Okavango Delta 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.

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What is it like to safari in Botswana right now? This family shares everything

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:47:19 +0000

In December we were delighted to have a family join us on a Botswana safari all the way from Slovakia. The family of five maximised their trip out from Europe and visited some of the country’s most iconic areas, starting with the inimitable Okavango Delta, crossing over to the Kalahari Central Game reserve and ending with a few days relaxing on the banks of the Chobe River.

We asked them what it was like to travel for a safari right now, during a global pandemic.

1. Where in Botswana did you travel to and why?

After a very tough year which affected us all, we wanted to enjoy our time together as a family in untouched nature. Our biggest aim was to observe animals in their natural habitat without any distractions.

So, we got advice from experts at Under One Botswana Sky and they curated a two-week family-friendly itinerary for us. We spent three nights each at the Kwando Safaris Pom Pom and Splash Camp in the Okavango Delta, Tau Pan Camp in the Central Kalahari and ended with three nights at Chobe Safari Lodge.

2. You two are doctors – what was the toughest part about getting there?

The most stressful thing was waiting at home for the results of PCR tests before our flights! It is necessary to thoroughly prepare for long flight transfers – especially when travelling with kids – so we had to make sure we had enough stocks of masks and disinfectant, basic drugs in case of a headache. We also packed spare clothes in our hand luggage.

3. What was the highlight of your trip?

We saw so much more than we expected. In Slovakia, you usually have to be very lucky to see and observe wildlife up close. So we were amazed about the intimate, but safe, encounters we had in the game drive vehicles.

4. Any favorite sightings?

When I asked the children, they said they liked everything. The same applies to us! We lived and experienced every moment intensely. Observing the nature and behaviour of animals in their natural environment is very liberating.

Whether it’s herds of antelope and zebras, giraffes, elephants or hippos, or the confident movement of lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetah and hyenas.

Also read: 10 Awesome bucket list reasons to travel to Botswana

5. Any surprises out on safari?

We were most amazed by the amount of knowledge the expert guides shared with us. They tirelessly explained everything to us – geography, zoology, botany, animal tracking.

6. How did your children feel about travelling and new airport protocols?

Children must be able to understand cautious behaviour today. They must also be of the age to be prepared in advance for possible complications and disappointments. It is important to be aware of the level of travel risk. We also had insurance for medical expenses in the event of hospitalization and in the event of illness from COVID-19 to cover any quarantine accommodation and meals.

Also read: Wild Child: Safari-Inspired Schooling

The risk is not much higher than if you stayed at home, moving to the places where you normally go. Of course, you can stay at home without contact with other people, but coronavirus COVID-19 is not the only pathogen in the world to be feared. We couldn’t do that at all. It is necessary to protect yourself, and especially in public transport always (after all, you can catch not only the coronavirus there). So wearing a mask and frequent hand disinfection are the key.

We found people of Botswana very disciplined and cautious in terms of following all health and safety regulations.

8. Any advice for others?

Prepare thoroughly in advance. From the necessary vaccinations, through to prophylaxis for malaria, to the pack correctly. Study the conditions of entry into the countries you will pass through, but most importantly, get advice from people who know the country well!

Book a family safari to Botswana
Book with your dedicated Under One Botswana Sky reservations consultant or via marketing@underonebotswanasky.com

Also read: When is it safe to book my next safari?

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Travel Update: Rivers and Re-openings in Botswana

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

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

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

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

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

Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okavango Delta Water Levels 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moremi Crossing and Gunns Camp Report

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

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

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

Mma Dinare and Rra Dinare Lodge Report

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

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

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

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

Nata Bird Sanctuary Report

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

Nata Lodge is also open for business!

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

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World Animal Day: Celebrating Botswana’s Beasts and Birds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In the Press: Why the Rainy Season Is Still the Perfect Time to Visit Botswana

admin — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 10:17:16 +0000

In this December 2018 article in Culture Trip, South African-born travel writer and photographer, Melanie van Zyl, tells us why the rainy season is still the perfect time to visit Botswana.

An incredible place to visit at any time of year, Botswana tops the chart of Africa’s best safari destinations. Here’s why Botswana’s resplendent wilds are just as likely to impress during the rainy season.

Baby animals, vibrant birdlife, charismatic cats, scores of elephants, affordability and the magnificent rains are just a few reasons to visit during Botswana’s ‘Green Season’, often considered by many to be the worst time of the year to come.

One of the first things you’re likely to Google when travelling is ‘When is the best time to visit?’ For Botswana, some sites will recommend the dry, winter season between May and September, when temperatures are moderate and game viewing is said to be better than at other times of the year. However, experiencing Botswana in the ‘Green Season’ definitely has its perks.

The ‘Green Season’ is good value

Locally known as the ‘Green Season’, Botswana’s rainy, wet, summer season runs from December to March. The biggest advantage of travelling at this time is that visitor numbers dwindle, so you’re likely to enjoy a quieter, more personal stay at affordable rates as camps drop their prices by as much as 50 percent.

