Latest news with #OkavangoDelta
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
There's a New, Unexpected Reason to Visit One of the World's Ultimate Safari Destinations
Our guide, Dux Mareja, threw out his left arm like a shield. 'Step around,' he warned, ushering my family down the main pathway of andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge (from $1,850 per person, all-inclusive), a 12-suite property on the outskirts of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve. Thirty seconds before, we had been gorging on pastries at base camp: a structure resembling a pangolin, with wood shingles for a coat of armor. 'What is it?' I asked, moving swiftly in a single file with Rob, my husband, and our nine-year-old son, Bobby. We peered into the dense thicket, which camouflaged plenty of creatures: some harmless, others not. 'A Mozambique spitting cobra,' he replied, boosting Bobby up into our Land Cruiser. 'One of the deadliest snakes in the world.' We never did get a good look at the cobra. But over two adrenaline-filled days, we did happen upon two leopards mating in a tree; a playful pack of hyena cubs; and a lion on the prowl, stalking a distant male competitor. He eventually sought shade, lying down with a dramatic flop. We followed suit back at the lodge in our suite, propped up on stilts and modeled after the nest of an African golden weaver. It's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security on safari: even in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most untamed spaces. Covering 6,000 square miles—about half the size of Belgium—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like a sponge, always ready to receive. Fed from both seasonal rainfall and water running down from the Angolan highlands via the Okavango River, the Delta and its series of floodplains, swamps, and islands are unbelievably rich in game, with 124 mammals and 464 species of bird on the spotter's checklist. Building, supplying, and staffing camps here has never been easy, something I noticed on my first visit over a decade ago. Function usually trumped form, in the name of sparsely furnished, tented accommodations. But change is afoot, in part due to the stylish, year-old Atzaro Okavango (from $1,850 per person, all-inclusive), a partnership between African Bush Camps and the co-owners of a luxe Spanish hotel company. Singita Elela, debuting in 2026, will further the area's high-design narrative by embracing an organic, airy aesthetic. The shift began with the 2014 rebuild of Sandibe, a crown jewel for luxury hospitality company andBeyond, which operates five properties in the country. 'When we designed Sandibe it was with a contextual background of what we thought to be pretty dull, cookie-cutter, and stagnant 1970s-style lodge design in Botswana,' said Joss Kent, the CEO of andBeyond, noting that all concrete and bricks were removed—250 trucks worth—to make way for more eco-friendly timber. A hybrid solar power plant now supplies 70 percent of Sandibe's energy, which was a first for the region. Sandibe's architectural bona fides aren't immediately apparent: a series of steps lead to a rather demure entrance, shaped like an upside-down U. But once through, the sense of grandeur grips you: huge beams, made of pine sourced from South Africa, implant themselves like ribs in the spacious deck. At the top level is a chic bar, which then gives way to an elevated walkway (the pangolin's tail!), where we dined under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. 'Botswana is one of the rare places on earth that still belongs to its wildlife,' explained Mark Lakin, the founder of the Legacy Untold and an Africa specialist on the Travel + Leisure advisory board. Lakin, who coordinated our trip, insisted we try a doors-off helicopter ride for perspective (and the incredible photos). He was right: from up high, the lush landscape appeared like uneven moss, punctuated by circles of purple-black water, lines of trees, and dots of animals. Botswana holds Africa's largest elephant population, some 132,000. The optimist in me believed I could see all 132,000 from where we sat by the campfire later that day: herds were everywhere, like toys in a diorama. Dux would sometimes point out a solitary bull, tackling all that land with no one to talk to. But he was most excited by a sitatunga, an elusive species of water antelope: it stood half-submerged in a lagoon, like a lakegoer keen to keep their hair dry. Water influences everything here. Two lodges could be separated by a mere 30 miles, as the crow flies–yet entirely inaccessible to even the sturdiest SUV. And so, no sooner after touching down from one helicopter adventure, we were off on another to the famed Wilderness Mombo Camp (from $4,895 per person, all-inclusive), officially part of the Moremi. Opened in 1991, Mombo quickly earned a reputation for being the ne plus ultra of Botswana lodges due to its prime location on Chief's Island: game central. Over sundowners by the campfire, as darkness enveloped the floodplain before us, we could trace the outlines of several elephants, ambling on by. Black-and-white photos of Mombo's most famous animals, including Mmamoriri, a maned lioness, hung in the