Botswana accommodation Archives - Under One Botswana Sky Blog

The Best SADC Specials in Botswana for a Safari Escape

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:49:10 +0000

Has Botswana always been on your bucket list? It’s time to carve a spot into your calendar for the adventure of a lifetime!

Botswana is a treasured safari destination thanks to its long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation, light-on-the-earth advocacy, and peaceful political disposition. There are front-row seats to astonishing sights and Under One Botswana Sky is offering unbeatable safari specials in Chobe, Nata and in the Okavango Delta in combination with Kwando Safaris.

Just the ticket for residents of Southern Africa.

What is a SADC special?

SADC is the acronym for Southern African Development Community. This regional alliance was formed between several countries across the continent to achieve peaceful and strategic development that was mutually beneficial. These countries belong to the SADC partnership: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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There are some exceptions you should know about, however. Most SADC specials and packages are only valid for residents of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and are aimed to facilitate economic growth and foster favourable transport routes in the Southern African region.

Botswana didn’t invent safari, but we did perfect it

Make the most of living in Africa by exploring Botswana’s vast wilderness and rich tapestry of landscapes, from delta to desert to drinks with elephants on the banks of the Chobe River.

Safari specials and SADC packages to Chobe

Want to spend Christmas in Kasane? Chobe Safari Lodge – Kasane’s very own heritage hotel – is a fantastic base for exploring the wonders of the Chobe National Park.

Chobe was first set aside as a wildlife reserve in the 1930s and became Botswana’s first national park in 1968. Our renowned riverside stay, Chobe Safari Lodge, sits closest to the entrance of this enchanting game park making for easy access via both river and road. That means you’ll be the first in and last out to make the most of those previous twilight hours!

Also read: The Charm of Chobe National Park

Every room at the property enjoys pretty views of the Chobe River and the pool deck is beloved by guests, who enjoy cocktails on the loungers and lunch below the trees between safari outings.

Chobe Safari Lodge is a sought-after and iconic accommodation option thanks to competitive pricing, unbeatable location, and value for money. It’s an excellent choice for travellers visiting Kasane, offering a romantic environment alongside many helpful and comfortable amenities.

Our guests say it best and this review sums it up perfectly.

“A wonderful piece of land right tucked away at the end of Kasane. Situated right on the bank of the mighty Chobe River, this is an excellent hotel with a wide variety of accommodation and activities on offer. From luxury to lively camping, this lodge has it all!”

SADC Rates for Chobe Safari Lodge

Safari rooms offer every comfort and have views of the lawns that Chobe bushbuck, warthogs and baboons love to inhabit.

The River rooms are situated closer to the main dining areas, activity centre and each room includes two double beds.

During peak holiday season from 16 December 2021 to 7 January 2022, rooms cost from P799pp sharing B&B or P1099pp for a single room.

Travel Tip: Score a complimentary Chobe River cruise when you book for three nights or more.

There is also the famous Chobe Safari Lodge campsite. The campsite comprises individual sites scattered amongst the riverine forest with access to all the lodge facilities. There is a modern ablution block, sites have power points and shade. From P110p per adult and P75 per child (6-11yrs).

Travel Tip: Bring the kids! Meals (buffet) and activities for children aged from 6yrs -11yrs cost 50% of the rate and children 0-5yrs can eat and join activities for free. Children cost just P250pp B&B when sharing a room with parents over peak season.

Photograph by Crafting Cheerfully

What activities are on offer at Chobe Safari Lodge?

There are plenty of ways to explore the area during a stay with us at Chobe Safari Lodge.

Enjoy a river cruise to see elephants wading in the water, hippos walking about on land during lunch and enjoy a dazzling array of bird species on the Chobe River. Cost: P225pp

Hop onto a game drive into the Chobe National Park. Our guides know exactly where to go and how to navigate the soft sand tracks that wend their way through the teak forests and riverine meanders. The land-based safari heads deep into the park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home. Cost: P225pp

Inspect the new Kazungula Bridge on a tour. Our fancy new border crossing will take you to the African Quadripoint. The 923m road and rail bridge crossing the point where the Chobe River and Zambezi River meet. Cost: P250pp

Please note: Entry fees to Chobe National Park are excluded. Here are the current rates:

Park fees Botswana Residents – P35pp
Park fees Botswana Citizens – P10pp
Non-Residents (South Africans) – P70pp

How do I get to Chobe?

