This exceptional safari destination is a rare combination of desert and delta, coupled with staggering amounts of wildlife.   If you want a classic safari amid Africa’s iconic big species, with wonderful guiding and lovely accommodation then look no further than this irresistible paradise.  Here are some highlights from our travels to Botswana over the years.

Rosanna – Quad biking on the pans

Head out across the salt-crust pans on a quad bike for a really exhilarating experience.  Available during the dry season in the Makgadikgadi Pans (April to October), you will venture far out onto the pans where the horizon is so unobstructed that you can see the curvature of the earth – you feel like you are stepping out on the moon.  Set off late in the afternoon and arrive in time for a sundowner.  The silence is complete and the planetarium of stars above is incredible – a truly magical experience.

Quad-biking across the pans at Jack’s Camp

Lucinda – Riding through the Delta at Macatoo

A riding safari in the Okavango Delta had been on my bucket list for years so when I finally got the chance it had a lot to live up to.  I’m very pleased to say it was everything I hoped for and more.  Galloping through the flood waters, following a leopard through trees, seeing elephant and buffalo from horseback was superb, and more than exceeded my expectations, the problem is, now I know how good it really is I’d like to go back for longer next time.

Riding through the floodwaters in the Okavango Delta with African Horseback Safaris

Rosanna – Helicopter ride over the Delta

A helicopter trip across the Okavango Delta gives a fabulous bird’s eye view of this extraordinary patchwork of islands, plains and lagoons.   If you feel comfortable you can choose to have the doors taken off which allows even better viewing and for some fantastic photography.  Watching elephants slowly cross the grasslands, spotting giraffe, and an aerial view of hippo wallowing in the pools was one of my many Botswana highlights and one I’d highly recommend.

Okavango Delta from the air at Mombo Camp

Francis – Walking with meerkats

Have you ever been chosen as a look-out post by a wild animal? If not, do join a morning walk with meerkats, as they venture out looking for their breakfast. Enchanting, fascinating, wonderfully chatty and active little ‘people’, they take no notice of humans, except as useful temporary parts of the scenery, as ideal observation posts for the one on predator-spotting duty.

Meerkats in the Kalahari will quite happily use humans as a look out post

Charlotte – mobile safari

My first educational trip with Aardvark Safaris was a mobile safari.  Eighteen years ago, and new to the world of African safaris, I was not at all sure I wanted to camp in a lightweight tent in the bush.  My conversion to this being the best thing ever was swift.  To be totally immersed in the wilderness with a private safari camp, moving to a new spot every day or so is magical.   I’ve done lots of safaris since, but this first trip still stands out one of the best,  and these days, I’d take a mobile above just about anything else.

Mobile tented safari with Uncharted Africa

Rosanna – Mokoro trips on the Delta

Mokoros, dug-out canoes crafted from tree trunks, were the original form of transport around the Okavango Delta. Nowadays they are used for boating safaris and make an attractive alternative to our traditional safari vehicle. Lie back and relax as you are punted (think Venice) through the narrow channels as they open up into lagoons adorned with papyrus and beautiful waterlilies. There are tiny, colourful frogs hidden in the reeds to spot as well as wonderful bird life that your guide will point out along the way. Finishing with a sundowner is a perfect way to end what is an incredibly peaceful experience and wonderful way to explore the Africa wilderness.

Mokoros at the ready, Oddballs Enclave

Any questions?

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What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris.  If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.

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