267) 625 0 336

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