Chobe River Archives - Under One Botswana Sky Blog

The Charm of Chobe National Park

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 20:30:17 +0000

Chobe National Park is 11700 square kilometers of charming scenery characterised by the meandering Chobe River and the large game animals that thrive off it.

Chobe was Botswana’s first national park; first named Chobe Game Reserve in 1960 and then officially a national park seven years later. Located in Botswana’s beautiful northern region, Chobe is rich in biological and topographical diversity as well as an abundance of animal and bird life.

Here are just three aspects of many that make Chobe National Park a charming destination in Botswana:

River landscape

The Chobe River is the major natural feature in the landscape of Chobe National Park. Fanning out from this magnificent river and its forests, the park is characterised by floodplains and seasonal marshes that become incredible rocky outcrops beyond.

The park can be divided up into four areas according to their distinct ecosystems. These are the Chobe riverfront (also known as the Serondela area), the Savuti Marsh and Mababe Depression, the Linyanti Marsh with its jackalberry and sausage trees, and the lesser known Nogatsaa Pan covered in mopane and deciduous woodlands.

Elephants, elephants everywhere

Home to around 120 000 elephants, it is quite fitting that Chobe is fondly known as ‘The Land of Giants’. This is the highest elephant concentration in Africa and the largest continuous surviving elephant population on earth.

This impressive population lives in and around the park, making quite a splash as they head down to playfully swim and drink in the Chobe River during Botswana’s dry season from about May to October. As the rainy season sweeps across Botswana, they journey for 200 kilometres to the south-eastern regions of the park and beyond.

Watery wildlife playground

Chobe is celebrated for more than just its hefty herds of elephants. Healthy populations of buffalo and hippo are a part of the ‘wildlife furniture’ of Chobe and can be seen daily taking up their grazing spots on the lush riverbank or wallowing in the river’s cool waters.

Along with elephants and buffalo, the two feline members of Africa’s fierce and famous Big 5 are also found in Chobe. Lions often lie in wait nearby the riverbanks, stalking buffalo and other game animals such as bushbuck and puku. Leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are fairly easily sighted further inside the park.

Birders can find out more about going on a summer birding safari in Chobe National Park.

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

The post The Charm of Chobe National Park appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Celebrating 60 Years of Safari at Chobe Safari Lodge

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 12:08:51 +0000

Famous for its outstanding tourism and precious gems, this year Botswana’s essential qualities collide just outside Chobe National Park – 2019 marks the Diamond Jubilee for a heritage property, Chobe Safari Lodge.

Botswana Heritage Stay Celebrates 60 Years of Safari

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

Kasane’s oldest tourism offering, Chobe Safari Lodge is a landmark establishment on the border of Botswana’s first and oldest national park. Celebrating 60 years of service this year, the iconic riverfront stay has long worn a sign at the entrance announcing a birthdate of 1959.

However, Botswana’s National Archives reveal that the very first hotel application was actually put forward almost 30 years earlier.

Introducing the Chobe River Hotel

Following the successful establishment and prosperous tourism appeal of the Kruger National Park, the vast lands of the Chobe district were officially declared as a non-hunting zone in 1932 by the resident commissioner, Charles Rey, in then-Bechuanaland.

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

The 80-year old archival letters also divulge early ties to the nearby Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe. Under 100 kilometres away, suggestions recommended the two lodgings link up so that intrepid visitors might relive David Livingstone’s journey to Mosi-oa-Tunya, catch a feisty tiger fish in the mighty Chobe River and explore Botswana’s pristine wilds.
Charles Rey wrote,

“The Kruger Park pays well, so there is no reason why we should not achieve something of the sort. We have several great natural advantages … game of great variety and in large quantities, excellent fishing in the Zambesi and Chobe Rivers; there are mineral hot water springs between Kasane and Kazungula; in the fourth place, we have not got to look for tourists. They already go to the Victoria Falls Hotel, where they have not much to do beyond looking at the falls”.

However, the lasting effects of two world wars and accompanying financial pressures never saw this reality emerge until one Mr Charles Trevor and his wife, Ethnee Holmes à Court, gained interest again in 1959 – the Chobe River Hotel was born.

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

A brief history of Chobe Safari Lodge

The earliest hotel brochure lists prices in British shillings and states “Tourist Camp, Bar, Al Fresco Restaurant – open” and that nearby, there is “plenty game, bit shy!” A night at the Chobe River Hotel cost just 15 shillings per hut (roughly equivalent to BWP 220 today).