There are several ways to get to Chobe Safari Lodge from South Africa. The land borders are open and you can self-drive to Chobe via Nata. The road is tarred all the way and suitable for sedans. If you’d prefer to self-drive inside Chobe National Park, a 4WD vehicle is essential.

Travel Tip: Overnight at Nata Lodge and enjoy a sunset drive to explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Chalets with ball and claw baths at Nata Lodge cost P699 and sleep two. A pan trip including one sundowner drink costs P175pp.

Alternatively, you can fly directly into Botswana with Airlink. The Kasane Airport is a world-class gateway to the Chobe region and sits just two hours from Johannesburg via air.

Do I need to have a Covid-19 PCR test to visit Botswana?

Yes. All South African passport holders need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana. You still need to present a negative result even if you are fully vaccinated. On return, South African passport holders will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for re-entry into South Africa. Testing can be done during your stay at Chobe Safari Lodge with our laboratory partners. Book in advance and the nurses come to you, making for a seamless and uninterrupted holiday.

Are there any special rates for the Okavango Delta?

You don’t need expensive flights to experience quintessential Okavango. There are secret boating routes and road transfers that help travellers save costs to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bordering the open plains of the Moremi Game Reserve, Mma Dinare Camp has a jaw-dropping communal deck, outdoor fire pit and dining area with views that make the most of the abundant Gomoti River that flows right past.

Mma Dinare is set in a private 272 km2 concession, adjacent to Moremi Game reserve on the south-eastern side of the Delta. This is eco-friendly development features the latest in solar and waste technology.

Staying at Mma Dinare Camp costs P2900pp sharing OR P1500 if you are a group of six (tell your mates!) Rates are valid until March 2022 and include accommodation with all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), daily laundry, and game viewing activities. Game drives, bush walks and seasonal mokoro are available depending on the water levels.

Plus. A four-hour game drive transfer from Maun is included for a minimum of two people so you don’t have to incur the cost of flying into Okavango Delta. The truly intrepid can also self-drive there in a 4X4.

Book your bucket list Botswana holiday now!

To make a reservation at Chobe Safari Lodge call +2676250336 or +267 247 1112 or mail diane@chobesafarilodge.com

To make a reservation at Mma Dinare Camp mail marketing@underonebotswanasky.com

Rates are subject to standard terms and conditions.

The post The Best SADC Specials in Botswana for a Safari Escape appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

When is it safe to book my next Botswana safari?

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 07:33:36 +0000

Dear traveller, we know you are probably stuck in your home right now as borders remain tightly shut to your favourite destinations.

While virtual safaris may have tided you over these past few months, the real experience of being out in the Botswana bush has never been so elusive.

As the coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic declines and spikes across the globe, some countries are relooking travel restrictions, others are opening travel bubbles or channels and many are boosting domestic travel opportunities. What is happening in Botswana?

Current travel regulations in Botswana

Botswana went on a countrywide lockdown from the beginning of April and lasted for seven weeks to help contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus in Botswana. Botswana’s National Parks have been open for over a month already following the national lockdown.

Currently, the Government of Botswana has banned entry to all visitors (except residents) from high-risk countries and has not set a date for the resumption for international travel.

Also see our Travel Update: Rivers and Re-openings in Botswana

However ironic it may seem, there’s actucally never been a better time to book your Botswana safari.

Book now because beds are filling fast

Thank you, conscientious travellers. You chose to postpone your travels!

Deferring your trip helped many feed their families and helped aid the ongoing support of local communities here in Botswana.

The global pandemic has shifted viewpoints and habits worldwide. Analysts predict that there will be a surge of travellers looking to get outside again, after having taken travel and the great outdoors for granted. Botswana’s high impact, low volume tourism model, is ideal for visitors seeking socially-distanced stays and destinations free of crowds.

Since travellers deferred their 2020 trips into 2021, availability is becoming tight. Ensure you lock down your dream adventure soon if you wish to travel within the next 18 months.

Book now for great rates

Botswana’s best safari lodges are offering excellent rates. Under One Botswana Sky is offering deals on travel for the rest of 2020, and implemented a price freeze for trips booked going forward.

