Traversing Botswana’s distinct safari destinations
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday December 17, 2023 06:00
Botswana’s principal tourist attractions are its game reserves, available hunting and photographic safari. As the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) strives to position Botswana as a premier tourist destination of choice, the organisation recently took a selected few local and international journalists on a trip otherwise labelled ‘Media Familiarisation Tour’ of some of the safaris in the midst of the Okavango Delta.
This tour was meant to give the journalists an insight into these safari camps and appreciate them and in turn, write from an informed position about the country’s tourism. With family travels and domestic tourism at the centre of BTO’s strategy to promote the sector, the media is a key stakeholoder.
The tour into the Okavango Delta was a great opportunity for the journalists to immerse themselves into the real stories of what Botswana’s tourism has to offer. Among some of the safari camps that the crew visited include Muchenje Safari Lodge, Khwai Expeditions Camp and Okuti Camp. The safaris offer distinctly exclusive experiences for travel and leisure whether as family or business retreats.
Muchenje Safari Camp - a
scenic view like no other Muchenje Safari Lodge is one of the few lodges that offer wonderful views over the Chobe River from the main lodge and all of the luxurious cottages. The camp allows for a homely atmosphere. With experienced guides looking after you every step of the way, the lodge has activities such as mokoro drive and game walk. With wonderful views of the Chobe River and the seasonal flood plains, its position means that it is far away from the bustle of Kasane yet just two hours from the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Khwai Expeditions Camp
- A paradise in the DeltaKhwai Expeditions Camp is perfectly located between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park in Botswana. The opulent Khwai Expedition Camp debuted in August 2021 as a tented camp and is the first safari lodge to be owned by a Motswana woman, Matshidiso Nyambe. The camp provides great dining, opulent amenities, and unique adventures. It is home to some of the most diverse habitats including riverine woodlands, mopane woodlands, extensive open savannah and sweeping lagoons.
The camp consists of six luxury tents and one family cottage. With its traditional African design and extensive views across the lagoon from the main entertainment area, this camp offers exclusive experiences, luxurious amenities and fine cuisine.
Okuti Camp: A spectacle of distinct style
The incredibly charming five-star Okuti Camp is located next to the Maunachira River, which meanders through the ethereal and well-known Moremi Game Reserve. The camp has luxurious tented rooms with all year-round water and land activities. It also has excellent game viewing both on land and in water. It also offers boat cruising. Okuti, a seven-room house with a unique style, was inspired by the traditional reed houses (lethaka) and the riverbanks. The apartments are elegantly designed as semi-circular spaces edged with reeds.
Due to its location, the camp offers picturesque views, providing travellers the opportunity to explore open waters, spot an even greater range of wildlife and embark on a sunset barge cruise for hypnotic views as you sip a sundowner which are unique features of an Okavango Delta safari. Not only do these safari camps offer travellers wildlife sightings but they also offer them the opportunity to meet Botswana’s warm people and their hospitality and cultural heritage. The three mentioned camps are a small number of the many beautiful safaris that offer the best excursions in the country. Given that wildlife animal numbers are continuing to decline globally, it is safe to conclude that Botswana presents the finest option for a safari adventure due to its more environmentally conscious and sustainable methods.