Nathan visits Botswana
4.09.15 | Nathan CollinsI embarked on my next African adventure with great anticipation. Following on from my recent visit to South Africa and after creating many holidays to these destinations over the years, I was intrigued to find out first-hand what Botswana and Zambia had to offer.
For many safari lovers Botswana is considered to be the pinnacle destination and as soon as I landed in the Okavango Delta I could see why. The feeling of wilderness, isolation and beauty really came to the forefront of my thoughts.
My whirlwind tour was packed full of magical experiences that will remain with me for a lifetime. On my first day in Botswana, I embarked upon an interaction with three semi-habituated African elephants, in the heart of their natural environment. I walked with them, observed and learnt all about their ways in such an educational manor. I can assure you when standing next to a fully grown African bull elephant you can really feel the beat of your heart. Doug, a real bushman, who ran the experience, saved the elephants from being culled over 20 years ago and they are now very much a part of his life.
My second day took me to Chief’s Island and the Moremi Reserve. This is known as the predator capital of Africa and I can see why. My first game drive delivered the very rare sight of a leopard kill. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and hearing the sounds of the bush after this event is an experience I will never forget.
The following day it was time to move on again, so I took to the skies by light aircraft, which is a tremendous experience in itself if you are a lover of flying. The small aircraft only carried eight passengers and it was a great way to travel between camps. And so I entered the Chobe Reserve.
The Chobe gives you a totally different experience. It was my first time on a game drive by boat. This is quite unique to Botswana and gave us some amazing bird sightings as well as crocodiles roaming on the banks of the river. The sunset that evening was the most beautiful I had ever seen!
On my final day I took the short flight to Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The falls were such a magnificent sight and must be seen to be believed. It proved a fantastic end to an amazing adventure, such a diverse trip with so many different experiences. A safari holiday really must go on every person’s to-do list.
Explore Botswana