Domestic travel is open, and Botswana’s most iconic stays are welcoming visitors once again. Chobe Safari Lodge and Nata Lodge have been open for weeks already with all the necessary safety and sanitation precautions in places.

We currently offer special rates for locals (Botswana residents and citizens), which are available until end 2020 for all the Okavango Delta camps and until the end of October for the lodges.

For international guests, we have also fixed our rates so you can travel next year at 2020 pricing.

Book now for a luxury eco-friendly safari

Under One Botswana Sky comprises eight safari lodges and camps set within Botswana’s world-famous safari destinations: the Okavango Delta, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.

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

Our properties offer a comprehensive Botswana experience at a reasonable rate.

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

The post When is it safe to book my next Botswana safari? appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

In the Press: Explore Four African Countries in One Easy Road Trip

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 19:05:42 +0000

In her latest contribution to the internationally award-winning travel blog Culture Trip, Melanie van Zyl inspires readers to go on the ultimate self-drive safari that covers four African countries in one week on just one tank of fuel. We have pulled out some of the highlights below from this seemingly impossible adventure story titled Explore Four African Countries in One Easy Road Trip.

A store at the local market in Kasane © Melanie van Zyl / Culture Trip

No signpost indicates the exact spot, but in northern Botswana near a place named Kazungula, four countries meet at the convergence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers. This is the African Quadripoint, where Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana all flow into one border. Technically, it’s just water, but this quirky confluence occurs nowhere else in the world.

The Kazungula Bridge Project will eventually join these notable points, but the only way to experience this confluence today is by boarding the Kazungula ferry across the Zambezi River. It’s a border crossing for the bold, requiring time, hustle and patience. Luckily, there is another, much easier way to reap the rewards from the proximity of these four extraordinary countries.

Cruise your way across watery wonderlands, spend two nights in every country and explore the only international quadripoint in existence starting with Namibia. Anyone can tackle this easy tarred road trip route on one tank of fuel in roughly a week.

Namibia’s serene Zambezi Region

Traditional fishing on the Zambezi River © Melanie van Zyl / Culture Trip

Previously named the Caprivi Strip, the Zambezi region is a narrow 500-kilometre-long finger of land that hovers between Botswana and Zambia. The Caprivi (as it’s still primarily known around there) is home to four different rivers, but the most magnificent has to be the broad Zambezi, which is where this epic journey begins.

Self-drive safari guide to the Zambezi Region

Stay here: To get to Zambezi Mubala Lodge, and for the ultimate aqua stay, you’ve got to board a boat. Spacious cabins face the Zambezi River and porthole-shaped windows, plus watercolour decor, reinforce the feeling that you’re floating on water. For those on a tighter budget, the more rustic, neighbouring tented camp is equally charming.

Elephants everywhere in Botswana’s Chobe district

Elephants at Chobe River © Melanie van Zyl / Culture Trip

Driving the short 70 kilometres south from Katima Mulilo, villages line the tarred B8 road. Look out for sand sleighs specific to this area. They are pulled by handsome cattle to more efficiently transport goods than any wheelbarrow could in this thick river sand. Cross into Botswana at Ngoma border post.

Self-drive safari guide to Botswana

Stay here: Closest to the Chobe National Park, Chobe Safari Lodge is Kasane’s oldest tourism establishment and has riverfront views. Book an original 1960’s era rondavel room, which has been modernised on the inside, but feels like a traditional safari stay on the outside.

Zimbabwe’s natural wonder at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side © Melanie van Zyl / Culture Trip

Onwards from Kasane, the abundant Chobe waters merge with the Zambezi River before the border crossing into Zimbabwe. Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders”, is the local name for Victoria Falls in the Lozi language and the next destination. A natural world wonder, bucket list tick and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the majority of the 1,7-kilometre-wide Victoria Falls is seen from the Zimbabwean side.

Self-drive safari guide to Zimbabwe

Stay here: Sip a Zambezi Lager at sunset and watch the wildlife drink at the waterhole from the sprawling deck above at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Bushbuck, guinea fowl and more walk the grounds, but the daily vulture culture feed will be the most memorable wildlife encounter. Critically endangered, the lodge has been feeding these curious birds for 19 years and every afternoon, they fly in from far and wide for a free feast.

