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A herd of at least 150 elephants…all sizes…gathered at the river to drink and bathe. Warthogs with 6 babies, jostling along in a row. And the sounds of Africa’s animals, the 580 species of bird and insects……these are some of Ann Gray’s favorite memories of her November 2008 trip to Botswana and Zambia with Abercrombie and Kent, luxury tour operator.
Located in the southern part of Africa, Botswana is the size of Texas or France, and is an increasingly popular destination for safaris. Botswana is politically stable and has good western-style infrastructure. English is the official language. Botswana offers fabulous wildlife with all the Big Five plus all the plains’ game animals as well.
There is a huge variety of safari camps to choose from, appealing to all levels of the market….and two main types of camps which can be combined on a vacation….those on the desert and those on the delta.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a series of permanent and fleeting waterways and floodplains, a result of the Okavango River from Angola in the North meeting the sands of Botswana. With nowhere to go, the water spreads out making rivers and streams in this 4000 square mile area. The annual flooding, which usually begins in March, changes the land dramatically. The vast plains fill with water and vehicles are not usable. The best way to navigate these waterways and lagoons is by traditional mokoro, a dug-out canoe.
Ann’s first camp was Stanley’s Camp on the southern edge of the famous Moremi Game Reserve. Best described as rustic luxury, the eight classic styled safari tens exude classic Africa. Each unit offers ensuite facilities and a private balcony overlooking the surrounding floodplains. A highlight was a morning spent walking and interacting with 3 orphaned elephants who were rescued by Doug Groves. Have you ever been kissed by an elephant?...Ann was.
Ann Gray also stayed at Chief’s Camp, an elegant and luxurious bush lodge in the Moremi. Finishing her itinerary in Botswana was Chobe Chilwero, one of the best safari lodges in Africa, incorporating 5 star service with superlative game viewing. Chobe National Park is renowned for having the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, along with other abundant wildlife and profusion of bird life.
On to Zambia where the group enjoyed a luxury treehouse accommodation at Sussi and Chuma lodge overlooking the Zambeze River. Cruises on the river, fishing excursions, game drives in the National Park , a village visit…all daily options. Victoria Falls, the world’s widest falls, usually has water gushing over the one mile width. November, however, is in the dry season and there was only a trickle of water. Ann was still glad to have seen Victoria Falls and imagine how majestic it could look and sound.
Another fabulous trip ended, and another resolution to return to Africa…again.