If you’ve been considering a Southern Africa safari adventure for your next vacation, you’re in the right place. Join our Senior Travel Consultants, Donna and Rehana, as they recap their travels that included both a safari in Botswana and a foodie & wine lover’s dream in South Africa. Their luxurious travel itinerary includes a little bit of everything — stunning accommodations, mouthwatering cuisine, incredible wine, a relaxing spa day and, of course, wildlife galore.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, Donna and Rehana were immediately greeted by a representative, making their first moments on the ground stress-free. They were accompanied from the air bridge through Immigration/Customs to the Arrivals terminal. There they were introduced to their English-speaking driver who whisked them away to their hotel for a good meal and rest before the real adventures began.
Transfer highlights
A comfortable private vehicle, complete with cold water, cool towels, and mints, drove them to their hotel.
The Residence is a quaint boutique hotel located in the affluent suburb of Houghton in Johannesburg. Both described the hotel and restaurant as intimate, cozy and having a lot of character. It is a great way to begin or end a trip — a wonderful place to relax and unwind after a long flight or action-packed safari.
The next morning it was back to the airport to catch a flight to Maun, Botswana (approx. 1 hr 40 min), followed by a quick 20 min hop via small turboprop plane to Qorokwe where they felt the magnificence of the Delta even before landing.
Pro Tip
Due to aircraft requirements, there is a strict luggage allowance and all luggage should be soft-sided duffle bags. When travelling with Swain Destinations, these important details are included in your itinerary to ensure that you are prepared for hassle-free transportation.
Qorokwe Wilderness
Qorokwe Camp encompasses 64,000 acres of high-density game area of the south-eastern Okavango, bordering the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. The camp is situated between two rivers and overlooks a lagoon, inviting abundant wildlife.
Since Qorokwe translates to ‘The place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water’, it is apt that their first adventure was on the water. They set out on a makoro, or little canoe, in which a guide paddled them through the water to explore. They came upon a hippo pool, which they observed from a safe distance while their guide expertly navigated them back to camp. Donna still gets giddy with joy when recalling the noisy grunting sounds of the hippos!
They stayed in a tented family suite at Qorokwe, but do not be fooled by the word tent. Their spacious 2-bedroom plus communal living room suite even had it’s own splash pool. Every aspect of the property’s sleek design is intended to connect guests to nature and culture, down to the water features and traditional woven baskets.
Wilderness Chitabe Lediba
Their next stop was Chitabe Lediba, also neighboring the Moremi Game Reserve in the south-eastern part of the Okavango Delta. Also located next to a lagoon, Chitabe has many opportunities to observe animals and birds stopping by for a drink.
Here they were greeted with a huge feast of quiche, meat skewers, salad, grilled vegetables, pasta, breads, olive oil, and wine. With full stomachs, they set out for an experience that truly embodied everything one would expect from a safari in Botswana. Rehana described it as a wildlife paradise.
A wildlife paradise.
Their accommodations were charmingly rustic and amenities included a refreshing pool, fire pit, lounge area, and communal restaurant, as well as endless views of the expansive Delta. The camp overlooks a small lagoon and they even witnessed an elephant leisurely stroll by the waterhole.
Wilderness DumaTau
The next day they departed for a short 25-minute flight to the the northern part of Botswana. DumaTau, meaning ‘roar of the lion,’ is a luxury tented camp located in the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve on the western boundary of Chobe National Park.
Donna and Rehana were impressed by their spacious accommodations complete with gorgeous decor, separate bedrooms, a living room, and private plunge pool. They were also in awe of the excellent dining options, which included afternoon tea from a menu, an outstanding bush barbeque, and a lovely breakfast.
It wouldn’t be safari in Botswana without a few memorable wildlife highlights. Donna could see elephants crossing the river right from her room. Meanwhile, Rehana heard the antics of baboons bouncing on her roof at night! Both said the nature sounds surrounding the camp were incredible.
Sunsets on Safari in Botswana
Rehana is a bit of a sunset connoisseur and was delighted to be treated to cocktails at sunset, known as sundowners, by boat at DumaTau. We think you’ll agree with Rehana’s sentiment that…
There’s no better place for a sunrise and sunset than Africa.
Donna and Rehana’s next stop is South Africa for a foodie and wine lover’s dream vacation. If you can’t wait another minute to start planning a safari in Southern Africa, contact our team of expert Africa travel consultants.
Top Southern Africa Safari Destinations
In addition to Botswana, below are our other top Southern Africa safari destinations.
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