Adventure abounds in Zambia’s little town of Livingstone

White-water rafting on the Zambezi rapids © Melanie van Zyl / Culture Trip

After seeing Victoria Falls from the many meandering viewpoints on the Zimbabwean side, the spectacle of spray and scenery is best appreciated from the sky. Breathtaking doesn’t begin to describe the half-hour helicopter flight with Batoka Sky that takes you looping above the wide waters of the Zambezi River before dropping right down into the untamed Batoka Gorge.

Self-drive safari guide to Zambia

Stay here: Another great hydrous hotel, the Victoria Falls Waterfront is perched on the banks of the Zambezi and offers adventure alongside creature comforts. The Explorer Club Africa is the on-site hub from which to organise any Livingstone exploits, from white water rafting to sunset cruises on a wooden-decked 1950s-era boat. There’s also a daily shuttle to see the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side or to explore the town of Livingstone, which is a little too far for walking.

Whether you are interested in taking this exciting self-drive safari or experiencing beautiful Botswana by itself, contact us to book your stay in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta.

The post In the Press: Explore Four African Countries in One Easy Road Trip appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

A Botswana Camping Adventure by Bushbaby Travel Blog

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:14:36 +0000

Highlights from the Bushbaby Travel Blog‘s Botswana self-drive camping trip.

A 4am wakeup call is only okay when the reason for it is a holiday. On the 19^th of July 2017, this was how our day and our incredible Botswana trip started and we welcomed that alarm clock chime. We tackled the very long drive from Johannesburg to Nata (886kms). Our excited anticipation got us going and later the emotional support from each other over our little 2 way radios and the energy from snacks and energy drinks got us through that final stretch. We were a herd of four and two trusty 4×4’s, heading off to explore Botswana on a self-drive camping holiday.

We entered Botswana via the small Stockpoort border post, just after Lephalale. No queues, no issues and recommended as our preferred way into the county. From there it was onwards to Francistown and then to Nata. We finally arrived at our happy place, Nata Bird Sanctuary, just before 5pm and in time for sunset over the Makgadikgadi Pans. It’s an especially significant spot to Graham and me as it’s where we got engaged in 2013 (More on that story here) and is a setting we wanted to share with my folks too. Graham exclaimed that our return to it and to our beloved Botswana felt like coming home.

Toasting our first Botswana sunset at the Nata Bird Sanctuary pan. ©Kelly Robertson

Sunset at Nata Bird Sanctuary, A scene with so much water, it looked like an ocean sunset. ©Kelly Robertson

It was tranquillity personified as the setting sun painted that scene pink and pelicans and flamingos danced by before their bedtime. It was the most perfect welcome to Botswana. We were there!

Capturing the magic of this special place – Nata Bird Sanctuary. ©Kelly Robertson

On a previous visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary we had camped near the platform on the pans, which was such a memorable experience. However, the sanctuary no longer allows this as they work to conserve that natural place and keep the human footprint to a minimum.

A view of the Makgadikgadi Pans from the roof rack. ©Kelly Robertson

Instead we headed to the convenient, secure and wonderfully managed Nata Lodge, just up the road, for our first night’s camping and our first sleep in our rooftop tents. We were visited by the bushbabies at night as they jumped from tree branches to our tents and beyond. We also indulged in a hearty breakfast at the lodge the next morning before moving off in search of wild adventures.

Camping in our tropical campsite oasis at Nata Lodge. ©Kelly Robertson

Read the full article here.

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Safari Activities You Must Try While in Botswana

admin — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:42:58 +0000

Game drives are not your only option when it comes to exciting safari activities in Botswana.

So, you are planning your safari to Botswana and you can’t wait for your first game drive to go explore in search of Africa’s renowned Big 5. After all, you have chosen one of the best destinations to experience the magnificent wildlife in their garden of Eden.

All our camps offer morning and evening game drives, but what about the rest of the time? What safari activities can you do to make the best of your time in Botswana?

The exciting thing about Botswana is that it offers safari enthusiasts more things to do than just game drives. You will never be bored on safari while staying at one of our camps as we have a range of exciting safari activities you simply MUST try.

