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Botswana 2004
After my first trip to Africa, I was hooked. I had to figure out how to get back, without a travel partner or a ton of money. The solution was a participation safari, but most are longer than what I had for vacation time. Lucky for me, I found a semi-participation safari through CC Africa Expeditions that was inclusive and lasted 10 days. (Unfortunately it appears the company no longer exists, but you can find similar safaris doing an internet search.) Choosing this safari was one of my best travel decisions. First, I made life long friends. Second, I began to understand my love for Africa. The air, the stars, the peace and the feeling of freedom deep in my heart was overwhelming. Botswana has a piece of my heart forever and is hands down, the best trip I have ever taken.
In preparation for my trip I needed some vaccinations that most Americans don’t generally need: Hepatitis A/B (although this is becoming more common), Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Malaria pills are also highly recommended. I have tried a few and have found Malarone to be what works best for me.
Also, a trip like this meant traveling light. I had a backpack and a duffel bag. Things with wheels don’t travel well over dirt! I spent weeks packing and unpacking until I came down to the best balance of clothing I could fit. I was prepared for hot days and cool nights.
When I arrived in Maun, I arranged to stay one night at the Motsentsela Tree Lodge where I found the owners to be very welcoming and informative. Their advice to me for “next time” was to fly to Maun, stay with them and they could hook me up with outfitters who have space at a much more affordable price. I haven’t been able to take them up on it, but maybe one day when I have a more flexible schedule!
The next day, I met my guide and we flew on a 4 seater plane into the Okavango Delta. We pitched our tents on the grounds of Nxabega Tented Camp. Please note that our accommodations were not what you see on the website. But we had small, clean tents with cots and they even put up a shower and toilet for us.
Our activities were the same as anyone using the luxury lodges. We rode in mokoro canoes, were stalked by a hyena and did game walks. I took a Canon EOS Digital Camera on this trip so I would capture better pictures.
The trip took us from the Delta, to Chobe where we stayed at regular campsites and then into Zimbabwe for a night at Matetsi Water Lodge and ultimately Victoria Falls. I traveled in the shoulder season at the end of the rainy season. The falls were in full force, so it was quite difficult to get clear photos.
When you are doing a budget trip, this usually means more driving. But in Botswana, almost every drive is a game drive. Victoria Falls was beautiful and I took a microlight flight that was amazing. Once I arrived into Zambia, I noticed much more commercialization. I stayed my last two nights at The Zambezi Sun which was nice, but it was a large tourist resort. Regardless, it was a safe, nice way to end my trip and I look forward to returning so I can see more of Zambia.
It is important to note that if you choose to do this trip, you cannot have much luggage. I took an old backpack (although if I did it again I would use this one) and a duffel bag, similar to this one.