Fortunately, following the independence of Botswana in 1966, the Chobe Game Reserve was officially proclaimed as a National Park in 1968, thus safeguarding the future of this ‘shy game’.

“Unspoilt Botswana!” declares a later, 44-year old brochure. “The expansive Chobe National Park, teeming with free-roaming wildlife. Here is the Africa of your dreams!”. From May 1972, the hotel was known as Chobe Safari Lodge, “Botswana’s year around safari resort”.

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

Many things change, but mercifully, many things don’t. What began as a distant outpost in northern Botswana has transformed into a thriving tourist hub. Kasane has mushroomed in the 60 years since the town’s first hotel opened for business. Today there are over 30 accommodation options in town. However, Chobe National Park remains a wildlife haven harbouring Botswana’s densest concentration of wildlife.

Chobe Safari Lodge today

Home to the unusual African Quadripoint – the only place in the world where four countries meet – and famed as the unofficial elephant capital of Botswana, Kasane and the wider Chobe region continues to lure globetrotters. Where else on earth can one see elephants snorkelling across the water and witness the wild on an afternoon river safari? Precious Puku find safety on the floodplains and the unique African Skimmers shelter on riverine island sandbanks. The handsome and endemic Chobe Bushbuck still treads between the chalets at Chobe Safari Lodge and warthogs mow across the lawns too.

A Chobe Bushbuck at Chobe Safari Lodge.

Those early ties with Victoria Falls still continue. Visitors today keep enjoying easy day trips to the magnificent World Wonder in neighbouring Zimbabwe. This regional consolidation can only strengthen more with the enterprising construction of the new Kazungula Bridge into Zambia and further fortify with the introduction of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Area (KAZA) visa.

There are eight original rondavels at Chobe Safari Lodge.

Chobe Safari Lodge remains the ideal expedition base for forays into Botswana’s first national park. Founded in 1959, what started as six simple chalets now boasts 81 rooms combining convenience with quality. You can still book into one of the original 1960’s era rondavels. Each unit is modern on the inside but retains a traditional safari feel on the outside. They are also blessed with views over the enchanting Chobe River.

Newly revamped, the interiors of the rondavels have been modernised.

A hippo’s lifespan is typically 40–50 years. Maybe this one remembers older days on the Chobe River.

Stay at Chobe Safari Lodge

A true, trusted establishment in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge has helped travellers explore Chobe National Park for 60 years. Set up to overlook the charming Chobe riverfront, this lodge is the only one in town sharing a border with Chobe National Park. The Chobe Safari Lodge has been under its current ownership since 1989 – a coincidental anniversary of 20 years. The stylish Chobe Bush Lodge has since joined the Under One Botswana Sky collection, opening doors in 2015. Chobe Bush Lodge features more contemporary design and is a more intimate, modern stay. Riverine views are a short walk away and the quieter setting offers a more relaxed stay.

Also read: 5 Unusual Things to do in Chobe

The post Celebrating 60 Years of Safari at Chobe Safari Lodge 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.

President & 1st Lady at Chobe Safari Lodge

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:39:52 +0000

Last month, Chobe Safari Lodge hosted His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana’s First Lady Ms Neo Masisi and other dignitaries of the Botswana government, who were meeting with the Centre for African Resources Animals, Communities And Land (CARACAL), a non-profit and non-governmental organisation based in Northern Botswana.

As part of the tour led by the President and First Lady with CARACAL, the group gathered for a buffet lunch above the cocktail bar at Chobe Safari Lodge to review some of the projects they are running in the area to aid in community development and empowerment. Afterwards, they were treated to a boat cruise on the magnificent Chobe River giving them the opportunity to view the wildlife of Botswana’s northern region with our experienced guides. They were treated to afternoon snacks on-board with the Head Chef of the à la carte restaurant at Chobe Bush Lodge, Kagiso Hlabano.

CARACAL focuses on developing the livelihoods and capacity of local communities as well as securing the health of the ecosystems which communities depend on. The organisation has been operational for about 20 years, continually aiming to support the government in building Botswana and securing a better future for Batswana.

To experience all that Chobe National Park has to offer in terms of wildlife, local community spirit and hospitality, chat to us about staying at one of our lodges based here.

The post President & 1st Lady at Chobe Safari Lodge 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

The post African paradise: Chobe Bush Lodge 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.