Here are 7 Safari OTHER Activities You Must Try While in Botswana:

1. Mokoro Excursions

True Botswana exploring should include at least one mokoro excursion. It’s an unreal experience when you get to become part of the bustling river life while making your way through the lily pads on traditional ‘mokoro’ canoes. These are propelled from the stern by skilled ‘poler’ guides, allowing the guests to sit back and absorb the scenery. Keep an eye out for tiny little reed frogs to the gentle giants, the elephants.

Safari Activities Mokoro rides

2. Birdwatching

Probably not first on the list for some first-time explorers but you will never know you love it unless you try it. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in the Okavango Delta, and there are quite a few peculiar looking ones that you simply must see. A sure favourite is the Pel’s fishing-owl and the turkey like Southern ground-hornbills with their long lashes.

3. Motor-Boat Sunset Cruises

Sunsets are magical no matter where in the world you are, but we can guarantee that no sunset can ever top a Botswana sunset. The best way to experience this is on the crystal-clear channels of the Boro River. Motor-boat cruises are scheduled around the sunsets so that you can sip on your traditional sundowner drink and toast the unprecedented African sunsets while drifting on a lagoon in the middle of the Okavango Delta. This safari activity is limited to only some of our camps and subject to delta water levels.

Safari Activities Sunset cruise

4. Dinner Cruises

Turn your evening meal into an unforgettable safari experience and dine under the stars on board one of our boats. Enjoy a succulent buffet dinner consisting of starters, main courses and deserts while the boat cruises on the Chobe River between the Botswana and Namibian shores. This is the ideal opportunity to unwind after an exciting day of exploring and enjoy the unique surroundings by night.

5. Bush Walks

You are not limited to vehicles when it comes to discovering the Botswana bush. You can go exploring on foot under the guidance and education of your own personal guide. Feel your senses ignite as you become part of life in the bush and encounter game without the parameters of a vehicle.

Safari Activities Guided walks

6. Island Camping at Gunns camp

Camping is probably not for everyone but for those adventure seekers you must try island camping at Gunns Camp. The camp managers will pack your mokoro with basic camping equipment and food so that you can set out with your own personal guide to find an island where you will set up camp. The evening will be spent preparing dinner around the campfire in the company of Africa’s nocturnal wildlife. This rustic experience is subject to availability, and must be pre-booked in advance.

7. Visit Makgadikgadi Salt Pans while staying at Nata Lodge

Makgadikgadi Salt Pan is in the middle of Botswana and is one of the largest salt flats in the world. Walking or driving though this expansive wilderness area is a surreal experience. The silence around you absorbs you into the moment and it will feel like you are visiting another planet.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

There you have it, 7 safari activities other than game drives that will keep you entertained while in Botswana. And no worries if you can’t fit all of them in on your first safari in in Botswana, it’s just more reason for you to return.

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10 Reasons why you need to visit Botswana

admin — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 12:42:18 +0000

Botswana is the ultimate safari destination .

Dubbed the ultimate safari destination, Botswana is a paradise for travellers wanting to experience the true essence of an African safari. From exciting activities to unforgettable experiences, Botswana has it all.

Here are 10 reasons to consider beautiful Botswana for your next safari in Africa:

1. A Birding Paradise

Over 500 species have been recorded in Botswana’s wide range of habitats, making Botswana a paradise for any avid birdwatcher. Birdwatching in the open floodplains is generally easier and better than in rainforest regions where thick vegetation and high forest canopies seriously limit sightings.

Oliver Martin photographed Botswana’s national bird, the lilac-breasted roller.

2. The Elephants in Chobe National Park

If you want to see elephants on safari then Chobe National Park in Botswana is the place to be. This park is renowned for being home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants in Africa (estimated 120 000) and the largest continuous surviving elephant population on Earth.

Elephants photographed by Reto Boltshauser

3. Eco Friendly Accommodation

‘Going green’ on safari is easy when you are in Botswana as most camps are 100% eco-friendly, for example, our camp Moremi Crossing. Moremi Crossing features the latest in solar and waste disposal technology, enabling guests to enjoy their safari knowing that they have had little to no negative impact on the environment.