communal living and dining area, with its immaculate walk-in wine cellar and luxurious little pizza kitchen. Mombo and neighboring Wilderness camp Little Mombo were rebuilt from the ground-up in 2018, a reimagining by South Africa's Nicholas Plewman Architects (the firm also partly responsible for Sandibe) and U.K. design firm Artichoke Interior Design. Each tent is a go-big-or-go-home 2,700-square-feet, with an outdoor pool and an ample dressing room, the irony being that there is rarely the occasion to dress up. The decor, at times, leans vintage (note the deep copper tub), with the requisite modern touches of a luxury hotel. Another nod to the times? A new 8,826-square foot 'Sanctuary,' with meditation cocoons, two treatment rooms, an ice bath, a sauna, a gym, and a remedy bar spotlighting medicinal herbs, debuts at year's end. Wellness is descending upon the Botswanan bush–not long after world-class art. Our final stop was nearby Xigera (from $4,500 per person, all-inclusive), designed by architect Anton de Kock and landscape architect Philip Fourie to be a living museum for African creators, established and emerging. Priceless art sits side by side with Pel's fishing owls, hovering in trees, and the occasional leopard, strolling through camp. Once part of Wilderness Safaris, Xigera reopened in 2021 under the stewardship of the Tollman family, owners of Red Carnation Hotels. In partnership with the Cape Town-based art gallery Southern Guild, the family tapped 80 of the continent's artisans to bring color and craft to the stark wilderness. 'Nothing is generic; everything is intentional,' Toni Tollman, whose family is from South Africa, told me of the private collection, and her desire to create a place where 'African design would be celebrated as an expression of identity, place, and purpose.' Some of the Tollmans' ambitions are less evident to the guest eye, but still impactful: Xigera is also almost fully solar-powered and helping Habu, a nearby village, set up its own composting program. I was constantly scanning our surroundings–for the wildlife, but for artistic treasures that invited questions. In the main lounge, Bobby gravitated toward painted seats clustered around a chess table: the four chairs were carved by Andile Dyalvane, an Eastern Cape artist, the chess set was a beautiful metal board from Philippe Bouquet. Nearby, I discovered wood-panel paintings by the late Cecil Skotnes: a champion of diversity in apartheid South Africa. In the outdoor boma, where we feasted on chef Ziyaad Brown's grilled Namibian lobster, my eye kept returning to the firepit sculpture: a series of eight-foot sculptural spears by blacksmith Conrad Hicks. In our suite, fantastical porcelain lamps from Ardmore satisfied the maximalist in me; a black, geometric ceramic side table by artist Chuma Maweni became perches for our morning coffee. One evening, the Xigera team surprised us with biltong, popcorn, and sundowners at the Baobab Treehouse suite, a short drive from camp. The remarkable structure is inspired by a painting from landscape artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef; bronze-colored branches reach for the sky, surrounding a rooftop bed open to the elements (a screened-in bedroom and bathroom for the skittish is just below). Scanning the delta, wine glass in hand, I couldn't help but wonder if it was all a fantastical, architectural folly. The next day, we happened upon a pride of lions, comfortably ensconced around the tree house base: did they know about all those little luxuries, just within reach? Probably not. But they were content to lounge here for the day, an extension of the suite's magnificent design.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Why You Should Go to This African Country for Your Next Safari—According to a Top Travel Advisor
My first safari in Botswana changed everything for me. I still remember gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (a traditional canoe) at sunrise: the hush of water, the call of a distant fish eagle, and the feeling that I was part of something ancient. That sense of awe became the foundation for my career as a travel advisor and my company, Tribù Travel. To this day, Botswana remains my touchstone for what a truly transformative safari can be. The Okavango Delta is pure magic—an UNESCO-listed wetland where the Kalahari Desert's thirst is quenched by seasonal floods. There, game drives reveal elephants wading through papyrus channels, leopards draped over fig branches, and a dazzling array of birdlife. There are a variety of ways to explore it, including: Mokoros, traditional dugout canoes steered by expert polers, offer a gentle, immersive encounter with the Delta's rhythms. Motorboat safaris and catch-and-release fishing add a dose of adventure in deeper waters. Guided bush walks invite you to track spoor (animal footprints), learn about medicinal plants, and see the bush from a new perspective. For extra'wow' factor, take a helicopter over the floodplains or visit Tsodilo Hills, a spiritual and cultural highlight home to over 4,000 ancient indigenous San rock paintings. Contrast the Delta's lushness with the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where the horizon stretches in