Jaini’s African Adventures | Chobe, Botswana

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 12:58:48 +0000

The bus had stopped at the banks of a river and everyone, but I, hopped out. I glanced out of the window just in time to see some local Zambians putting our luggage, oh and there goes my dismantled wheelchair and the packed battery crate into a small boat. Dad climbed inside and said, “Okay Jaini, we have to cross the river to get to Botswana!”

“Okay,” I calmly responded. But in my head, here I was panicking as I hyper-analyzed how despite my in-depth research, I had somehow missed out the fact that I had to cross a river to get to my final destination.

In a few minutes, I transferred onto the manual wheelchair that our Batswana tour company, Bushtrack Safaris, had so kindly provided us with. Then some local Zambian vendors, along with Dad and his friends helped lift me onto the boat. Once everyone had settled inside, we set sail to towards Botswana.

As I waited with anticipation for the next leg of our voyage, I recollected about how I ended up here…

A few months ago, Dad sent a Whatsapp message asking if we would like to go to the Victoria Falls over Christmas. Of course, as soon as I saw it, I could only reply with one word: “YES!!” Somehow, over the course of time, the plan evolved to spending two nights in Chobe, Botswana and then two nights in Livingstone, Zambia with my dad’s friend’s family.

Fast forward to a sunny December morning, four weeks ago, we were all up at 6AM completing all the last-minute packing before we headed to the airport at 9AM.

In 45 minutes, we were already at the airport (YAY! Nairobi sans traffic makes traveling by car so quick and easy). It was two days till Christmas and so the city was quiet. I had checked in everyone but myself (due to my wheelchair issues) so check-in was a breeze. The only thing that had to be sorted out was checking in my electronic wheelchair. It is always such a hassle, everywhere I travel, no matter the destination.

Checking in didn’t take too long; we headed to the Java House and grabbed a bite to eat. Soon after, we boarded the plane and at 12:30PM, we took off.

Three hours and an uneventful flight later, we landed at the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly known as the Livingstone Airport in Livingstone, Zambia at 2:30PM local time. Since we were the only flight at that time, the immigration process was a breeze.

It was sweltering hot (I’m talking about 30 degrees Celsius) and humid in Livingstone. We walked out of the airport and immediately boarded an air-conditioned bus (#Blessed) provided by Bushtrack Safaris at 3:30PM and excitedly headed to Kazungula at the border of Zambia.

Once we got there, Dad and his friend went to deal with the customs, while we waited in the car. Then, everyone hopped off as we approached the mighty Zambezi River. Running for 2700 kilometers, the river flows through six African countries, starting in Zambia flowing through Angola, along the Namibian and Botswana border. It then leads to its most notable feature, the world-renown Victoria Falls, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, before crossing through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean.

As we sailed along the river, I spotted a few hippos in the distance. Seeing the hippos I assumed that the river was not deep, however, the boat captain said that the 400 meters wide river was also 32 meters deep.

We crossed over to Botswana in a few minutes and there was another bus waiting for us on the riverbanks. While the others went through the immigration customs in the little town of Kazungula (Yes! The border town of Botswana is also called Kazungula), I waited in the bus. However, my dad’s friends were forced to return to Zambia as they were denied entry into Botswana.

We then drove towards the small town of Kasane, in the Chobe District to the Chobe Safari Lodge where we were staying for two nights. On the way there, Diva told me that they had to go through a foot and mouth disease test because the disease is very common in the country, where beef is a primary export. This test is essential for the Botswana officials because cows and buffalos, which they have in abundance, are the main carriers of the disease.

As we drove through Kasane, a small town of just 15,000 people, we spotted several elephant dung on the road whilst driving by several lodges. We then spotted a few elephants by the roadside. We hadn’t even reached the national park, but we had already started seeing some game.

In less than fifteen minutes, we arrived at the Chobe Safari Lodge. As soon as we stepped into the reception, we were welcomed with some refreshing fruit mocktails. Whereas Mom and Dad checked in, Diva and I being 21st-century globetrotters, quickly accessed the Wi-Fi to check in with friends and family.

The Chobe Safari Lodge is situated four kilometers (seven minutes) away from the Chobe National Park and is located literally on the Chobe River. The wooden structure of the lodge reminded me of the Kenyan lodges. Before we checked out the hotel, which was decorated with the traditional mokoros (traditional dug-out canoe used by the fishermen of the Okavango Delta) that were repurposed as both furniture, such as lounge chairs and wine racks, we headed straight to our rooms.

