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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Wild Botswana Safari Report, September 2008
Botswana Guide
This Safari was a huge success: from the first night on the banks of the Zambezi and the majestic sight of the Victoria Falls to the last peaceful sunset in the Okavango Delta; we saw great game and shared many magical experiences.The lunch time boat cruise on the Chobe River proved an excellent introduction to the wildlife of Botswana. It produced an abundance of general game, lots of water birds, as well as our first sightings of buffalo and elephant coming down to the river.
Excitement rose as we left for our next destination - three nights on the banks of the Linyanti River, with the days spent exploring the wilds of northern Botswana and all the surprises it has to offer. Here we were not disappointed: tracks lead to two male lions and before long we also found females with cubs - a real treat! We were fortunate to see wild dogs and continued to see giraffe, lots of elephant - some herds including babies, as well as antelope and zebra. Night time brought a big grey visitor into camp and we listened to the elephant peacefully feeding before being lulled to sleep by the sounds of hippo from the Linyanti River. After three days it was (regretfully) time to move on - the drive to Lechwe Island and our next camp was shortened by sightings of two male lions, as well as a female cheetah and even a glimpse of an elusive majestic sable antelope.
On arrival at Lechwe Camp we were welcomed with more friendly faces and another excellent meal. The camp is situated overlooking the Selinda Spillway and with water levels rising due to the annual flood, it was canoeing time. What fun! Along with walks and some fishing, time passed far too quickly here, and before we knew it we were on our way to the heart of the Delta.
We were greeted by images of lush vegetation and sparkling water ways of the Okavango Delta - an oasis that represents a true miracle of nature. Mokoros were waiting to transport us to our camp on an island in the Delta, and it soon became apparent why this is such a fascinating mode of transport - the silence of the journey gave all of us a chance to concentrate on the sounds of nature around us; we spent the next two days exploring these remote waterways and soaking up the atmosphere, with some great sightings of elephant, African Fish-Eagles, Pel's Fishing-Owl and many other water birds. *Painted reed frog photo courtesy of Wilderness Safaris