Discover Botswana’s beautiful beasts in the Okavango Delta

The November to February period is right in the middle of the heat and rain of midsummer. The Kalahari Desert is particularly stifling, but thankfully there’s a slosh of water, namely the Kavango River and its catchment area, cutting through this harsh environment and providing refuge for the wild world.

The Okavango Delta is a low-impact tourism destination and visiting requires off-road driving, boating or fly-ins using small aircraft. Thanks to this inaccessibility, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been dubbed ‘the Last Eden of Africa’.

Spot tsessebe (the fastest antelope in the world) or shy water-dwelling sitatunga and enjoy the reinvigoration of the natural world as young, ungainly antelope join the herds. Botswana is also a hotspot for one of the world’s most endangered mammals, the African wild dog.

Tip: When staying at a lodge, such as the new Kwando Splash Camp in the Eastern Okavango, professional guides will be well acquainted with the movements of local lion prides, cheetah coalitions and the fast-moving, hunting packs of African wild dogs (named by World Wildlife Fund as the second-most endangered carnivore in Africa). In fact, these sought-after predators have territories so close to this particular camp that you’re likely to see them while eating breakfast.

See the wild from the water in Chobe National Park

The wide, wild Chobe River marks Botswana’s border with Namibia and provides both sanctuary and water for the many creatures of Chobe National Park. Most notably, this area is home to the African continent’s greatest concentration of elephants, with overall herd numbers at an estimated 120,000. They’re best admired from the water.

Tip: Many lodges in the nearby town, Kasane, offer sundowner cruises, but Chobe Safari Lodge is the closest base to the park for ease of access. You can also book a private boat for the early morning, when rain and thunderstorms are less likely.

Fall in love with Botswana’s birds

During summer, migrant birds swoop south and congregate in high numbers at various hotspots across the country. Even non-birders will be reaching for their binoculars during this active avian season.

Although Botswana has no endemic bird species, it’s one of the easiest places in the world to find extraordinary feathered friends. The Okavango Delta, for example, is a stronghold for critically endangered wattled cranes. For many twitchers, the ultimate sighting is the Pel’s fishing owl, a rarity that feeds on fish and frogs. Colourful bee-eaters snatch insects swiftly from the air, striking African skimmers flock to the northern rivers scooping up water using their specially adapted bills and the African fish-eagle lets out its resonating, soulful call.

Tip: During the Green Season, die-hard birders cannot miss the wonder of Godikwe Lagoon in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where waterbirds find safety from predators on islands surrounded by deeply flooded lagoons. Different species nest side by side in a seasonal ceasefire and create enormous breeding sites called heronries. Godikwe Lagoon is only accessible via boat when staying in lodges near to the Moremi Game Reserve, such as Kwando Splash Camp.

Dance in the rain

There is a particular reverence for rain in Botswana, which is called pula in the local language of Setswana. Pula is also the name of Botswana’s currency, and the colour blue dominates the country’s flag, representing the life-giving forces of water.

When the heat builds up and clouds eventually rupture with rainstorms, bringing water back to this parched place, join in the joy and soak up the open sky. After all, Africa knows best, that ‘no rain, no gain’.

Tip: During a stay at Mma Dinare Lodge in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, you may be so lucky as to meet the delightful camp manager Mmapula Malela. ‘Mmapula’ means ‘mother of the rain’, and rain is all that anyone can talk about in the heights of summer’s stifling heat.

Feature image courtesy of Melanie van Zyl for Culture Trip.

Chat to us about how the green rainy season in Botswana can make for truly magical safari in Chobe National Park and/or the Okavango Delta.

The post In the Press: Why the Rainy Season Is Still the Perfect Time to Visit Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Gallivanting by Game Drive at Moremi Crossing & Gunn’s Camp

admin — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 10:16:41 +0000

As of the end of July, game drive safaris are now offered at both Moremi Crossing and Gunn’s Camp in the Okavango Delta!

With water levels lower than usual in the Okavango Delta, there are greater expanses of unexplored land mass within our private concession that offer perfect opportunities for wildlife viewing by game drive. Game drives are a new additional activity, which will be available to guests at Moremi Crossing and Gunn’s Camp during the drier cycles when water activities may become more limited.

Game drives added to two camps

The introduction of game drives adds even more value to these well-priced delta camps popular with smaller groups, families or travellers looking for a more intimate and authentic delta experience. Enjoy a morning or late afternoon game drive exploring the remote wilderness and diverse wildlife in our private concession, with sundowners ending off the afternoon drive.

Enjoy a chilled drink while watching the sun set over the Okavango Delta before heading back to camp

From Gunn’s Camp, game drive vehicles will carry a maximum six guests per vehicle, while those from Moremi Crossing will take up to nine guests. Game drives are offered as one activity only per night’s stay and there is no private vehicle option available at these camps.

Mekoro and walking safaris remain

During high water season our guests will once again get to delight in the ever popular mekoro, boat cruise and fishing for the ultimate delta experience.