all directions like a white mirage. Here, you can: Quad bike across the pans to the Lost Island of Baobabs. Sleep out under a canopy of stars. Witness the annual zebra migration, Africa's second-largest, as thousands of zebra and wildebeest traverse the pans. Walk with Botswana's indigenous San people and learn ancestral skills: tracking, fire-making, and storytelling that connect you to the land's oldest rhythms. Visit habituated meerkat colonies for up-close encounters that feel straight out of a nature documentary. Botswana's safaris are more than sightings—they're about connection and contribution. Conservation-focused outfitters like Natural Selection Travel and Great Plains Conservation invite guests to: Learn about human-wildlife coexistence from local farmers and conservation experts. Join predator researchers in tracking wild dogs or lions. Support initiatives like African Bush Camps Foundation's Female Guides Program, which empowers women to become safari guides through mentorship and field training, helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry. Botswana's diversity—flooded delta, arid salt pans, teeming wildlife—mirrors the richness of its safari experiences. Whether floating past a kingfisher in the Delta or sharing a fireside tale with a San elder in the Kalahari, you're not just an observer here: you're a participant, a steward, and a storyteller. For travelers seeking a safari that is as meaningful as it is breathtaking, Botswana delivers in ways that linger long after you've returned home. Marni Granston is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Kenya and Botswana trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Granston by contacting her at marni@ Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
Why You Should Go to This African Country for Your Next Safari—According to a Top Travel Advisor
My first safari in Botswana changed everything for me. I still remember gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (a traditional canoe) at sunrise: the hush of water, the call of a distant fish eagle, and the feeling that I was part of something ancient. That sense of awe became the foundation for my career as a travel advisor and my company, Tribù Travel. To this day, Botswana remains my touchstone for what a truly transformative safari can be. Botswana's Okavango Delta, seen from a helicopter. Lost Horizon Images/The Okavango Delta is pure magic—an UNESCO-listed wetland where the Kalahari Desert's thirst is quenched by seasonal floods. There, game drives reveal elephants wading through papyrus channels, leopards draped over fig branches, and a dazzling array of birdlife. There are a variety of ways to explore it, including: Mokoros, traditional dugout canoes steered by expert polers, offer a gentle, immersive encounter with the Delta's rhythms. Motorboat safaris and catch-and-release fishing add a dose of adventure in deeper waters. Guided bush walks invite you to track spoor (animal footprints), learn about medicinal plants, and see the bush from a new perspective. For extra'wow' factor, take a helicopter over the floodplains or visit Tsodilo Hills, a spiritual and cultural highlight home to over 4,000 ancient indigenous San rock paintings. A lone baobab tree in the Makgadikgadi Pan. 2630ben/iStockphoto/Getty Images Contrast the Delta's lushness with the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where the horizon stretches in all directions like a white mirage. Here, you can: Quad bike across the pans to the Lost Island of Baobabs. Sleep out under a canopy of stars. Witness the annual zebra migration, Africa's second-largest, as thousands of zebra and wildebeest traverse the pans. Walk with Botswana's indigenous San people and learn ancestral skills: tracking, fire-making, and storytelling that connect you to the land's oldest rhythms. Visit habituated meerkat colonies for up-close encounters that feel straight out of a nature documentary. Canoeing at the Great Plains Okavango Explorers Camp. Great Plains Conservation Botswana's safaris are more than sightings—they're about connection and contribution. Conservation-focused outfitters like Natural Selection Travel and Great Plains Conservation invite guests to: Learn about human-wildlife coexistence from local farmers and conservation experts. Join predator researchers in tracking wild dogs or lions. Support initiatives like African Bush Camps Foundation's Female Guides Program, which empowers women to become safari guides through mentorship and field training, helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry. Botswana's diversity—flooded delta, arid salt pans, teeming wildlife—mirrors the richness of its safari experiences. Whether floating past a kingfisher in the Delta or sharing a fireside tale with a San elder in the Kalahari, you're not just an observer here: you're a participant, a steward, and a storyteller. For travelers seeking a safari that is as meaningful as it is breathtaking, Botswana delivers in ways that linger long after you've returned home. Marni Granston is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Kenya and Botswana trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Granston by contacting her at [email protected] .
