Exploring Botswana
My site inspection, Wow, where do I even begin? Botswana’s wilderness left me absolutely captivated during my recent site inspection trip. This wasn’t just about ticking boxes for work—it was about connecting with the country, its incredible people, and, of course, the wildlife. Along the way, I met fellow travellers who couldn’t resist asking about my thoughts as a tour operator. These chats are always so insightful, allowing me to gather and share experiences firsthand. Here’s a snapshot of my journey through some of Botswana’s most breathtaking lodges and reserves.
Starting at Thamo Telele – A Perfect Landing Spot
After a long-haul flight, nothing beats an overnight stay at Thamo Telele. The highlight? Their unique giraffe experience! It’s a wonderful place to relax and acclimatize before diving headfirst into the Delta or other safari adventures. Having seen guests arrive exhausted after the international haul to Maun and an onward transfer to the Delta, I can confidently say this is a great way to ease into the rhythm of Africa.
It is only a 30 minutes’ drive from Maun airport, and can you think of a better way to relax after a long flight by sitting with a G&T in the bush, watching giraffe, oryx, impala’s, ostriches and other plain game?!
Savute – Wildlife at Breakfast!
Savute stole my heart. While the dry season meant many animals were in hiding, the lodge’s waterhole provided a constant parade of action. Imagine sipping your coffee while elephants, antelopes, and even a lion or leopard make an appearance! The attentive staff made our stay unforgettable, with Loveness, the on-duty manager, standing out as exceptional. Honestly, the wildlife at the waterhole almost made game drives seem unnecessary! Although it was very hot, we still had some amazing lion sightings.
Camp Moremi – Diverse and Dazzling
Moremi is one of my absolute favourite areas, thanks to its incredible variety. Every corner offers a new landscape, and the game viewing? Unparalleled! One jaw-dropping moment was witnessing a crocodile and a leopard battling over a kill—a National Geographic-worthy sighting I’ll never forget. The guiding at Camp Moremi was top-notch, with our guide going above and beyond to showcase the area’s magic.
Camp Okavango – Serenity on the Delta
Camp Okavango offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the Delta. The mokoro rides are a serene way to explore the waterways and the boat cruises lovely to explore the channels of the Okavango Delta. While bush walks bring you face-to-face with Botswana’s remarkable wildlife. It’s an experience that truly connects you with nature in a unique and tranquil way.
On a game walk we got close to a lion male, which was only about 50 metres away. The guides were excellent and I felt safe throughout.
Leroo la Tau – Zebra Central
Leroo la Tau is breathtaking, with the annual migration you could see endless zebras, elephants, and wildebeest grazing below the lodge. Waking up to such scenes feels like stepping into a nature documentary. The lodge provides the perfect vantage point to appreciate the beauty and drama of Botswana’s wilderness. But nature’s harshness was on full display here, as animals struggled with the extreme dryness. The location’s remote beauty is undeniable, though situated outside the national park means you drive through the village to get into the reserve.
Dinaka – An Intimate Wilderness Escape
Dinaka for me, was the crown jewel of this trip. We had the privilege of being guided by the lodge manager, Eric, alongside a Bushman tracker, Quoma. The personal attention was unmatched, and the Bushmen experience was both educational and fun. From learning the tracks of animals to ancient survival techniques, this lodge seamlessly connects guests with nature. The newly built bunker offers a close-to-nature experience that’s hard to beat! The perfect spot for amazing pictures.
Shinde – A Delta Dream
Shinde’s stunning location and variety of activities make it a must-visit. The highlight of my stay was a scenic flight over the Delta, offering a bird’s-eye view of this remarkable ecosystem. The combination of water and land-based experiences ensures that every guest finds something to love.
Shinde is situated within a private concession, which means that night drives are allowed. Personally I love night drives, as even if you shouldn’t see any nocturnal animals. You turn off the engine and lights and you hear all the sounds of the bush while million of stars twinkle above you. This is just magical and a must if you ask me.
Back to Moremi, Okuti – Heart and Soul in the Delta
Okuti is pure magic. The warm, joyful atmosphere created by the staff made it feel like home. Their genuine kindness and thoughtful touches left a lasting impression. Saying goodbye was emotional, a testament to the incredible people who make Okuti so special. Above all, Okuti is situated within the stunning Moremi Game Reserve, a natural beauty when it comes to wildlife and landscapes.
Again we had some stunning sightings like leopards, a pride of lions with cubs, a juvenile martial eagle and lots of plain game and elephants. I loved the evening pre-dinner singing and dancing and especially here I just had to stand up and dance with the staff.
Reflections on Botswana
Botswana is a destination like no other, where pristine wilderness meets heartfelt hospitality. Each lodge brought something unique to the journey, and every experience deepened my connection to this incredible country. From thrilling wildlife encounters to quiet moments of reflection, this trip reminded me why Botswana is such a dream destination.
This trip also inspired me to start creating a new itinerary called ‘The Circle of Wildlife’, designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Botswana’s landscapes and wildlife. It will be available soon, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Follow My Adventure
Curious about the lodges and wildlife I experienced? You can track my journey through the Vamoos app, in which I did a photo diary! If you’ve travelled with Fleewinter before, simply log into the app with the login details below and follow along. If not, you can still see all the updates and stories via web.vamoos.com. Dive into the heart of Botswana with me and get inspired for your own adventure!
User ID: FLW
Password: BotswanaSI
If Botswana is calling your name, I’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable trip. Drop me a line and let’s make it a journey to remember!
Final words that reflect my feelings for Africa:
Africa smiled a little when you left. “We know you”, Africa said. We have seen and watched you. “We can learn to live without you, but we know we needn’t yet”.
And Africa smiled a little when you left … “You cannot leave Africa”, Africa said. “We are always with you, there inside your head. Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints, our drumbeats counting your pulse, our coastline the silhouette of your soul”.
So Africa smiled a little when you left. “We are in you”, Africa said. “You have not left us yet”.
Written by Daphne Wijnveldt
Top Travel Tip
“..Waking up at 5am, doesn’t get better than in the African Bush! Waking up to the sounds of the wildlife, the smell of fresh coffee and the knowledge that soon you will see amazing things during a morning game drive” – Daphne, Africa Safari Specialist
