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The post Why You Should Take a Bush Walk in Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>Taking a game drive in a safari vehicle is perfect for sighting wildlife from a higher angle, particularly if the bird or animal is far off and a pair of binoculars is needed. In order to have a more intimate encounter with the local fauna and flora, however, you’ll want to put on your walking shoes and take to the stomping grounds of Botswana’s abundant wildlife.
If you’re not yet convinced about the bush walk experience, here are three reasons that may just help you make up your mind.
1. Journey off the beaten track

Leaving behind the paths well-ridden by many safari vehicles means you get to encounter the small details of the bush, which might otherwise pass you by when elevated during a game drive. The intricacy and inter-connectivity of the local ecosystem through which you walk is visible, for instance, in the architecture of a bird’s nest and the various symbiotic relationships that occur between birds and animals.

Nestled into the palm-fringed Ntswi Island in the Okavango Delta and bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Moremi Crossing is an ideal spot from which to visit Chief’s Island to view abundant game from the ground. Going into the bush on foot means being an active part of the wildlife experience rather than simply observing from a safari vehicle. An exciting part of a bush walk is taking paths that are completely inaccessible to vehicles; hike to caves, waterfalls and elevated rocky outcrops.
2. Learn something new

Do you fancy yourself something of a detective? Well, a bush walk is a great way to figure out the clues of nature. The highly experienced and knowledgeable ranger that guides you through the bush will teach you how to identify animal spoor and droppings, the calls of various species of birds, and the difference between medicinal and poisonous plants.

In the south eastern section of the Okavango Delta, Rra Dinare offers stunning views of the Gomoti River, connecting floodplains, riverine forest and the wildlife that inhabit this area. Bush walks starting from either Rra Dinare or Mma Dinare are seasonal and dependant on the water levels. When they are possible, you can learn about the plants and insects that are characteristic to this particular delta biome.
3. Get in touch with nature

Few would doubt that surrounding yourself and connecting with the natural world is good for the soul. Another key benefit to trekking through the bush is that it should help to slim down your waistline, which might be necessary after indulging in the scrumptious snacks offered on game drives.

However, don’t be alarmed about the level of fitness needed to embark on a bush walk. It’s not meant to be a strenuous day-long hike or a fast sprint to the end point. Rather, chat to the guide about what pace you would like to go at and what interests you have so that they assist you in getting the most out of the experience. Similarly placed as Moremi Crossing, Gunns Camp is also a good place from which to explore neighbouring Chief’s Island on foot.
If you’re interested in booking a safari, chat to us about how we can customise an itinerary for you that will include all modes of game-viewing transport.
The post Why You Should Take a Bush Walk in Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The post Mesmerising Skies in Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>No sky is ever the same on safari in Botswana and just when you think it can’t get any more beautiful, Mother Nature proves you wrong. Prepare to be amazed by the magical skies in Botswana, from the break of dawn to the magical golden hour when the sun sets.
Here are a few of our favourite photos of the incredible skies in Botswana from our guests:









Get in touch with us to book your safari in Botswana, and experience these magical settings for yourself.
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]]>The post A Botswana Camping Adventure by Bushbaby Travel Blog appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>A 4am wakeup call is only okay when the reason for it is a holiday. On the 19th 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.


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!

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.

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.

Read the full article here.
The post A Botswana Camping Adventure by Bushbaby Travel Blog appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The post Safari Activities You Must Try While in Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Contact us to book your Botswana safari
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]]>The post 10 Reasons why you need to visit Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Contact us to book your stay in this paradise.
The post 10 Reasons why you need to visit Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The post The Magic of Botswana Photo Contest Winners appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The Under One Botswana Sky team is happy to announce the worthy winners of The Magic of Botswana Photo Contest. It was not an easy task picking the winning photos as all the entries captured the true essence and magic of Botswana perfectly.
Here are the winning photos:
Third Place

Picture by Andrew Barton captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge. Andrew won a canvas print of this incredible picture.
Second Place

Picture by Mario Madl while staying at Chobe Bush Lodge. Mario won two nights for 2 people sharing at one of our properties.
And the winning picture…

This 1st place photo was captured by the talented Jacques Hansel while on safari at Pom Pom Camp. Jacques won two nights at two different Under One Botswana Sky properties – four nights total for 2 people sharing.
Congratulations to the winners! The team will be in contact with you soon.
Thank you for all the awe-inspiring photo entries Under One Botswana Sky has received.
Have a look at all the entries here.
The post The Magic of Botswana Photo Contest Winners appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The post The Magic of Botswana Captured in Photos – Photo Contest appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>Pictures have a way of capturing the true beauty and magic that can never be explained in words. It may sound like a cliché, but pictures really are worth a thousand words.
Photographers have been inspired by the magic of Botswana and have been entering Under One Botswana Sky’s photo contest. Awe-inspiring photo entries have been received so far, that will surely inspire anyone to visit magical Botswana.
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.
Here are some of the recent entries:
On Safari:


Water by Nature:


Birds in Flight:


The Predators of Botswana:


What is the Spoor:

UOBS Camps and Lodges:

The Essence of Botswana:


Find out more about the Magic of Botswana Photo Contest here.
The post The Magic of Botswana Captured in Photos – Photo Contest appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The post A Little Getaway of Epic Proportions appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>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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]]>The post 3 Reasons to Visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>This is how Todd Pitock, from National Geographic Traveller, describes Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world.
Here are three reasons to visit this lesser-travelled, yet intriguing location:
The Salt Pans
Walking or driving though this expansive wilderness area is a surreal experience. With nothing but silence around you the Makgadikgadi is like something from another planet. When the sun has descended and the nocturnal Botswana greets you there is nothing quite as overwhelmingly beautiful as seeing the explosion of stars filling the skyline.
Nata Sanctuary
Nata Sanctuary, which is part of the Sua Pan, is a community-run wildlife haven that protects a variety of bird species and wildlife. The sanctuary, situated close to Under One Botswana Sky’s Natal Lodge, is a breeding ground for a host of water birds, including pelicans and flamingo. Watching thousands of birds blend into a pink haze reaching as far as the eye can see is a magical sighting.
Cultural Visit
A great way to get to know the Makgadikgadi and its history is to visit one of the local villages. Cultural visits give insight into the lives of the Bushmen and discover how they have learnt to survive in this arid destination with close to nothing.
Originally published on the Good Safari Guide.
The post 3 Reasons to Visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>The post 24Hours in Kasane: Monkeys, Warthogs and Elephant-eating Dogs appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.
]]>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.
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