Last year I was lucky enough to travel Botswana on an educational to polish up my knowledge of the properties, experiences and areas in Botswana. Recently I was looking though all my photos and started reliving the amazing experiences we had so thought I'd put pen to paper and share them with you all.
Here are my top safari highlights...
Our Light Aircraft from Kasane to Savute Safari Lodge
We were looking forward to this exciting trip as most of us had not been in a light aircraft before. Wow! It didn't disappoint. We were so lucky to get the newest plane which was very luxurious with all the mod cons. I loved flying low as we could catch glimpses of the wildlife as you flew over. It was a smooth trip and on arrival we flew over the airstrip to make sure there were no animals and that it was safe to land. It was a n incredibly smooth landing, which I didn't expect as it was not more than just a dirt track but the pilot and plane were fantastic. There were elephants not far from the airstrip but they are so used to the aircraft and did not even look up.
Our bush dinner from Leroo La Tau lodge
After a fantastic day on the Boteti River on a boat and out in the Makgadikgadi Pans National park including a sighting of the largest elephants I have ever seen in Africa. They were all male bulls at least 3mtrs tall, we headed back towards the camp... or so we thought. Instead we were taken to a very special spot by the river with a roaring camp fire so alive it was entrancing and very relaxing after such an adventure-filled day. We sat around telling our safari stories, and having a giggle over our sundowner drinks. As the sun went down the stars came out and that too was truly magical. Up next was yet another surprise! A fantastic bush dinner setting for our group, first class with wonderful welcome singing from all the staff. What a great place to explore on land and water - I completely fell in love with the lodge and the area.
An elephant crossing
These elephants were heading down to the river early in the morning. It was amazing to watch the family of over 40 elephants including some very cute babies. They are so graceful for such a large animal, and so family-orientated it is astounding, how close and protective they are and very smart too. This sighting was not far from the beautiful Chobe Game Lodge in Chobe National Park - where we were staying.
A leopard/wild dog stand off!
While on a safari in the Delta on the Moremi Game Reserve and heading back to the airstrip for out next flight, we heard that there were a group of wild dog so we thought okay, we just have enough time to go in search! When we arrived what awaited us was the best close up wildlife sighting I have ever had! Yes, there were the wild dogs but also a female leopard up a tree watching over them. Our guide advised the wild dog had stolen her kill but she was stuck as there were 25 wild dog so she could not escape. There were 2 young, oblivious giraffes in the background. It was incredible because they were all within 5 meters of each other! Sadly we could not stay too long as had to get the flight but WOW what an experience. This video is the female leopard escaping as our vehicle was in between her and the dogs. Better luck next time for her meal!
And then there was this guy who just made our day...
