Going on an Educational Safari is a great opportunity to visit some of the luxury camps, lodges and mobile safaris in Botswana. In this way, I gain more knowledge on the camps, their style, cuisine, vehicles, guides, landscape and wildlife in the various areas. Many of the camps operate in private reserves or concessions and others are in the National Parks. Due to time restraints, I was only able to experience some of the beautiful camps in the Okavango Delta, Savute and Chobe River regions. I am thankful to have stayed in 3 x Natural Selection camps, joined a 6 night mobile safari with Letaka Safaris, stayed 1 night in Desert & Delta’s Savute Safari Lodge, 1 night at Chobe Bakwena Lodge and 1 night at Pangolin Chobe Hotel, with charter flights between locations.
Please email or call me to discuss the many safari options in Botswana - camp/lodge/mobile camping/time of the year and budget.
On a game drive along the Chobe River with my guide from Pangolin Chobe Hotel
NATURAL SELECTION SAFARIS
Sable Alley - A stylish camp with delicious cuisine, loved my 1 night here, very relaxing and welcoming. The rooms are gorgeous and very comfortable.
“There’s no denying that Sable Alley is spacious, sophisticated and really quite stylish. A piece of light, bright and beautiful luxury amid the game-rich floodplains of Khwai Private Reserve. Not only is the reserve one of Botswana’s best kept secrets, but the camp is located on the banks of a lily-covered lagoon, home to snorting hippo and a favourite drinking spot for elephant and buffalo. Sit back and simply take it all in, the wildlife is out-of-this-world all year round. But as tempting as it is to stay in camp, venture out you should, for Khwai offers an exclusive safari experience where you can enjoy water-based game viewing in mokoros or by boat, walking safaris and traditional game drives, all done in total privacy and safari style.”
Little Sable - I did a site inspection here as this camp is driving distance from Sable Alley. A smaller, quaint camp within the Khwai Private Reserve.
“This little camp has something special going for it and should be high on the list when it comes to an intimate yet relaxed safari experience. The little sister to Sable Alley, Little Sable is the perfect hideout in the heart of the game-rich Khwai Private Reserve and a firm favourite at Natural Selection. Here you’ll get to enjoy an authentic and rich safari adventure, with so much to discover around every twist and turn. From your classic game drive, to a mokoro or boat trip, wind your way around this shimmering grassland on a different activity every day. And best of all, this iconic Delta experience is all yours at great value.”
Tuludi - A 5 star camp with a huge tented bedroom, outside bath and own plunge pool - wow, I don’t want to leave my room :)
“If you’ve been forever dreaming of an iconic Okavango Delta experience, then end your search with Tuludi. Located in the Khwai Private Reserve, offering over 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, here you’ll discover a melee of emerald forests, glistening waterways and all the wildlife imaginable.
Besides embracing the luxury and serenity of space, Tuludi is an exclusive oasis that you’ll be delighted to return to after a day exploring the extraordinary ecosystem. In fact, there is a real elegance to its design. Picture seven expansive suites, shaded by the boughs of cool leadwood trees, each with sophisticated interiors, overflowing with airy spaces and lots of privacy. This is a luxurious and intimate affair, with every detail attended to, offering guests an iconic Okavango Delta experience in the most refined of safari settings.”
Below are photos I took while on game drives in the Khwai Private Reserve. This area has abundant wildlife and besides a wide variety of plains game, I saw lion, leopard, hippo and elephant.
Mbamba Camp - After a 30 minute charter flight, I landed in northern Okavango Delta and had a game drive to camp. I enjoyed 1 night in this stunning camp with lush upholstery and beautiful decor.
“Our new tented camp, brought to you by the Uncharted Africa team in the private NG12 concession in northern Okavango Delta, is where your wildlife adventure awaits. Located in an area that offers excellent game viewing year-round, here the wildlife action never stops. Every bit a Ralph Bousfield camp, it offers a blend of remarkable guided wilderness experiences and a classic safari style.
The camp is in a superb setting where you’ll instantly be immersed into the Okavango Delta’s true wonder. With some of the best safari guides in the business, and a variety of land and water-based activities, you can look forward to a rewarding wildlife experience in this game-rich private concession. In-between action filled game viewing activities, relax around the camp pool or take a siesta in the comfort of your air-conditioned tent. This is an ideal camp for those seeking a deeper understanding of the natural world in a very relaxed environment.”
Below are photos I took while on game drives showing the landscape and I saw excellent wildlife which included African wild dog and a leopard.
LETAKA MOBILE SAFARIS
After another 30 minute charter flight, I arrived into the Xakanaxa airstrip in the Moremi Game Reserve and was met by my guide Benjamin. We waited for the rest of our small group and were a party of 6 in our game drive vehicle, each having a window seat. This mobile safari included 3 nights in Xakanaxa and 3 nights in Mababe Private Reserve. We had 3 camp staff and enjoyed delicious meals cooked on an open fire. Our large menu tents and camp sites are private and moved to each new location. A wonderful experience and a feeling of being very connected to nature, particularly as there is no wifi while on a mobile safari.