We had booked the Safari rooms that overlooked the Chobe River and were equipped with the luxuries of air-conditioning, TV and en-suite bath and shower facilities. With its own patio per room, two double beds filled out the room, whilst still giving me enough space to move around. The lodge also had river rooms that were simply larger and offered more privacy. In addition to that, the lodge also offered a few, Kenyan-style luxurious camping tents and the traditional thatched rondavels (African-style huts where visitors can stay in).

After lounging around, we headed for dinner at around 8PM, we went for dinner. The reception led to the lounge beside the Sedudu Bar. Just next to the lounge, was the open-air buffet-style restaurant overlooking the Chobe River. Below the restaurant was the pool deck, which then lead to a jetty that headed straight down to the river.

It was still humid at night so eating dinner under the open cover was lovely. However, as vegetarians we did not have many food options to choose from.

After a lackluster dining experience, we sat at the Sedudu Bar, where I ordered the Springbok shooter, composed of half crème de menthe and half Amarula, popular in South Africa. It was both tasting delicious and looked appealing. YUM!

And so that was the end of the first day of my southern African adventure.

The next day, we woke up at 5:30AM, to get to the car, an open land cruiser (provided by the lodge), by 6AM. In less than seven minutes, we had arrived at the Sedudu gate of Chobe National Park. Established in 1968, covering approximately 11,700 square kilometers, the park consists of four main areas: the Chobe Riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, Savuti and Linyanti marsh areas. The most popular area is the riverfront, where most of the game is viewed.

The Chobe Riverfront park area has three routes that park entrants can access: the River Bank Route, the Upper Route and the Nogatshaa Route. Our driver chose the River Bank Route, where we followed the road along the length of the Chobe River. As soon as we drove in, in a few minutes, we spotted a few baboons, impalas and a pair of jackal cubs.

I noticed the whole park was flourishing with plenty of lush, green foliage. The guide explained that the rains had arrived, so all life had bloomed in the park. This also meant that most animals had recently given birth to their offsprings. Since the park was not fenced, most of the game had moved away from the usually crowded river area, as food was available everywhere in abundance. However, as if to answer my main worry, he said that that this is a great time to see elephants as they converge by the river.

We saw several elephants just by the car on the road, and some down by the river. As we drove along, we also spotted a monitor lizard. I had never seen one that huge. We also spotted some hippos and crocodiles in the ponds by the river.

After driving by the river for two hours or so, we stopped for a rest break at a designated “Stretch Point”. The driver and guide laid out a spread of tea, coffee, and rusks on the car bonnet. I was ravenous and so glad that Mom had packed a few snacks, too.

We then were back at the lodge by 9AM, and we headed straight for breakfast. I was famished and couldn’t wait to indulge in the fresh fruit, eggs, waffles and the assortment of bread laid out in the buffet.

Stuffed to the core, we all headed back to the rooms and showered. Then emerging at 11AM, we headed over to the gift shop at the reception. After a few minutes just browsing, we walked over to the Waterfront Mall, literally just two minutes down the road. But it was so hot and humid, that those two minutes felt excruciatingly long because of the scorching heat.

The mall, that really was a tiny shopping center, had one supermarket, Choppies, and a few small shops including a forex bureau, a boutique, and a few clothing stores. We walked into Choppies to buy a few more snacks. The South African chain supermarket was crowded as it was just one of the three supermarkets in this tiny town.
After buying a few snacks, sodas and the Wellington’s Sweet Chilli Sauce (a to-die-for condiment that we have fallen in love since discovering it in South Africa, a few years ago), we headed back to the lodge walking, along the smooth, pothole-less road. There were barely any cars around Kasane.

Right outside the lodge was a Crafts Centre. We stepped inside for two reasons. One, air-conditioning. Two, to look for some Batswana souvenirs. The center sold a wide array of pots and baskets, bead, ceramic and stone jewelry and we admired some beautiful wooden carvings, however most of the items there were somewhat similar to what we get from the Kenyan Masaai markets. This led us back to the gift shop, where we picked up a fridge magnet (you can never have too many) and these beautiful bracelets.

And we headed straight to the room to relax till the next activity.

Originally published on Jaini’s Diaries.