4. You Don’t Have to Go Far to See Wildlife

The great thing about a safari in Botswana is that most of the camps embrace their natural surroundings without fences, allowing the wildlife to roam free in their natural habitat. Elevated walkways at our new camp, Rra Dinare, link the rooms to the main lodge, except for the last two units on the northern end where the path drops down to the ground level allowing the passing game to stroll through. The resident Buffalo dagga boys are a common sight around camp, hence the name Rra Dinare which means Father Buffalo in the native language.

Buffalo at Rra Dinare

5. Mokoro Trips

You don’t have to be stuck in a game vehicle to explore the wildlife in Botswana. A safari by mokoro (dug-out canoe) is an activity not to be missed while on safari in Botswana. Imagine the joy of gently meandering through the exquisite watery paradise, with only the call of the fish eagle to break the tranquillity.

6. Sunsets

The sunsets in Botswana are something that cannot be explained. They simply must be experienced first-hand to fully grasp the true beauty. During the magical golden hour (dusk) the sky appears to be on fire as it bursts to life in hues of bright orange, red, pink and yellow. It is a sight best enjoyed with a traditional sundowner drink in hand.

Sunset captured by Gerda Robbertse

7. The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s major tourist attractions. It is known for its extensive grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush watery animal habitat. It is surreal to watch how animals adapt to their wet surrounding. Elephants are often seen swimming from island to island in search of more lush vegetation to devour, and the lions even learn to hunt in the shallow waters.

8. The Wildlife

Home to a variety of fascinating wildlife species including the iconic Big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as a vast number of different kinds of antelopes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and so much more, Botswana is arguably the best place to visit to see wild animals in their natural habitat. It’s simple really: if you love wildlife, you’ll love Botswana.

Lions on the hunt in Botswana photographed by Reto Boltshauser

9. The weather

The weather in Botswana is mostly sunny throughout the year with colder nights during the Winter months and occasional afternoon showers during the Summer months.

10. Zebra migrations

The Serengeti has the big migration of the wildebeest and Botswana has the zebra migration. The annual zebra migration takes place around November every year, and it is a spectacular sight. At the beginning of the rainy season, up to 25,000 zebras start their migration through the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Parks in search of water and lush grazing grounds.

Botswana offers travellers an unforgettable experience that only very few places in Africa can match.

The post 10 Reasons why you need to visit Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

African paradise: Chobe Bush Lodge

admin — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 09:46:09 +0000

I thought as we glided toward a herd of elephants, surrounded by buffalo and birdlife, “what a wonder-filled world we live in”.

I set my camera down, took a sip of my gin and tonic and took it all in as our skipper expertly manoeuvred our boat around once hotly disputed Sedudu Island, which marks Botswana’s border with Namibia on the Chobe River.

He knew just how to position the big craft for the best snaps of the abundant wildlife.

Sedudu, he explained, means “group of hippos in shallow water”.

There were plenty of those grumpy sorts, too, snorting in annoyance when we got too close (which is any distance, really).

That shallow water becomes several metres deeper in the wet season and the islands are submerged, the game that is forced to visit the river in the dry season scarcer (from a boat), but the scenery arguably even more beautiful.

Viewing nature from the sundowner boat cruise on the Chobe provides a different experience from on land: elephants swimming across the river and greeting each other as long-lost friends.

Being able to glide in close to them or buffalo, hippos and crocodiles, with sunset framing the scene, is special. I love the area, I loved the vibe at Chobe Bush Lodge where I was a guest.

The sunset game drive showcases some beautiful landscapes.

Relatively new kid on the block, Chobe Bush Lodge is part of Under One Botswana Sky and part and parcel of older Chobe Safari Lodge, right next door.

It’s all under thatch and the 42 rooms are tastefully, and unusually, hotel-like for a bush lodge.

No complaints from me or my fellow Aussie guests who, like me, were rather chuffed with the elegant grey-and-white colour scheme, the spacious suites and ablutions with separate bath and shower.

TV too and free wi-fi.

I was even more chuffed with the friendly staff, from the moment my Flame of Africa transfer dropped me off. They have a lot to do with the vibe, the energy.

Chobe Bush Lodge rooms

So, too, do happy campers returning from a boat cruise, or alighting from another game drive with amazing sightings in the 11700km2 Chobe National Park, literally over the fence – so expect to see wildlife from your room and lock the screen doors lest baboons make themselves welcome.

