One of our extraordinary travelers captured this sentiment beautifully in her blog, reflecting on the profound impact of her adventure through Africa. With her words, she takes us into the heart of her journey, revealing the blend of excitement and trepidation that accompanies such a life-changing trip. Here’s an excerpt from her experience:

Why do we journey to other worlds? This is a key question to ask yourself before you fly halfway around the world to go on safari in Africa, but it is not the key question. The key questions to ask before going to Africa should be “is every aspect of my trip arranged?”

It is imperative to have your logistics worked out beforehand. Careful planning will make or break your visit. Four of us at Adventures Africa and Alpine Adventures just returned from such a safari trip to Tanzania. I had short notice about the opportunity, and I confess I didn’t think “why” I was going so much as “Great! I get to go to Tanzania!” Beyond the vague notions of “seeing the animals” and “seeing the country,” I just knew I wanted to be there. As a recent first-timer to Africa, I can assure you of this: there is no real way to prepare for all that you will see and experience on such a journey. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty and the complexity of Nature. You will be touched by the warmth and the sincerity of the people. You should not have to worry about anything other than trying to absorb it all.

Lufthansa Flight:

We had clients flying from all over the US and connecting via different cities to Nairobi – Dallas; Seattle; Boston; Chicago; Fort Lauderdale; and I flew from JFK. Everyone’s flight experience was positive with all health and safety protocols being followed and enforced by the airlines. The flights from the US to connecting cities in Europe were less than 50% full, while the flights from the European connecting cities to Nairobi were quite full.

No temperature scans at the US airports on departure, but my Lufthansa check-in went smoothly and everyone was wearing masks and distancing in line. I was asked to show my negative Covid-19 test report and my eVisa at check-in. The flight attendants were in masks and in-flight service was good although somewhat modified due to the protocols. Pasks were required to be worn the entire flight, except for meals.
Frankfurt Airport was quiet when I arrived in the early morning, but busier than the US airports I have experienced by the time my connecting flight was ready to depart.

Nairobi Arrival:

Upon arrival in Kenya, the disembarkation process went smoothly and by section. Masks were required in the terminal & hand sanitizers were readily available. Passport control was handled efficiently. Every passenger went through a thermal temperature scan and submitted their Health Surveillance Form.

We were met by our friends from Epic Africa Adventures where our bags were disinfected before handling; our temperatures were taken before entering the transfer vehicle, and we were offered hand sanitizer. Very thorough, professional, and friendly.

We spent the first night in Nairobi at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. We’re starting to see a welcome pattern upon arrival at the Serena – masks, temperature, sanitizer, etc. Check-in was basically contactless and we were off to our rooms. All of our flights arrived later at night, so it was off to bed for a regroup in the morning at breakfast.

Nairobi Serena Hotel:

Beyond the bustle of Kenya’s most cosmopolitan metropolis, experience a haven of elegance and calm nestled among lush gardens at the edge of Nairobi’s Central Park. The hotel merges business and leisure, art and gastronomy, and five-star style and service.

Nairobi Serena Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Nairobi, is a celebration of sophistication and a rich fusion of design influences from Ethiopia, the Maghreb, West Africa, and East Africa. The warmth of a friendly smile, a superlative eye for detail, and gracious service at this Nairobi hotel envelop you from the moment you arrive. While the Nairobi skyline glitters just beyond your windows and the Central Business District is just a stroll away, you will feel worlds removed from urban distractions in this peaceful setting.

ON-SITE PCR TESTS (New)
Nairobi Serena Hotel in partnership with accredited laboratories recommended by WHO are offering its guests on-site PCR tests. This service is also available for clients completing their safari before departure. The on-site PCR tests can be scheduled through the Concierge upon arrival after guests have received a briefing on all safety measures to be observed.

Day 1 – Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen Museum

A few of us arrived a day prior to the official start of our safari, so we arranged a bonus visit to Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and the Karen Blixen Museum. We took one safari vehicle and got an early morning start following a hearty breakfast at the Serena Hotel.

Nairobi National Park:

A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide-open grass plains, a backdrop of the city scrapers, and scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and a diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded.

