Join me on my latest adventure: An Unforgettable African Safari in Botswana! This journal entry is your first-class ticket to a world of indulgence and excitement in the heart of Africa. Just imagine waking up to the sounds of the savanna, sipping a hot cup of coffee, and watching the sun rise over the horizon from the comfort of your room. As you step out of your luxurious, air-conditioned tent, you’re greeted by a herd of elephants, lions, and giraffes roaming freely…
Bucket-list worthy, right?!
If you want to immerse yourself in untamed nature and 5-star hospitality, you’re going to want to keep reading. From exhilarating game drives and eco-activities to in-room massages, bush brunches, and afternoon teas, all set amidst the breathtaking surroundings of the African wilderness, this journal entry is truly one of a kind. Buckle up and get ready to discover the hidden beauty of Botswana from a new perspective because this journey includes 6 flights, 2 boat rides, and countless game drives.
An Unforgettable African Safari in Botswana
First Stop: DumaTau
Day 1:
Picture this: I arrive on a private charter owned and operated by Wilderness. My driver picks me up on the runway. And as I head towards camp, elephants are roaming about casting a magnificent spell. I’ve already fallen in love. I arrive and spend the day settling in and enjoying afternoon tea; then take part in an electrifying game drive looking for lions as the sun sets a golden glow over the savanna.
Epic first day, I know.
The magic didn’t stop there! As night fell, my guides and I transformed into nocturnal creatures and explored the bush using only a spotlight to reveal the creatures of the night. My bravery was rewarded with a feast for the senses. Dinner dishes were expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients and paired with a glass of Protea Rose from Franschhoek. A glass, you must try. As you can imagine, I went to bed filled with excitement for the next day’s adventure. And it did not disappoint!
Day 2:
Woken up by the friendly “good morning” and the gentle shake of a flashlight, I made my way to breakfast by the campfire to meet my tour guides. The morning game drive took me into the heart of the wilderness where I was treated to a parade of wildlife including lions and birds. A curious warthog even trotted towards me! I took a break from the action with lunch on a barge surrounded by a hippo and croc-filled waters. So, still some action, but the relaxing kind. Here, I witnessed a heartwarming sight of a herd of elephants crossing the river.
As the sun started to retreat, I made my way to the luxurious Sun Hide; a private honeymoon suite where couples can sleep under the stars and enjoy the serenity of DumaTau. From the gentle call of the waddle cranes to the stunning display of stars that started to poke through the night sky, I couldn’t help but think of how perfect this moment was; but the true magic happened when I returned to camp for dinner.
It was an incredible display of flavors. I was especially impressed by the potato and leek soup which was a comforting and delicious start. For the main course, I opted for the vegan lentil curry which was served with a generous helping of delicious cauliflower. It was bold and robust, and I couldn’t help but go back for seconds. The cherry on top was the berry lemon tiramisu; a sweet way to end an amazing meal, but the evening wasn’t over yet! To cap off an already memorable night, I enjoyed a beer tasting.
Next stop: Vumbura Plains
Day 3:
The morning started with a symphony of nature’s sounds; lulling me back to sleep after waking briefly for a breathtaking sunrise at 5:00 a.m. No adventure is complete without a delicious breakfast. So, the head chef dished up my favorite omelet to set the tone for a fantastic day ahead.
Shortly after, I took to the skies with a short flight from the Chobe Airstrip to Vumbura Plains soaring over Paradise Lagoon. And guys, I must admit, this is my favorite property. As the plane landed, a herd of zebras greeted us on the airstrip making for a grandiose arrival. After a 40-minute drive, I arrived at my luxurious accommodations for the next two nights, complete with a welcome crew and the sweet sounds of their tribal music.
My guide, Willie, was there to make sure I made the most of our time in Vumbura Plains. And, that I did! I indulged in a relaxing in-room mobile spa treatment before checking out the common space area. A fun feature that stuck out was a bathroom coined the “Lou with a View;” a completely open restroom with stunning views facing the lagoon. Which, I did use by the way.
Lunch was a highlight, thanks to the talented Chef Stephen. I tried his spicy chicken sandwich with sweet potato chips. Everything was equally fresh as it was bursting with taste. My new room was just as stunning as the last location. With views of elephants from my lanai, I had to take a refreshing dip in my private plunge pool and take in the sight from that perspective. If you haven’t caught on yet, plunge pools are my favorite way to start and end a trip.
Shortly after, my guides and I set out on an afternoon game drive which was all about spotting giraffes. Mission accomplished, to say the least. We stumbled upon a herd grazing at Giraffe Pam, also known as the giraffes’ watering hole, and the scenery was so out-of-this-world that I decided to spend sundown there. To add to an already over-the-top perfect 24 hours, I took an outdoor shower under the stars while overlooking Paradise Lagoon; truly a paradise on earth. An experience I will treasure for a lifetime.
Day 4:
My morning started with a hilarious 5:00 a.m. wake-up call. I requested Big O (one of my favorite staff members) to greet me with “Hello queen, time to rise” instead of a typical good morning. And to my delight, he obliged! As I strolled to breakfast, I was graced with a rare sight of a hippo wandering out of the water. I kept a safe distance and allowed myself to fully absorb the magic of the moment.
I hit the ground running with an early game drive at 6:20 a.m. The journey began with the distant trumpeting of elephants. Oh no, the sound of a predator! It was time to venture off-road to check on our elephant friends. To my relief, we found them a big family of four adults and one adorable baby, safe and sound.
After a 40-minute drive, I stumbled upon a family of baboons and a pack of eight African wild dogs. It was clear these dogs were up to no good and quickly spread out, ready for the hunt. The entire pack broke out into a full-on chase. We followed close behind, speeding through the wooded terrain. Finally, we ended up at a watering hole where we just missed the action, but from the looks of it, the dogs prevailed.
