In June, my dream of becoming a Safari Tour Host came true as I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Botswana. It was an adventure like no other, and I thought I'd share some snippets here for you.
Our tour group comprised seven enthusiastic travellers, hailing from different corners of the world. Three were from New South Wales, two from Western Australia, one from South Australia, and one from the UK. Despite their weariness from the long flight to South Africa, the excitement of our first destination washed away all exhaustion. We started with a luxurious glamping experience, encountering Africa's iconic creatures such as giraffes, zebras, and impalas.
Crossing into Botswana, we took bushwalks through breathtaking gorges, tracked rhinos on foot, and savoured mouthwatering meals by the campfire while being treated to stunning sunsets.
The adventure escalated as we ventured further north and immersed ourselves in three days of WILD camping. No barriers, no amenities, and no distractions - just us and the raw wilderness. Elephants and hippos roamed through our campsite, their presence both awe-inspiring and humbling. At night, the sounds of lions' roars, jackals' howls, and hyenas' calls enveloped us. Witnessing wild dogs on the hunt, a leopard stalking its prey, and adorable lion cubs basking in the African sun made our sightings truly incomparable.
Moving forward, we entered the majestic Okavango Delta, one of the world's most spectacular waterways. To reach our remote campsite, we embarked on mokorro journeys, gliding through the water in traditional dugout canoes. We even learned the art of being a mokorro puller and were lucky enough to spot hippos submerged in the water during our water safaris.
Our next destination led us to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where we engaged in thrilling quad bike rides across the vast expanse, observed meerkats in their natural habitat, and enjoyed starry nights while camping on the glistening pans. Our journey took us further north, where we relished an afternoon on the Chobe River, marvelling at elephants frolicking in the water, while sipping sundowners as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Finally, our tour concluded at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, where we marvelled at one of the world's natural wonders. Some in our group sought an adrenaline rush by partaking in cliff jumps, gorge swings, and ziplining, while others, including me, opted for a more tranquil experience. Our last night together was filled with laughter and fond memories of an incredible 17-day adventure.
Since my return, the safari has inspired me, and I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be hosting two more tours next year. In June, we'll trek through Uganda to witness the magnificence of Gorillas and Chimpanzees, and in September, we'll embark on another thrilling Botswana tour. You can browse through some of my trip photos and find more details about these upcoming tours on this website. Alternatively, lets have a coffee and chat about joining me on the next tour!
I hope you enjoy the selection of photos scattered throughout this write-up, capturing the essence of our incredible journey.