We got an early morning start following a robust breakfast at the Nairobi Serena Hotel and headed out to the park ahead of the city’s traffic. The park is just a short drive from the city center, and we were at the gate in under 20 minutes. We experienced a wonderful game drive with some great sightings of many of the resident game and birdlife.

Following our 4 hours in Nairobi National Park, we headed off to Giraffe Centre to get up close and personal with some Rothschild Giraffes.

Giraffe Centre:

The Giraffe Centre is the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organization. Their main purpose is to educate Kenyan school children and youth on their country’s wildlife and environment, as well as give local and international visitors an opportunity to come into close contact with the world’s tallest species, the giraffe.

The Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W.) Kenya was founded in 1979 by the late Jock Leslie-Melville, a Kenyan citizen of British descent, and his American-born wife, Betty Leslie-Melville. They began the Giraffe Centre after discovering the sad plight of the Rothschild Giraffe. A subspecies of the giraffe found only in the grasslands of East Africa.

At the time, the animals had lost their habitat in Western Kenya, with only 130 of them left on the 18,000-acre Soy Ranch that was being sub-divided to resettle squatters. Their first effort to save the subspecies was to bring two young giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, to their home in the Lang’ata suburb, southwest of Nairobi. Here they raised the calves and started a program of breeding giraffes in captivity. This is where the center remains to date.

Betty and Jock then registered A.F.E.W. in the United States. Funds were raised to move five other groups of giraffes to different safe areas. Breeding herds of 26 giraffes were translocated from Soy Ranch to the Ruma Game Reserve in present-day Homa Bay County, Lake Nakuru National Park in Nakuru, and Nasolot Game Reserve in modern-day West Pokot County. In 1985, seven giraffes were introduced to Yodder Flower Farm near the Mwea Game Reserve in Mbeere District in Eastern Kenya.

In 1983, funds raised by A.F.E.W. USA helped build the Educational Centre on a 60-acre sanctuary. This with the extraordinary vision of creating an educational institution in conjunction with rescuing the giraffe. The Giraffe Centre opened its doors to the public and students the same year, receiving over 800 excited students.

There are now over 300 Rothschild Giraffe safe and breeding well in various Kenyan national parks. Recent herds have been introduced to Soysambu Ranch by Lake Elementaita in the Great Rift Valley, Kigio Conservancy and the Sergoit Ranch in the Mount Elgon region.

Karen Blixen House & Museum:

Our next stop on our day in Nairobi was a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum.

Karen Blixen Museum was once the centerpiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills owned by Danish Author Karen and her Swedish Husband, Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke. Located 10km from the city center, the Museum belongs to a different time period in the history of Kenya. The farmhouse gained international fame with the release of the movie ‘Out of Africa’ an Oscar-winning film based on Karen’s autobiography by the same title.

Following an hour immersed in the story and history of Karen Blixen, we stopped in the Karen neighborhood for a wonderful late lunch outdoors.

The rest of the group arrived this evening and were transferred to the Nairobi Serena for a luxurious night’s sleep before heading out on the drive to Samburu National Reserve the next morning.

Day 2-4 – Samburu National Reserve

The entire group of 9 clients collected for an early deluxe breakfast the next morning and introductions were made. It was quickly apparent that we had a great group of like-minded adventures ready to embrace the experience ahead. Under the direction of Jay Kang’s from our ground partner Epic Africa Adventures, we met the driver/guides, loaded our two safari trucks, checked-out of the Nairobi Serena, and hit the road north for 300 km drive to Samburu. After a couple of quick stops along the way, we arrived at the spectacular Elephant Bedroom Camp in time for lunch – which we did share with elephants! This would be our home for the next 2 nights.

Day 4-5 – Lake Nakuru

Following an early final breakfast, we loaded the safari vehicles and said farewell to our new friends at Elephant Bedroom Camp – each promising we would return. On the road out of the reserve, we saw the Somali Ostrich. This was the 5th or our Samburu Special 5! Today we drove southwest covering the approximate 300 km to the Lake Nakuru area, crossing the equator along the way. We would spend just 1 night at the lovely Mbweha Camp before proceeding on to the Maasai Mara.

