5 Secret Safari Destination in Botswana
Cradle your spirit with peaceful country of wildlife, culture and landscapes. Chobe is Land of Giants. It has a diverse habitat comprising savannah, grasslands and the lush floodplains and marsh areas that form part of the Chobe River. The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland wetlands in the world and was nominated as one of the natural wonders of the world in 2013. My aim is to share botswana's secret and authentic lodges.
1. Mapula Lodge, Okavango Delta
Mapula Lodge is deep in the Okavango Delta in a pristine. It is situated on a private concession of 12 000 hectares and bordering the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve, Mapula is perfectly situated for a variety of sightings on a
Botswana safari. Professional guides will take you out on a traditional,mekoro to enjoy a water safari where you will find wild animals like hippo and crocodile. Lion, leopard and wild dog have been very active in the area, also there is very good birdlife for ornithologists.
As far as accommodation is concerned, this uncomplicated, luxury lodge has seven twin rooms, one double room and one family unit. The lodge has been built as an extension of the environment and hardwood trees and fig trees provide a natural feel over the lodge. Rooms have been built on wooden stilts which provide a bird's eye view of the Okavango Delta. Some other facilities like Open-air showers and classic zinc bath tubs complete its rustic atmosphere.
2. Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge, Chobe National Park
Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is ideal for the traveller who craves remoteness in a breathtaking setting. Gracefully perched on the ledges of Ghoha Hills in the Chobe National Park, this eco-sensitive lodge offers sweeping views of the landscapes and horizons that go on for miles, the night skies and horizons practically envelope you.
Ghoha Hills is independently owned and is run purely on green, solar energy to ensure minimal impact on the environment. There is an open, main thatched area which houses a dining area, bar and curio shop. Nine, twin-bed suites and two family canvas suites rest comfortably on raised wooden decks on the ledge of the hills. Watch game and observe the activity at the waterhole from your private wooden patio or relax in romantic atmosphere at the central boma area where lamps and lanterns light up. Guests can enjoy daily game drives which take place in Ghoha Hills concession and also on the famous Savuti Channel and marsh.
3. Haina Kalahari Lodge, Central Kalahari
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a semi-arid desert region with low-lying shrubs and home to the famous valley of desolation. The Kalahari is also home to the rare black-maned lions and the oryx, which is often depicted on brochures of Africa. Apart from its rather stark and breathtaking landscape, one of the reasons to visit the Kalahari is to know the oldest inhabitants of the place, the Khoi San. They were nomads living off the land. Culturally, the Kalahari is also known as Africa's gem.
This Lodge is located on the border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The location is the key point of it being secret and amazing both. Day trips into the reserve, quad bike rides and daily game drives are just of the activities to be enjoyed while staying at Haina. Here you can spend time learning the San dialect, how to use plants for medicinal purposes and, at the end of your walk, you can enjoy a folk dance.
The tents here are super luxurious and equipped enough to give 100% security and privacy.
The stay will give you experience of dwelling in the middle of dessert, surrounded by wildlife yet luxurious and soothing.
4. Camp Savuti, Chobe National Park
The location itself take advantage of its spectacular surrounds. It has 5 meru style, traditional tents. This is the Savuti Marsh a wildlife paradise where daily game drives explore the pristine fringes of the channel and marsh area. During 1982 the area got dried up due to earth tremors. But with the recurrence of tremors in 2010 the channel started to flow. Guests can relax in simple stylish comfort in their canvas tents. Tents overlook the Savuti Channel and the wooden platforms at the entrance of the tents serve as a fantastic game-viewing platform.
5. Camp Linyanti, Chobe National Park
Witnessing a wildlife migration is always a key highlight of any wildlife safari and this is a major attraction in the place. During the November zebras foal in the Savuti and migrate to Linyanti between February - April. The place - Linyanti is a far, Off-beaten track wetland oasis best suited for wildlife enthusiasts. The Linyanti is fed by the flooded Chobe and Kwando rivers. In addition with offering the standard game drives, Camp Linyanti also offers boating activities. Views at the camp are amazing. Here you will find elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope and a variety of mammals.