Last visited on a Mokoro tented safari in 1997 as a backpacking student and loved it. Will be in Joburg for the Lions Rugby and had the idea to return for a couple of days. Favour adventure over luxury but now have a decent budget. Any recommendations of operators/camps? Thanks, Bob
I attended university in CH (Ticino) and often traveled to Vaud area. I have fond memories and think CH often!
If you'd got limited time to visit the Delta, it's best to stick to 1 camp for the duration of your stay. Noting that you favor adventure, but now have a "decent budget", it would help in my recommendations to know your definition of decent budget in order to make the most targeted recommendations. As you may know, Botswana is an expensive destination, much more so than its neighboring countries for comparative product so I will offer a few suggestions based on what I consider to be great value for money.
Natural Selection has a number of camps in Botswana and they have exclusive use of the Khwai Private Reserve on the eastern fringes of the Delta (not to be confused with Khwai Community Area). This area is extremely productive in August and they have 2 "mid-range" luxury camps called Jackal & Hide + Hyena Pan. For one of your nights, you can sleep under the stars in their Skybed product which will allow you to have a truly unique and immersive evening experience. The concession also has a ground-level hide for amazing, up-close photography and seasonal mekoro activities.
There's also Ker & Downey Botswana's Footsteps Across The Delta product which drives exceptional value for money. Set in the Shinde Concession and focusing more on walking safaris, this camp always has one of K&D's senior "specialist" guides working the camp. In addition to the walking element, game-drives are offered as well as water activities all year (set near the Maunachira River, this waterway flows all year making motorboat and mekoro possible regardless of the season).
Finally, one of the best value for money products in Botswana is Mashatu. Not in the Delta, but in the southeastern sector of the country known as the Tuli Block, Mashatu produces stunning wildlife viewing - especially big cats. Known as the land of giants, Mashatu has 3 camps/lodges on their property. Mashatu Tent is the best value followed by Mashatu Main and Euphorbia. In addition to the super productive game viewing, they also have ground-level hides for photography, amazing hiking/walking safaris, mountain biking safaris and equestrian safaris. For those seeking adventure and a wide diversity of activities, Mashatu is one of the best places in all of Africa. You can access Mashatu via a road transfer from Polokwane (daily flights to Polokwane from Johannesburg) or you can fly with Angel Gabriel directly from Lanseria (Johannesburg) to Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA). The Angel Gabriel option is more costly, but much more time efficient.
I hope this helps.
Kota Tabuchi - Managing Director: Africa - Travel Beyond
For around Chiefs Island, and affordable lodges/camps have a look at Oddballs Camp, or maybe Gunns Camp
Awesome info. Will have a look into those options. Thanks so much 🙏
Dear Mr. Tabuchi,
I was very taken by your detailed post about Botswana. I am looking for some guidance for planning trip in August for our family of 4 adults. We have done safari trips in SA, Kenya and Tanzania. Hoping to do spend 7 days and looking for camp recommendations and itinerary for a first timer to this area.
Many thanks.