“A common misconception is that a camping safari in Botswana means getting stuck in and helping with the setting up camp and cooking your own meals, well, nothing could be further from the truth. The hardest work you are going to have is sipping on your gin and tonic whilst watching the African sun slip below the horizon. And let’s be honest, it’s not really camping is it? Large tents with beds, bedside tables, LED lights, en-suite toilet and shower, covered verandah area with relaxing chairs and washbasins. That’s why we call it a mobile tented safari and NOT a camping safari, our professional safari staff take care of all the camp chores and our wonderful safari chefs are capable of producing miracles from a bed of coals.”
While on our mobile safari, Benjamin, our guide, spotted numerous wildlife with his well trained eyes and knowledge of animal behaviour, plus reading tracks along the road. We had keen birders onboard and they ticked off around 200 bird species. Wildlife sightings in the area included lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope, etc.
Below are some photos taken on our journey.
DESERT & DELTA SAFARIS
Savute Safari Lodge - I planned a night at this beautiful lodge mainly because of the permanent waterhole right in front of the lodge. Wildlife frequent this water source, particularly during the dry summer months. The decor and rooms, plus delicious food also make it an excellent choice in Savute.
“Savute Safari Lodge is designed for privacy and a deeply personalised experience, with just 11 chalets and an exclusive occupancy of just 24 guests.
Each en suite chalet celebrates the expansive views with private decks, landscape-facing lounges, and thoughtful furnishings that mirror the region. There is one family chalet, which has two interleading, en suite rooms, each with private decks and seating areas.
The lodge’s main areas are designed for both comfort and connection to nature, with a variety of indoor and outdoor lounging spaces and multi-level decks that offer exceptional game viewing—elephants are frequent visitors.
A high-level deck features a telescope for stargazing and wildlife spotting, while a photographic hide brings you eye‑level with the vibrant life around the waterhole directly in front of the lodge. Guests especially love the fire deck and dining area—perfect spots to unwind with a drink and take in the region’s ever-changing scenes.
A bar also awaits in the main area, ready with your favourite drink or signature cocktail. The pool, also overlooking the waterhole, completes this inviting setting, where the landscape and its wildlife—big cats, buffalo, birds, and more—take centre stage.”
Savute has good population of lion and we were happy to see a majestic male walking through the long grass early in the morning while on a game drive. He was calling to a mate, a deep roar that echoes through the undergrowth.
Later that morning we came across 3 cubs hiding in the bush. A lioness came into a clearing from distant bushes and called for her cubs. They came to meet her and we watched a very tender greeting.
Another chance encounter was a leopard making a quiet, cautious walk to a waterhole where she had a good drink, lifting her head occasionally to check her surroundings. As silently as she arrived, she disappeared again into the long grass.
Below are photos I took while on game drives in Savute
PANGOLIN CHOBE HOTEL
As a passionate wildlife photographer, I took the opportunity while in Kasane to spend the night at Pangolin Chobe Hotel. This specialist photographic hotel has a space filled with images from professional photographers, an editing room and a team of photographic guides to inspire and teach, with gear available if required.
“At Pangolin Photo Safaris we pride ourselves on catering for wildlife photographers of all levels of experience and ability. The only two barriers to entering the wonderful world of wildlife photography are Knowledge and Equipment both of which are eliminated (specifically in the Chobe and Khwai) as we have plenty of cameras for our clients to use and resident photographic guides to show you how to use them.
As a dedicated photo safari operator, we also understand that our clients are after a more cerebral and immersive safari experience. It’s not just about running around trying to find The Big Five (although they all make for fabulous subject matter) but more about seeking out beautiful and unique photo opportunities that allow us to capture the essence of what it is like to be in the greatest photographic playground of them all – The African Bush.”
CHOBE BAKWENA LODGE, KASANE
“Chobe Bakwena Lodge is an exclusive, privately owned eco-retreat nestled along the serene banks of the Chobe River. This once-empty land has been meticulously transformed from a barren soccer field into a luxurious sanctuary, offering a tranquil refuge for discerning guests and the wildlife that graces this exquisite haven.
Bakwena Lodge features 15 uniquely designed chalets. Guests can choose between ten River-View Chalets overlooking the Chobe River and five elevated Treetop Chalets offering stunning canopy views.
The lodge embodies understated elegance and top-notch service. It provides an all-inclusive safari experience in a prime location renowned for exceptional game viewing, particularly its large elephant herds. Activities focus on land and water safaris, all organized by the lodge. Additional options include guided bike tours and sundowner cruises at the unique confluence of four countries.
Bakwena’s eco-friendly practices include a plant-filtered natural pool, sustainable employment initiatives, thoughtful food choices, and eco-conscious construction designed to minimize environmental impact”
Below are a few photos from my boat trip with Chobe Bakwena