Cruise through the interconnected channels of the Okavango Delta on a mekoro when water levels are high

Walking safaris on the famous Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve, as well as within the concession, in combination with seasonal mekoro remain the highlight and a year-round activity.

Year-round adventure camping

What’s more is that this is the only area where guests can book a night or two in the wilderness for an adventurous and rustic experience in our bush camp.

Camp in the remote wilderness of the Okavango Delta no matter what time of the year

Adventure camping is now available year-round and must be pre-booked. The nights spent camping in the wilderness must be in between at least one night at Gunn’s Camp or Moremi Crossing.

Contact us for more information on these exciting safari experiences.

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What Our Guests Say

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

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

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

Chobe Bush Lodge

Good Base for Exploring Chobe River

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

Home location: United States
Travel date: June 2018

Chobe Safari Lodge

Great Place

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

Home location: Scandinavia
Travel date: September 2018

Nata Lodge

Camping

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

Home location: unknown
Travel date: September 2018

Gunn’s Camp

Outstanding Camp

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

Home location: Italy
Travel date: August 2018

Moremi Crossing

Highlight of Our Southern Africa Trip!!!

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

Home location: unknown
Travel date: August 2018

Pom Pom Camp

Extraordinary, Immersive Africa Experience

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

Home location: unknown
Travel date: August 2018

Rra Dinare Camp

Luxury Lodge with Wonderful Facilities and Excellent Game Drives

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

Home location: Australia
Travel date: February 2018

Mma Dinare Camp

Fantastic Holiday

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

Home location: United Kingdom
Travel date: August 2018

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

Why You Should Take a Bush Walk in Botswana

admin — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:27:04 +0000

Step out of the safari vehicle and into the wilderness on a bush walk in Botswana.

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.

3 Reasons Why We Think Botswana is the Best African Safari Destination

admin — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 08:40:50 +0000

Offering a diverse safari experience throughout the year, it’s no wonder Botswana is a top African safari destination.

Botswana is visited annually by people from around the world who are eager to float alongside the elephants and hippos of the Okavango Delta floodplains and, from the comfort of their safari vehicle, witness big cats prowling for antelopes in the Chobe National Park.

While there are many reasons why we think Botswana is the world’s most special safari destination, we’ve narrowed it down to our top three.

Impressive biodiversity

Botswana is home to all of the Big 5 @ Under One Botswana Sky

A trip to Botswana offers an extensive mix of plant and animal life as a result of different habitats occurring in the delta. There is a wide range of national parks and game reserves that cover these various environments, affording safari-goers a remarkable variety in game-viewing.

From the elevated viewpoints at the Chobe Bush Lodge, you’ll get to see hippos and crocodiles hunting in the Chobe River. Venture out in open safari vehicles from Nata Lodge to be entranced by flamingos dancing across the vast salt pans and herds of herbivores roaming the grasslands of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans.

If you want to see all of the Big 5 in one African safari, Botswana is definitely the best place to do so.

Distinctive mobility

Not only is the wildlife on offer in Botswana diverse, so too is the way you can see it. There are multiple distinct modes of transport to choose from when going on a safari in African bush.

Take to the footpaths, where your local guide will teach you the ins and outs of spoor tracking and take you to stunning bird-watching spots. Recently built in the South Eastern part of the Okavango, Rra Dinare and Mma Dinare offer guided nature walks when the season permits.

To have the truly authentic Botswana experience, hop into a mokoro – a locally-made canoe hollowed out from wood – from Gunns Camp and glide through the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Your guide will pole you through the channels to view elephants, waterbuck and the rare Red Lechwe.

Botswana also boasts beautiful sunsets and you can have a front row seat to this spectacular sight on a sunset boat cruise. You do not want to miss out on this highly rated safari activity at Chobe Safari Lodge.

GDHP1 on Tripadvisor had this to say on their 2017 trip to Botswana: “Seeing animals from the sundowner boat cruise on the Chobe River provided a different and equally exciting experience: elephants swimming across the river and greeting each other as long-lost friends, huge herds of buffalo, crocodile, sunset on the river”.

Sustainable tourism

By doing tourism sustainably in Botswana, camps like Moremi Crossing support a healthy and protected environment by being built with a modern and eco-friendly focus. It helps to reduce its environmental impact by using solar and waste disposal technology.

In order for the Chobe National Park to maintain the highest concentration of African Elephants globally, and for the country as a whole to successfully rebuild its rhino population, such initiatives are critical contributions to local wildlife conservation.

Because of its unique and varied safari opportunities, Botswana is a much-loved destination by first-time and repeat travellers to Africa. If you haven’t already been, we think you’re missing out.

The post 3 Reasons Why We Think Botswana is the Best African Safari Destination appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Mesmerising Skies in Botswana

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 13:42:04 +0000

One of the most memorable aspects of your safari in Botswana will be the mesmerising skies.

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:

©John Finch

©Leon de Wet

Get in touch with us to book your safari in Botswana, and experience these magical settings for yourself.

The post Mesmerising Skies in Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.