Day 5-8 – Maasai Mara National Reserve

We again hit the road to the Maasai Mara early so that we would arrive in time for lunch and our first game drive in the Mara. The 200km drive took us over the Mau Escarpment, through the bustling town of Narok, and into the savannah wilderness of The Mara.

Final Thoughts

Our most recent exclusive escorted trip experience in Kenya is one that we will not soon forget. From the time the trip was booked to the day of departure, our primary focus was on our client’s safety and the safety of those that we would meet. If there was ever any question that we could operate the trip safely, we would have postponed to a later date. The level of safety and comfort that we felt traveling to and in Kenya still exceeded the level of safety we felt here at home in the US. Kenya is serious about both dealing with the Covid-19 threat and ensuring that international guests can safely experience all that this wonderful country has to offer. Following these protocols is a small inconvenience when it results in having a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Kenya – the lack of visitors ensures that you have an experience vastly different to what can often be a crowded situation. Sightings and game viewing were unbelievable and there were very few other vehicles sharing those experiences with us. The friendliness of the Kenyan people and the quality of service continue to shine through.

We are ready to help arrange your ideal itinerary to Kenya and other southern and East African countries as they continue to reopen. Based on what we have learned during our recent trips, we continue to have a confidence level that international travel can be done safely when the correct protocols are in place. We are experiencing an uptick of interest in travel to Africa and anticipate a busy late 2021 and 2022 seasons as vaccines continue to roll out and new active cases decline. So, when you have the desire and comfort level to go, we are standing by ready to assist. Asante sana!
Submitted by Rick Reichsfeld & Gary Nicoll, Adventures Africa

Join our exclusive escorted small group trip to Kenya

CONTACT GARY:

mail: gary@adventuresafrica.com
cell: +1 203 241 6909
direct: +1 954 688 3107
toll-free: +1 888 281 5565 ext: 282

Nairobi; Ol Pejeta; Segera; Masai Mara (Naboisho & Rekero Camps); Watamu

The Adventures Africa team has closely been monitoring developments in East Africa as countries have been effectively reopening to international tourism. We wanted to experience for ourselves the current international travel situation, current health & safety protocols being implemented, and the overall travel experience in East Africa so that we can provide accurate firsthand information to our clients who are ready to travel now.

Kenya Entry and Exit Requirements:
Kenya currently has certain requirements for US Citizens to gain entry:
Negative Covid-19 PCR Test:

• Everyone must present a negative Covid-19 PCR Test taken within 96 hours prior to travel (use your flight departure time as the basis for the 96 hour calculation). This test does need to be a PCR test and state that on the report. Ours read “NAA-PCR”, which stand for Nucleic Acid Amplification. We would recommend that your report indicates that it is a PCR test and that you print out this report and not just have it on your phone. It is highly likely that they will ask to see the test report at check-in – they did with us – so have it handy.
• When we traveled, there was a lot of uncertainty around how long it would take to get the test results with no one guaranteeing a specific turnaround time. Our timing was complicated by the fact that we were traveling a couple of days after Labor Day. We did a lot of research as to which testing facilities were using which labs, etc. In the end, we each took two tests from different facilities using different labs and had all 4 results prior to our flights – 2 of them within 36 hours; 1 in 48 hours; and 1 in 72 hours.

Travelers Health Surveillance Form & QR Code:

• Kenya’s Ministry of Health is requiring all travelers to fill out this form and generate a QR Code to be read by Port Health Officials on arrival.
• We recommend also printing out the competed form with the QR Code and bringing it with you in addition to having the code readily available electronically.

Kenya E-Visa:

• We highly recommend getting your Kenya eVisa in advance online. CLICK HERE.  This avoids any uncertainty or delays upon arrival in Nairobi. The current cost is $51 USD and it will take a couple of days for the approval at which point you can print out your eVisa to take with you.

Thermal Temperature scan:

• After disembarkation in Nairobi, there will be a thermal temperature scan and the collection of your Health Surveillance Fm before you proceed to Customs.

The entire process was well handled and quickly done. Everyone was wearing masks and hand sanitizers were available everywhere.

