In 2024 I went to Botswana with my photo buddy (Henk Vanetie) from March 21-30.
The trip was organized by “The Africa specialist”.
It’s a long journey to get there. We flew with KLM from Schiphol to Johannesburg. Because we arrived late at night, we had an overnight stay 10 km from the airport. The next day we had a nice breakfast and went to the airport in time to fly to Maun.
In Maun we met Julias from Go Bold Adventures. Julias is a fantastic guide. Super nice, speaks good English, sees and hears everything and arranges everything that is needed.
The first 4 days we were in Moremi Kwai nature reserve and then 3 days of sailing in the Okavango Delta.
The journey from Maun to Moremi Kwai takes 5 hours to arrive at the camp site. Soon outside Maun you see the first elephants along the road. Also spotted ostriches and giraffes.
At one point we rode onto the smaller trails and came to a puddle. At that moment you will be surprised by the beautiful life in Botswana. Hippos frantically busy, many birds along the side, impalas eating nearby and elephants coming to the lake to drink.
The sun had already set when we arrived at the camp site. Here we were met by Chris (Chef), Kelly (Trainee) and Ojay. A party tent had been set up so that you could enjoy a nice meal there. There was also a large tent set up for us. On the other side of the field the kitchen was set up where Chris and Kelly had put together a 3 course dinner. The food was nothing short of fantastic.
We had a safari drive twice a day. Early in the morning, at 5 o’clock, the alarm clock went off. Chris and Kelly were up an hour more early to prepare breakfast. Then a safari drive until about 12 o’clock and in the evening from 4 o’clock until about 7-8 o’clock. Time was no object and Julias also enjoyed spotting the game. It was too hot in the afternoon. The animals are also sleeping then and we went to look at the photos. The amount of animals you see is really enormous and diverse. At first you are happy to see an elephant. At the end of the day you have… there are a few more…
The guides are connected to a radio that has a wide range. This means they know where to find something. For example, if a leopard is spotted, this will be reported immediately. This is a popular animal to spot and many jeeps come to see it.
Every evening we had a 3 course dinner that tasted fantastic every time. It’s unbelievable how Chris and Kelly can do this on a simple campfire
After 4 days in the Moremi Kwai reserve we go to the Okavango Delta.
Here we are transported by mokoro boats. These are driven by poolers. These are located on the back of the boat and have a long stick to push the boat forward. Even though it has been the “rainy season”, it was quite dry and water levels were low and they were regularly scraping the bottom.
The water comes from the north and takes six months to reach the Okavango Delta.
Sailing with the mokoro is a pleasure. So quiet, so pleasant.
You can see many birds in the Okavango Delta. In addition, of course, you have the elephants that come to crowd and many other animals.
In the morning we did a long hike of 4-5 hours. In the hedgerow I’m afraid of the animals because the lions also run loose there.
The trick is to keep your ears/eyes open and keep your distance. Wooded and areas with tall grass are avoided.
It’s quite scary at first, but you get used to it very quickly.
I was again surprised at how many animals and birds we saw.
In the afternoon we rested and around 4 o’clock we went through the many canals with the komoro.
Botswana in one word: AMAZING!!
GEWELDIG!!
