"Okavango - Jewel of Africa" Top 5 Page for this destination Botswana by pmarshuk

Botswana Travel Guide: 899 reviews and 2,156 photos

I spent 2 weeks in the Okavango Delta with Wilderness Safaris in their so-called tented camps. Camping was never like this when I was young, see the accomodation tips to get an idea of how luxurious these places are.
Fortunately my daughter and son-in-law were managers at Jao camp so I was able to avoid the very high costs normally associated with these type of camps. (Update - my daughter is now pregnant and they have had to give up this job :-(
Also stayed at Xigera, Duma Tau and Duba Plains camps, all in or around the Delta, but in slightly different environments so each has it's own attractions.
Duba Plains is in an area with large buffalo herds so it also attracts lots of predators and it was here that I saw some fantastic lion action

Botswana has a reputaion of being a very upmarket destination and in general this is true. But it is worth noting that most of the tourism is built up with the aim of helping Botswana and its people. You won't find mega tour companies and hotel chains here. The lodges are on concessions leased from the local tribes and apart from the managers all the staff are from Botswana. In some cases the local villages are extremely involved with running the camps and all take a share of the profits.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fantastic wildlife without the crowds

Last visit to Botswana: Mar 2002
Intro Updated Mar 27, 2006
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Reviews (41)

Sundowners Restaurants (3)

Is it a restaurant or is it nightlife. Whatever it comes under having a gin and tonic sundowner out in the Delta is... more travel advice

Acacia Trees Favorites (2)

I love the look of Acacia trees in the delta. They look so graceful. I kept meaning to get a picture of a really good... more travel advice

Zebra and Wildebeest Things to Do (24)

Small herds of these raom the plains, the widlebeest stay close to zebra because the zebra have much better eyesight and... more travel advice

How close do you want to get. - Botswana

How close do you want to get. Things to Do (24)

One of the great things about being an Okavango safari is seeing the animals in their natural environment without the... more travel advice

Hotels (6)
See All View from my "tent"
Nightlife (1)
Around the campfire.
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Beware the lone buffalo

What to Pack (2)
See All Strongest possible mosquito repellant
Transportation (1)
Tiny plane over the Delta
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Comments (44)

elpariente May 8, 2010 at 2:56 PM Report Abuse

I hope to see so many animals as you during our next visit to the Okavango thank you for your tips Gracias !!!!
nora_south_africa Dec 2, 2007 at 1:57 PM Report Abuse

Great tips thanx
MikeBird Oct 9, 2007 at 11:57 AM Report Abuse

Hi there Terrific photo of a Woodland Kingfisher. Back in the 1980s I lived in Botswana and spent several holidays in the Okavango. Your pictures of the makoro have brought it all back to me. Thanks for the memories, Mike
hindu1936 May 18, 2007 at 11:28 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the photos and perspective on viewing Botswana. We are going through there to avoid Zimbabwe and the pages helped chose a route.
cchiuching May 13, 2007 at 10:14 AM Report Abuse

Great tips! How much does it cost approximately for a safaris for a week?
catpause Apr 1, 2007 at 1:27 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great information and photographs. We are headed to Botswana in July, staying at Duma Tau as well as others. Looking forward to a great time as it seems you did.
Sininen Dec 5, 2006 at 8:48 PM Report Abuse

Hello Phil! Thank you for taking me back to Botswana, what an amazing place. Unfortunately my camera decided to stop working there so all I have left are my memories. Happy birthday from Finland!
nigelw6443 Dec 1, 2006 at 1:08 AM Report Abuse

Excellent pages! I just came back from Namibia. Botswana will hopefully be next! Nigel
sierralyndon Jul 11, 2005 at 6:12 AM Report Abuse

Amazing stories and photos! Never really considered Botswana as a destination, but now it's a must! Thank you for the tips.
Waxbag Dec 6, 2004 at 6:38 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic information on the Delta. You saw a lot! john