The high-roofed lobby leads to a sprawling, open-plan lounge, dining room, bar area and out-to-terrace seating and two-tiered swimming pools, one splashing down into the other.

Rooms are in a wing to the left and two double-storey buildings ahead.

Early morning and sunset game viewing here is superb. Impala and other prey species are remarkably chilled.

The elephants, too, thank goodness. We had a swishing tail-in-the-face close encounter with a young bull, asserting his dominance and clearly showing what he thought of us – rear in the vehicle and all.

I’m glad he didn’t communicate with a fart, part of their array of communications skills – only some of which humans can hear (or smell).

Best was when an excited male, with an extra “leg”, trundled past after a female. “Oh my!” gushed the mom behind me in a flushed schoolgirl tone. “He’s interested in her,” guide Walter said. “Isn’t he just?!” was the response as hubby tried to distract the kids.

Our guides were all top-drawer, “edumacating” us with interesting facts and anecdotes about the birds and the bees and plenty else when there wasn’t game in sight, often more interesting than the Big 5.

Post-drive buffet breakfasts offer plenty of fresh fruit, omelettes and some very good cheeses.

Chobe Bush Lodge safari dining

Lunches are not too shabby either and the a la carte dinners are even better.

I mostly went with the waitress’s recommendations (mostly meat, though vegetarians were well looked after), which did not disappoint. Great ribeye and impala chops – enough for two. A great time, any time of the year.

Originally published on Independent Online (IOL). Read the full article here.

Chobe Safari Lodge Contact Details

Website: Chobe Bush Lodge
Email: reservations@chobebushlodge.com
Tel: (+267) 625 0 383 / 625 2 480

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24Hours in Kasane: Monkeys, Warthogs and Elephant-eating Dogs

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:36:01 +0000

Fly Airlink sent Anna-Belle from shesaid.co.za and me on a whirlwind 24-hour trip to Kasane, Botswana, as part of a campaign to promote Airlink’s flights around Southern Africa.

Kasane — which is approximately 90 minutes by plane from Joburg — is a tiny town whose main claim to fame is Chobe National Park. (Read my 2013 post about another whirlwind trip to Chobe.) We stayed at the Chobe Safari Lodge, which is just a few minutes outside the park on the banks of the Chobe River.

While it would have been nice to spend more time in Kasane, I did a surprising number of interesting things in the short time that I was there:

1) Took a nap in my beautiful room at the lodge, under the mosquito net.

Even though my room was air-conditioned and I never saw a single mosquito at the lodge, there is something romantic about sleeping under a mosquito net.

2) Walked around the grounds of the lodge, which was a mini safari unto itself.

Vervet monkeys frolicking on the grounds of the lodge. They’re very cute and fun to watch; just make sure you keep the door to your room closed or they will definitely come inside and help themselves to anything edible.

A baby banded mongoose. There were tons of these foraging for food around the hotel.

A warthog family grazing in front of the lodge. I love how they get down on their front elbows to forage in the grass. I also spotted a similar warthog family hanging out in a laundry alcove directly outside my door.

3) Watched an incredible sunset.

4) Took a dinner cruise.

Chobe Safari Lodge offers lovely evening dinner cruises on the river. The food was really good and the view of the stars from the top of the boat was incredible.

5) Went on a morning game drive.

In the morning we took a game drive into the park. One of my favorite scenes of the morning was this large herd of impala grazing under a tree in the early morning light.

This portion of Chobe National Park is packed with hundreds, even thousands, of elephants during the afternoon. (See my 2013 Chobe post for more on that.) But we actually saw very few elephants on our morning drive. Apparently the elephants tend to stay deep in the bush in the morning, and then head toward the river as the day wears on and the temperature rises. So if you visit Chobe, be sure to schedule at least one game drive in the afternoon. Anyway, we did glimpse a few elephants that morning, including this scared youngster who seemed to have become separated from his family.
And now, for the most amazing moment of the game drive. The next photo could be disturbing for some people so take heed.

This elephant died the day before our game drive, most likely due to disease. We drove past it once, early on in the drive, and the elephant was surrounded by vultures. But later on the carcass was discovered by this pack of African wild dogs and we rushed back to see. I’ve never seen African wild dogs in the wild before and the sight was truly incredible. They looked and behaved so much like domesticated dogs, except, of course, for the fact that they were ripping into the flesh of a dead elephant and spraying blood everywhere.