The post Jaini’s African Adventures | Chobe, Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

How to See the Best of Botswana

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 12:42:30 +0000

Self-drive travel through Botswana is an adventure, not a leisure holiday. In  10 days we churned up dust crossing the Makgadikgadi pans, dodged donkeys on the tar road in Maun, crossed rivers in Moremi, bumped along deep mud-dried ruts next to the Savuti marsh and slipped in sand on the tracks leading to Chobe. Seeing the best of Botswana requires  a 4×4 and a sense of humour (I’ll admit,  I lost mine for a bit in the Savuti sand). Here, nature takes centre stage  and you’ll want a front-row seat.

When it comes to tourism, Botswana champions quality over quantity. Destinations are generally pricier than many in South Africa, in order to protect resources, and lodges target wealthy foreign visitors. However, this is a good thing. It means visitor numbers are less, South Africans get special (read cheaper) reserve rates – and it forces us to camp.

The family I introduced to Botswana does not regularly camp but they readily embraced it as part of the thrill. Granted, living on the road and packing up camp each morning – often from 5am – can  be a hack, but it’s the means to magic memories that’ll last a lifetime. We dodged hyena on the way to the loo  and hippo popped in for a visit at Third Bridge. We stirred our coffee to lion roars in the morning, an egg-and-bacon skottel breakfast sizzling on the crusty salt pans.

On Kubu Island, we spread out blankets to watch stars splash the night sky; at Ihaha, we spotted a snuffling honey badger; at Chobe we shooed  a warthog away from our lunch. And on that evening in Savuti, when the noises of nature made us freeze, we discovered that new, enormous species of bushbaby.
Camping also means you can splurge the money you save on cool stuff – such as spotting elephant, giraffe and lechwe from a flight over the world’s largest inland delta, or on a mokoro trip and  feel your adrenaline surge as hippos approach your dug-out while piloting through the narrow river channels. Other options are motoring along the Chobe River in a private boat with a guide who knows where to find Jesus birds (African jacanas) and pied kingfisher, or sipping  a sundowner overlooking Botswana’s ‘sea’, the vast Sua Pan, dotted with flamingoes and rowdy pelicans.

It’s the kind of adventure that gets under your skin and gives you an unshakeable urge to pack up the car and do it all over again.

Best of Botswana Itinerary

Take it easy and drive along the Chobe River, as you’ve only got to get to Chobe Safari Lodge roughly 40km away. Veto the afternoon booze cruise and book a private boat trip  at the activity centre for the following morning. It works out cheaper per person and the knowledgeable guide can manoeuvre the boat for a closer  look at game and birds. Then  while away the afternoon on the decks of the lodge and  upload those snaps using the  free WiFi.

Wake up at 07:00 and dress warmly for the scenic boat  trip on the Chobe River. Return to camp and pack up to leave for Nata Lodge near the Makgadikgadi salt pans.  Stay in a safari tent so you can take it easy on the last day of your trip, sleep on a thicker mattress and get an early start in the morning. Check with reception if there’s water on the pans and book a drive to see the flamingoes at the nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary.

Originally published on Getaway Magazine.

The post How to See the Best of Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Chobe Safari Lodge

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 12:01:29 +0000

Chobe Safari Lodge offers spectacular game viewing with exceptional service. Bordering Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as the Chobe National Park we are on the doorstep of many African Adventures.

Organised game drives and boat cruises and visits to breathtaking Victoria Falls, you are promised to have a holiday that created memories to last a life time.

Victoria Falls is the biggest largest waterfall in the world tumbles down 108 meters (354ft) into the water below. Creating a awe-inspiring mist that gave the fall its name, “The Smoke that Thunders”. Chobe Safari Lodge offers trips to Victoria Falls where you can also take a peak at crocodile, hippo, elephant and buffalo who are regular sites along the rivers that run through the area.

Chobe Safari Lodge is just moments away from Chobe National Park where there is an abundance of elephant and other big game. Game drives leave 3 times a day or you can book a full day or half day trip which include meals.

If you enjoy fishing, we offer the amazing experience of exciting fishing trips where you can try your hand in catching the legendary Tigerfish. A knowledgeable guide will assist you and all equipment is provided. This provides you with the opportunity for serene water side game viewing., You can easily see the crocodiles bathing in the sun on the banks and the hippo wallowing by the waters edge to keep cool.

Superb accommodation with stylish finishes and astounding views, Chobe Safari Lodge maintains that all their guests will be superbly catered for exceptionally. Finish off your day sipping on delicious cocktails by the waters edge or dine on mouth watering cuisine in the new concept restaurant.

Originally published on Travel Adventures Botswana.