Not long after, I opted for a walking tour which was just a little scary considering the circle of life I had just witnessed. It was a day of non-stop thrills and learning! And just when I thought the surprises were over, I returned to my lodgings in the North Vumbura Plains to find the ultimate treat waiting for me – a bush brunch! With a spread of African delicacies, I took a moment to soak in the beauty of my surroundings and relive all the amazing moments from the day — from coming face-to-face with towering giraffes to uncovering the secrets of the mysterious anteater holes.
After all that excitement, it was time to indulge in a little bit of pampering. I treated myself to an 80-minute scrub and massage combo in my room and let me tell you – I emerged feeling like a brand-new person! Shortly after I drifted off to sleep, I was woken up by a gentle giant – an elephant meandering in the distance. Since the day wasn’t over yet, I decided to end it with a bang – an afternoon game drive on a high-speed boat tour. It was an adrenaline-fueled adventure, taking me deeper into the bush than I had been and introducing all sorts of resident wildlife only visible on the water.
Little Vumbura Tour
Day 5:
I overslept and missed the sunrise but made up for it by taking it easy and soaking up the peaceful sounds of the plains outside my window. Shortly after breakfast, I hopped on a 5-minute boat ride to reach Little Vumbura, a hidden gem nestled on an island in the Okavango Delta. Despite its picturesque setting, it’s a bittersweet goodbye as the island is dying and will soon be abandoned. As hard as it was to say farewell, its decline has been expected, so a new island is being crafted to mimic its beauty, with a few updates.
A Surprise Visit to Mombo
More surprises! Again, just when I thought I was headed back, an unexpected helicopter ride to Mombo with my guide, Miriam from Wilderness, awaited us. Casual, I know. Dubbed the “Place of Plenty,” Mombo is a prime viewing ground for lions, wild dogs, and leopards. It’s also one of the leaders in responsible hospitality and is showing the way in successfully reintroducing rhinos back into the Delta. As soon as I arrived at “the place of plenty,” it lived up to its name. I was greeted by an abundance of sneaky baboons who were everywhere, even making their way into the gift shop where they helped themselves to whatever they wanted.
The Final Flight for the Day – Jao
I said goodbye to my baboon friends and took off on my final flight of the day to Jao. It was action-packed in the best way possible. Upon landing, I headed straight to my camp for orientation, and after a quick stop at my room, I set off on yet another afternoon game drive. I was thrilled to have intimate encounters with elephants and buffalos, though my search for the elusive leopard was fruitless this time around. However, I discovered something even better – a stunning sundown. The sky lit up with vibrant hues of orange, red, and pink, creating a scene, unlike anything I’d seen before. I stayed until the last drop of light left the sky. Then, headed back to Jao for dinner. With a full heart and stomach, I drifted off to sleep feeling deep gratitude for the final days to come.
Day 6:
No alarm is needed. I awoke to the sounds of the African bush at 5:00 a.m. I enjoyed a hearty breakfast before setting out on an early morning game drive with my guides. It wasn’t long before we stumbled upon a herd of elephants, including a curious baby who got a little too close for comfort. Mama elephant wasn’t having it and warned us to stay back with a loud trumpet and a shake of her head. We made the wise decision to give her some space and continued the drive. The heat was intense, so most of the animals were taking refuge from the sun, but that didn’t stop us from exploring.
Jao camp truly lived up to its reputation as a place to relax. I took yet another refreshing dip in my plunge pool and enjoyed watching the impalas before getting ready for my final afternoon tea and game drive. My final night was celebrated with a sundown by the log bridge followed by a Boma dinner. I had to earn my meal by learning traditional African dances and songs until dinner was served. An African cuisine was served buffet-style. Tired from dancing, I retired to my room for one final night in the bush.
Day 7:
Today was a bittersweet day as it marked the last day of An Unforgettable African Safari Experience in Botswana. Instead of waking up for the morning drive, I chose to hit snooze and spend some extra time organizing my belongings, making sure I wasn’t bringing any unexpected visitors back home. It happens. As I stood on my lanai overlooking the sea of impalas grazing below, I took a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences I’ve had over the past week. Absolutely surreal. It was only necessary that I finish off my trip with a tradition – a refreshing dip in my private plunge pool.
At breakfast, I fueled up with an egg and cheese omelet, fresh fruit, and a much-needed cappuccino. The goodbyes were emotional if I’m being honest, but Bubbles (another beloved staff member) left me with a sweet farewell message “We depart to meet.” It brought tears to my eyes and left a lasting impact on my heart. With watery eyes, I began my final flight to Maun, which was a smooth one, with a quick stop at the Wilderness Lounge to relax before the long journey back home. I normally work to pass the time on flights, but this one was quiet and full of reflection.
My African Safari Experience in Botswana was unforgettable. It was nothing short of extraordinary and will go down in the Michelle Norwood Living archives as one of my greatest adventures. From the rolling savannas dotted with wildlife to the warm hospitality of the locals, this trip checks every bucket and more. Every sunrise was a painting come to life, and the starry nights were a cosmic work of art. The memories with Wilderness Destinations will linger in my mind forever, and I hope they inspire you to embark on your own journey. After all, this experience has the power to change you in ways you never imagined.
A big thanks to We Are Wilderness for making my dreams come true!
Want the full itinerary? Follow my blog to stay tuned for my itinerary release. That way, you can replicate my entire trip. You’ll get every single detail of where I went and what I did. Save yourself countless hours of planning and searching for a custom trip that can’t be found. This one, specifically, was designed by a world’s top planner and Wilderness. So, you’ll see the complete day-to-day and save thousands on the cost of a planner. You’ll thank me later.
Xo
Michelle Norwood