Travel Daily News
02-07-2025
- Travel Daily News
Desert & Delta Safaris announces Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat
Desert & Delta Safaris launches the Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, blending mindfulness, culture, and nature for a transformative experience in Botswana. Desert & Delta Safaris unveil the Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, an exclusive four-night experience which launches on November 28th 2025. Designed for guests seeking profound connection and restoration, this immersive journey promises to blend movement, mindfulness, and cultural exploration in Botswana's awe-inspiring Okavango Panhandle. Hosted at the secluded Nxamaseri Island Lodge, the retreat offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Okavango Delta and the ancient Tsodilo Hills, while reconnecting with nature, self, and spirit. Guests seeking this explorative adventure will spend three nights at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and one night at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out, and partake in a plethora of rejuvenating activities, including guided meditation and breathwork sessions, stargazing, and sunrise summit hikes. The Awakening Experience: A Journey of Renewal The Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat is curated for a select group of just 10, ensuring intimacy and personalised attention. Under the guidance of renowned wellness expert and certified yoga instructor Kerrith O'Fee, participants will embark on a holistic journey that weaves together ancient wisdom, mindful movement, and the tranquil rhythms of the Okavango. Kerrith is the founder of Victoria Falls Yoga and holds degrees in psychology and wellness, and brings a wealth of expertise to the retreat. Her approach is rooted in both scientific understanding and spiritual tradition, ensuring that each guest's experience is both nurturing and transformative. 'It's a rare blend of local life, ancient culture, and the slow, peaceful rhythms of the Okavango Panhandle. Even the lodge itself, with its towering jackalberry trees and palms, feels like a hidden sanctuary. It's the ideal setting for self-reflection and transformation,' says Kerrith. Each day begins with sunrise yoga on Nxamaseri's dedicated yoga deck overlooking the serene lagoon. Guests are invited to participate in guided strength and conditioning flows, sound healing sessions, and reflective journalling. These practices are thoughtfully designed to foster mindfulness, enhance physical well-being, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Nxamaseri Island Lodge: Sanctuary on the Water Situated on a private island in the permanent winding waterways of the Okavango Panhandle, Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a haven of tranquillity and beauty. The lodge features just eight chalets, each thoughtfully positioned for privacy and immersion in nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, guests can unwind in the spa or take a dip in the swimming pool between activities. The lodge's design and atmosphere celebrate the slower pace of life in the Delta, encouraging guests to disconnect from the outside world and fully embrace the rhythms of the wild. Wellness Spa: Tribal Roots and Local Empowerment The Nxamaseri Wellness Spa, in partnership with Tribal Roots, offers a range of treatments using organic, local products made by women from the surrounding communities. The spa's philosophy centres on sustainability, empowerment and holistic healing. Treatments can be booked in advance or arranged during your stay, with payment accepted by credit card at the lodge. Cultural Immersion: The Spirit of Tsodilo Hills A highlight of the retreat is the overnight expedition to Tsodilo Hills, accessed via a breathtaking helicopter transfer (for an additional cost) over the Okavango Panhandle or an exclusive transfer using Desert & Delta Safaris' brand-new decked-out minibus. At the Sleep-Out Camp, guests sleep beneath the stars at Botswana's Highest peak, the Male Hill. The evening features a traditional trance dance ceremony led by a local San Bushmen group, offering a rare glimpse into one of Africa's oldest cultural traditions. Tsodilo Hills, known locally as 'the Mountains of the Gods', is a place of immense spiritual and cultural significance for Botswana's ancient cultures. With more than 4,500 ancient rock paintings, the hills are a living gallery of human history and a sacred site for rituals, storytelling, and prayer. Guided by local experts, guests will explore the hills' unique geology and art, gaining insight into the beliefs and traditions of the region's oldest inhabitants. The sense of solitude and tranquillity at Tsodilo is profound, offering a rare chance to reflect and connect with the land's ancient spirit. Epic Experiences: Wellness Meets Adventure The Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat is part of Desert & Delta Safaris' Epic Experiences collection, a series of tailor-made itineraries celebrating Botswana's most unique destinations and adventures. This seasonal offering runs alongside the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Ultra Marathon collaboration, offering opportunities to combine wellness with adventure, cultural immersion, and conservation. Other Epic Experiences include birding, fishing, women's empowerment journeys, and sleep-out adventures, each designed to offer exclusivity and extraordinary value. The Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in a landscape rich with natural beauty and ancient wisdom. With its thoughtful blend of wellness, culture and adventure, this retreat is designed to leave you feeling renewed, connected, and inspired, a true awakening in the heart of Botswana.
Travel Daily News
18-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Botswana voted Africa's Best Safari Country 2025
This year's research analyzed over 3,100 reviews – 1,763 user reviews gathered by between January 1, 2024 and April 9, 2025 and 1,342 reviews written by 26 reputable guidebook authors who work for a variety of publishers including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer's, Bradt Guides and Footprint. Despite fierce competition among African nations renowned for offering unique wildlife encounters, Botswana emerged as the clear frontrunner. The country's appeal lies in its dramatic natural contrasts – from the arid expanses of the Kalahari Desert to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's premier wildlife habitats. Botswana's safari experience is deeply rooted in conservation. Its low-impact, high-quality tourism model emphasizes sustainability, which continues to resonate with both first-time and repeat visitors. Notable highlights include opportunities to spot the elusive African wild dog, guided canoe trips through the delta's winding channels, and ancient San rock art sites that add a cultural dimension to nature-based exploration. The comprehensive nature of the survey, combining insights from tourists and seasoned safari experts, reinforces Botswana's standing as a leader in delivering high-caliber, responsible safari experiences on the continent. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for specialized safari tours in Africa. More than 1,500 specialized safari operators from around the world offer their safari tours on the SafariBookings platform. Every year more than 4 million people visit to find their perfect safari.