The post Chobe Safari Lodge appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Chobe National Park

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 12:54:32 +0000

I had always wanted to get to the great game parks of Botswana which include the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park but the only legitimately easy, albeit expensive way to get there was flying from Johannesburg. From Livingstone, Zambia however, it is only an hour drive or so and a day trip will run you $135 and that’s a steal for what you get! I jumped on the opportunity I didn’t think I would have this trip and Chobe National Park and its unreal stock of elephants and beautiful waterways didn’t disappoint.

I left Fawlty Towers with my Dutch friend at 7am for the hour drive and ferry across to Botswana. From there it was another 10km or so to Kasane and the Chobe Safari Lodge. The Lodge was the base for the Safari which included breakfast, lunch and drinks plus a 3 hour boat cruise safari and a 3 hour game drive in a nice safari mobile Land Cruiser which can comfortably seat 10.

There were 8 people all together in my vehicle and we combined with another car of a large bilingual German family living in Zambia. The other people in my car were a South African family with two very smart and adorable children and two Italian Nationals living in Mozambique. Everyone was very nice and we shared a nice lunch together at the lodge between the morning cruise and the afternoon game drive.

The morning cruise was probably my favorite part. First, I love boat trips. Second, the relaxed atmosphere and amazing scenery made the boat trip really fun. We got up close and personal with a medium sized alligator as you can see although I am convinced he was full size because he was massive. We saw a ton of hippos and cool birds, although bird watching is not really my thing but the South African kids’ enthusiasm made it better.

Finally, we got some great views of a family of elephants drinking and washing at the river’s edge. This was really cool to see from the water because you really got to see how they work to get their water and to make sure the baby is cool, washed and gets enough water. They work as a unit.

But perhaps most surprisingly to me and a nice little added bonus was that we got an unexpected landing on the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. After some light pestering of the tour guide I convinced him to land us in Namibia, albeit illegally, but there was nobody around to see. So I was in Namibia which I had originally planned to save until next trip to do with Angola and I still will because there is a ton in Namibia I want to do but it was a nice little surprise to land on the Caprivi Strip as you don’t realize how far the arm of Namibia extends eastward.

After lunch we headed out on our game drive that lasted about 3 hours. If you’ve ever been on safari before, you’ll know this is about the perfect amount of time for a drive because you will see a lot of animals and you won’t get bored. I had always heard good things about Chobe National Park and what I found out id that they have more elephants in Chobe than I think any other park-they have more than 50,000 and I think I saw every one of them!

There were so many elephants that at one point you didn’t even pay attention to them. However, the beautiful landscapes with waterway backdrops gave Chobe an amazing look and made it very unique from the other big African Parks I’ve done safaris at. Some of the views of the elephants and gazelles, along with warthogs and monkeys across the Chobe Savannah were breathtaking. The light and vast landscapes made it very memorable to see.

We also had some cool run-ins with elephants along the truck path as they are very protective and we were charged and elephant roared at several times. Elephant roared at is my term for the noise elephants make when they’re pissed off at you and the flail their ears out and mount a charge. These elephants are absolutely massive and wild and you never know what they’re going to do so it’s a little worrisome. But alas, they never do make contact with the car; it’s generally just a threat to let you know not to mess with them.

Aside from thousands (literally) of elephants we only saw one other big 5 member and that was one solitary female lion who was resting in the shade of the hot afternoon. She was just chilling as we snapped pictures but it was nice to find a lion as they are always cool to see whether they are prowling or just resting.

Aside from that, we saw several warthog families, antelopes, waterbucks, lizards, birds, monkeys, baboons, giraffes and even a really cool dung beetle (above) but we didn’t see the remaining big 5 members (buffaloes, leopards or rhinos-which Chobe has none of) or even any wildebeests or zebras which normally you see a million of in the other parks I’ve been to. However, I will remember Chobe for the vast amounts of elephants and the great landscapes that are relatively unique to this part of Africa. It is much drier up by the equator in the great parks of Kenya and Tanzania which leads to the great migration each year but here it is lush and wet and there is plenty of water.

Chobe National Park lies within Botswana on the intersection of four countries; Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana and is a great place to see elephants and some great African vistas. If you head up to Victoria Falls or to Livingstone to see the Falls, definitely take a side trip an hour away to Chobe. My only advice would be to get multiple entry visas to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, depending on which way you enter from and leave.

Originally published on the Lee Abbamonte blog.

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