Botswana

BRIEF

A luxury family safari in celebration of a 50th birthday for a family with two teenage boys. This is a first-time safari experience for my client who requested to travel during July and August.

PLAN

Johannesburg – Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zambia

11 days / 10 nights

A Botswana luxury safari is like no other: the defining difference between Botswana and other African luxury safari destinations is the low-volume tourism model which was adopted over thirty years ago, ensuring that the country could limit the negative affects of tourism on its wildlife areas.

Botswana is a country of striking physical beauty contrasted by incredible bio-diversity. It is a land-locked country dominated by the Kalahari Desert and complemented by the Okavango Delta. This diversity of desert and delta is home to some of the most extraordinary ecosystems on earth and a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Luxury safari destinations are located on private areas of land which are leased from the government. No fences exist and the only boundaries between concessions and adjoining national parks are simply lines on a map. The Botswana luxury safari camps are limited to less than 20 guests in most cases, and many camps are much smaller, which only adds to the feeling that you are exploring an untouched African wilderness.

For the post-Covid 19 traveller this bespoke luxury safari works extremely well with an outdoor environment and small properties which you can book out exclusively. Along with Safari Air, we can have input and control to make sure everyone is protected which gives additional reassurance.

My itinerary starts with a relaxing evening in Johannesburg from where the family set out on their luxury safari beginning on the edge of the breathtaking Moremi Game Reserve. From a private view deck at Belmond Khwai River Lodge, they will stay amongst free-roaming elephants, hippo and impala in the Khwai River. Included are early morning game drives, exclusive night time “spotlight” safaris, sundowners, authentic boma dining experiences and stargazing.

The trip continues in the Okavango Delta at Shinde Enclave, an exclusive camp within a camp in a private concession in the Okavango Delta. On offer is a choice of land and water based activities including morning and afternoon game drives, with night drives after the evening meal. In addition are Mokoro excursions and motorboat trips. 

Next the itinerary ventures to the fascinating waters of Savute with accommodation at Savute Elephant Lodge on the banks of the Savute Chanel in the heart of Chobe National Park. The waterways attract huge swathes of game and herds of elephants.

The trip ends by crossing the border to Zimbabwe’s stunning Victoria Falls.