First-timers guide: Botswana and Zimbabwe
Jess, one of Llama Travel’s Travel Consultants, recently returned from an incredible trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe. Her journey took her to the Okavango Delta, the Savuti Marsh area, travelling through to Kasane, on a Letaka mobile camping safari and ending at the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. If you’re planning to go on holiday to these destinations yourself, here’s what Jess discovered to help you make the most of your time in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Getting There
I flew from London Heathrow via Johannesburg with British Airways and Airlink. The journey was straightforward, though it was quite a long day. After arriving in Maun, I was greeted and transferred to my lodge. It was beautiful, exactly what I needed after the flight. I spent the rest of the day and the following morning resting up and getting excited for the game drives.
Arriving in the Okavango Delta
The next day, I flew on a 12-seater plane over the bush to the Okavango Delta. The 25-minute journey seemed like entering the world’s most exciting game of ‘I spy’, except instead of looking for a red car or a stop sign, I was spotting giraffes strolling through the bush and elephants casually hanging out by the water.
We landed on a small airstrip, where our guide us a warm welcome and introduction to the vehicle we would be game viewing in. Within about 90 seconds of driving from the airstrip, we were face to face with a young male elephant, setting a great start to the next few days. I also saw baboons, lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, a giraffe, and two male lions, who, as Vincent explained, were brothers. I couldn’t believe how much we saw within the first few hours.
Areas to Explore
Okavango Delta
This massive floodplain is split into several areas, including the Moremi Game Reserve and the Mababe River Private Reserve, both situated on the eastern side of the Delta. These areas are generally quiet, especially Mababe, which limits the number of vehicles per day, making it a great spot for spotting wildlife and experiencing wilderness at its finest.
Savuti
Situated further north in central Chobe National Park. An infamous area and great spot for wildlife sightings.
Chobe National Park
Just south of Kasane, this popular park is known for its diverse wildlife, in particular, massive herds of elephants.
A Typical Day on Safari
The best game viewing is in the early morning, so we started each day just before sunrise with a light breakfast; we’d have toast, cereal, and a hot drink before heading out on our morning game drive. Then, we usually stopped somewhere in the bush for some coffee and snacks, with game drives typically ending around 11:00 am for a tasty lunch and some downtime. I used this time to have a warm shower, read my book, and listen to the birds or hippos nearby, a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
Later in the afternoon, we’d set off on another game drive, avoiding the midday heat when the animals were more likely to be resting in the shade. We wouldn’t return to camp until dusk, where we’d freshen up, enjoy a drink around the campfire, and then tuck into a hearty dinner made on site and cooked on the fire. Each evening, we had a briefing for the following day before heading to bed, ready to do it all over again.
Adding Victoria Falls to the holiday
Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone over 160 years ago. In 1855, guided by the Makalolo people, he reached what is now Livingstone Island from where he got his first view of the falls, later describing it as a scene “so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.
The falls’ immense power sees over 555,000 cubic metres of water plunge every minute. Over time, the Zambezi River has carved out eight successive precipices, shifting the falls’ location. The Devil’s Cataract on the Zimbabwe side hints at future changes as erosion slowly reshapes this natural wonder.
When travelling with Llama Travel, you have the chance to extend your trip and add Victoria Falls to your itinerary. The Victoria Falls extension was a fantastic way to round off the adventure. The border crossing was smooth, and the guide was well-prepared, making the process easy. Along the way, I even spotted some zebras and elephants (you’ll see more elephants than you’ve ever imagined possible!). I loved Victoria Falls; after all, there’s a reason why it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The guided tour of Victoria Falls offered various viewpoints and fascinating insights into the natural wonder and its surroundings.
Mobile camps vs lodges
While driving through the bush, we passed by various lodges. Although they looked cosy, the experience of arriving at camp with a crackling fire and the sounds of nature all around made me feel that camping was the way to go. The setup was straightforward yet practical, with comfortable beds and ensuite outdoor bathrooms providing everything needed for a memorable safari experience.
I loved staying in the camp because the Okavango Delta safari hosts a maximum of seven guests, with a skilled team including a professional guide, safari chef, and up to two camp staff. Despite visiting different areas, we had the same guide throughout, tailoring the experience to our interests and our game drive bucket list. I found that having a small group with an excellent guide helped us make the most of wildlife viewing.
The camp featured a campfire area, an open-sided dining space, and individual safari tents. Made of thick canvas with mesh windows and doors, the tents allowed airflow during the day but could be zipped shut for warmth at night. There’s no air conditioning or fans, so they can get hot. Inside, they have two single beds with comfy mattresses, a bedside table, a mat, and an LED lamp. A small shaded veranda with foldable chairs sits at the front.
With no fencing, wild animals can wander through camp, so food isn’t allowed in tents, and we had to zip them up securely, as we were advised not to leave our tent during the night. There’s also no phone signal, Internet, or WiFi, which I personally loved as I felt properly wild and in the bush for the whole safari.
Note: You can combine this experience with lovely lodges too.
Food on Safari
The food on safari was nothing short of exceptional, far beyond what I had imagined if I’m being honest. Every meal was freshly prepared right in camp, and the quality was incredible. From hearty breakfasts to plenty of snacks and high tea between meals, plus a delicious three-course dinner each evening, we were very spoilt.
Dietary needs were thoughtfully catered for, and the drinks selection varied from alcoholic beers and wines to soft sodas. The real highlight for me was the dessert! I had the best cheesecake of my life, I’m still not sure how they made it and kept it fresh while in the camp. Every dinner felt like a special occasion with great food, a crackling fire and the night sky.
Packing Tips
As the charter flights into the bush have strict weight limits, luggage must not exceed 20kg in total and should be packed in soft bags. This is an important factor to keep in mind when preparing for the trip.
Read more on ‘what to pack for a safari in Botswana’.
Currency
The guides are accustomed to receiving tips in US dollars, but if you plan to buy souvenirs, I’d recommend bringing a small amount of Botswana Pula. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels.
Final Thoughts
This is a trip I will want to take more than once in my lifetime. It offered some of the best game viewing I’ve ever experienced, with diverse wildlife around every corner. Letaka’s expert guiding brought us right into the heart of the action, making each encounter feel authentic and truly unforgettable. There’s a reason they are the best in the business!
The camps provided a perfect, tranquil base to unwind after each game drive and soak in the sounds of the bush. I’ll also never forget how it felt to see the night sky, shower under the stars, and witness Victoria Falls, possibly the most impressive waterfall on Earth.
If you’re feeling inspired to visit Botswana and Zimbabwe, contact us at Llama Travel, and we’ll help you plan your own unforgettable experience!
