A Sense of Place – A favourite place in Botswana: the Okavango with elephants galore
November 4, 2022
We are now in what scientists call the Anthropocene age, with about seven billion humans having more control of the planet than ever before. It remains to be seen whether we become reformed custodians of the planet we live in or continue to destroy it.
Fortunately there are some places that are still pristine. Botswana, for instance, has adopted a high-cost, low impact tourism model which has made for good governance in regions such as the Okavango Delta. Operating a safari concession here involves meeting very strict criteria: the number of guests is limited, ensuring tourism has a positive ecological impact in this watery wilderness, and a fair land rent is paid to local communities.
Botswana is home to about a third of the elephants left in the world. On safari here you will definitely have time to observe these gentle creatures playing by a waterhole or in the mud. They always give each other space, and you may well hear the soft rumble of communication between them. When it is time to move on the herd checks to make sure that all the family members are present and correct. The word empathy springs to mind.
A couple of hidden gems for your next trip:
Amber River Camp:
- A free helicopter transfer from Maun for stays of three nights or longer in Low and Shoulder season; a relatively slow way of seeing the expanse of the Delta from the air;
- Diverse habitat bordering the Moremi Game Reserve: mopane woodland, acacia trees, savannah, floodplains, permanent channels and tiny islands;
- An ethos of “touching the earth lightly” with fully solar-powered energy;
- Honey farming and bee conservation projects;
- Unpretentious decor in the style of romantic 1930s safaris;
- A game-rich concession throughout the year enjoyed via mokoro canoe trips, bush walks and game drives.
Gomoti Plains Camp:
- Especially beautiful topography and vegetation, from ilala palms to leadwood trees;
- A high density of elephant and buffalo;
- Views overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River surrounded by forests;
- A child-friendly safari activity programme;
- Visits to Gonnye Sethlare school funded by Machaba Safari, the company which operates this camp.
- The camp also helps to fund a small house-building programme for destitute families, supply water to a village near Maun, maintain an anti-poaching vehicle, and run youth and musical development programmes.
Thinking about a holiday?
Call Miles on 0207 723 5858
Call Miles on 0207 723 5858
Picture credits: Machaba safaris, Martin Harvey, Hidden Okavango & Clint Geilink
With thanks to Sarah Geyer. And to Steff Ruff and Vix Pearson for modelling.
With thanks to Sarah Geyer. And to Steff Ruff and Vix Pearson for modelling.
NB prices shown were current at the time of writing the newsletter and are not necessarily current now.
Please ask for an updated quote.
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