6) Ate a local lunch.

After our game drive, Anna-Belle and I skipped the lodge’s breakfast buffet and went up the road to a local guesthouse/restaurant called the Old House. This was such a cute place and I would definitely recommend eating and staying there. The fish and chips were delicious and the fish came right from the river.

And then, alas, it was time to fly home. My only regret is that we didn’t have time to take a daytime river safari; I did that the last time I was in Kasane and I’ve never seen so many crocodiles and hippos. Otherwise, this was a fantastic little getaway.

Originally published on 2Summers.

The post 24Hours in Kasane: Monkeys, Warthogs and Elephant-eating Dogs appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Championing the Chobe National Park

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:21:48 +0000

The Chobe National Park is the third largest conservation area in Botswana, covering an enormous area of approximately 10,960km². The park has been divided into wildlife management areas without fencing, a concept that allows for conservation and the free roam of wildlife within these areas. This open environment allows visitors a more authentic wilderness experience, exploring the natural behaviour and movement of Botswana’s wildlife.

Here are our top 5 reasons why you should visit Chobe National Park:

1. The river

The park takes its name from the Chobe River that forms the northern boundary of Botswana. The influence of the river means that this is an area of natural abundance of both flora and fauna and the vegetation varies from lush floodplains in the north to scorched Savuti marshland in the south. The northern part of the Chobe is unique because it lies next to the Chobe River for almost 60km, allowing for second-to-none game viewing along the Chobe River drive.

2. The wildlife

Where there is water, there is wildlife. The Chobe National Park is teeming with wildlife and is renown for being one of the top wildlife reserves in the world. Large herds of buffalo and elephant gather at the water’s edge, raptors nest on the river banks and birds of all shapes and sizes dart up and down the river highways. With such an incredible wealth of species, Chobe is the ideal place to experience the African wilderness. Prepare your eyes for a visual feast of wildlife encounters, including even two antelope species rarely encountered elsewhere in Botswana – the puku and the Chobe bushbuck.

3. The predators

With such a melting pot of game in the area Chobe has attracted the presence of a significantly large lion population. The lions contend with other predators in the area such as hyena, leopard, African wild dog, civet and caracal.

4. The birds

Chobe is a haven for birding enthusiasts with striking colonies of carmine bee-eaters building their nests in the exposed sandy banks of the river. Water and migratory birds gather in their thousands near the water’s edge and the haunting call of the fish eagle can often be heard echoing over the river.

5. The activities

Chobe National Park offers an array of day and nighttime activities, including boat cruises, game drives, fishing, traditional village tours and day tours to the Victoria Falls.

Win a trip to Chobe Bush Lodge

There are almost too many reasons to visit Chobe National Park, and with that in mind we’d like to draw your attention to a competition Airlink is running in conjunction with Chobe Bush Lodge.

Chobe Bush lodge is located in Kasane directly on the border of Chobe National Park, where four African countries meet (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia), making it an excellent gateway location to the area’s popular destinations; Chobe, Victoria Falls and Caprivi.

The best part about Chobe Bush Lodge is that this experience could be YOURS. Find out about our competition to win a weekend getaway for two to Chobe with flights provided by Airlink!

Originally published on the Africa Geographic blog.

The post Championing the Chobe National Park appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Botswana Tour with Saga

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 08:56:54 +0000

You’ll travel by land and river to the Chobe National Park, where you will safari by vehicle and also by boat. Here you can expect to see hundreds of elephants, as well as lions, impala, lechwe, Cape buffalo, hippo, leopards (if you’re lucky) and a truly marvellous array of birdlife.

In Botswana, you’ll stay in Chobe Safari Lodge, where most rooms (in thatched buildings) face on to the vast river, and baboons and warthogs often cross the grass in front of you. There’s a very small pool, a bar and a breezy restaurant, all with views of the Chobe.

The guides in Chobe – taking wildlife tours by land safari and by boats – had a passion for and deep knowledge of the animals, birdlife and landscape that so breathtakingly surrounded us. But it’s a kind of potluck which one you’ll get, and whether they’ll stay with your group for the whole tour.

Orinally published on the Telegraph. Read the full article here.

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