Another negative Covid-19 test is not required to leave Kenya unless your destination country or airline is requiring it. We were flying on Emirates and did need another negative test for our return flight even through our connection in Dubai was only a few hours. We had conflicting information on this prior to leaving the US, so had to arrange for a Covid test in Kenya once there. Segera Retreat assisted with this and we were met at Nairobi Wilson Airport where the test was administered between flights.

Emirates Flight:

Our itinerary included Emirates flights connecting via Dubai. Our original plan was to spend a night in Dubai to see what things were like on the ground there, but an 11th our flight schedule change resulted in a shorter connection. Emirates is one of the few airlines requiring that every passenger has a negative Covid-19 test taken within 96 hours of departure. Having this requirement from your US point of departure does give you an added level of confidence.

No temperature scans at the US airports on departure, but the Emirates check-in went smoothly and everyone was wearing masks and distancing in line. We were asked to show our negative Covid-19 test report and our eVisa at check-in. The flights over were fantastic – probably about 40-50% full. The flight attendants were in masks and wore PPE over their uniforms and provided the same high level of service that Emirates is known for. Each passenger was also provided a small health kit with masks and hand sanitizer. Masks were requested to be worn the entire flight, except for meals.

Dubai Airport was busier than our US departure airports and was stricter with their health & safety protocols. They also had many stores and restaurants open for business.
We were required to have another negative Covid-19 test for our return flight and were able to arrange this at Nairobi Wilson Airport. We schedule it with Medanta Africare and their team met us at the airport in their PPE and performed the test in the waiting area. The cost was approximately $100 USD. We had those results in about 48 hours.

Nairobi Arrival:

Upon arrival in Kenya, the disembarkation process went smoothly and in sections. Masks were required in the terminal & hand sanitizers were readily available. Passport control was handled efficiently. Every passenger went through a thermal temperature scan and submitted their Health Surveillance Form.
We were met by our friends from Asilia Africa where our bags were disinfected before handling; our temperatures were taken before entering the transfer vehicle; and we were offered hand sanitizer. Very thorough, professional, and friendly.

We spent the first night in Nairobi at the Sankara Nairobi. We’re starting to see a welcome pattern as upon arrival at the Sankara – masks, temperature, sanitizer, etc. Check in was basically contactless and we were off to our rooms.

The outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant were both open and it was great to get some fresh air and a cold beer after the long travel day. Kenya had a curfew in place at the time with restaurants and bars required to close by 10:00 pm.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp by Asilia – Ol Pejeta Conservancy:

We transferred from Sankara Nairobi to Nairobi Wilson Airport for our 35 minute scheduled Air Kenya flight to Nanyuki Airport in Laikipia. Upon arrival at Wilson, we went through standard security along with a temperature check and hand sanitization. Masks were in place everywhere, check-in was easy, and the small waiting room quiet with seats blocked off for social distancing. There was one other couple onboard our Cessna Grand Caravan C208B with us. They had been to Kenya numerous times before and were taking advantage of the lack of crowds, low prices, and safety of Kenya. Luggage was sanitized both during loading and unloading and the Captain advised us that masks were to be worn for the duration of the flight. Upon arrival in Nanyuki, we were met for the 1 hour transfer to Ol Pejeta.

A typical day on safari – A stay at Ol Pejeta differs from traditional safaris due to the vast array of activities on offer, but the general rhythm is the same. We head out on safari in the early morning and late afternoon when animals are at their most active. If you have hired a private vehicle, itineraries can be discussed with your guide. Start the day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before departing for your morning game drive (or set out a little earlier and take a picnic breakfast). Arrive back in camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch. After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time. Read a book or just relax and enjoy the views from your tent’s deck. Refuel with afternoon tea and then depart for an afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners.

Arrive back at camp in time for drinks and dinner — the perfect chance to unwind after a long day in the bush. The two male lions on a zebra kill had to be the highlight of our stay at Ol Pejeta!

All required health & safety protocols were being rigorously adhered to – mask wearing, temperature checks, private dining, social distancing, and hand sanitization. This gave us a great level of comfort as we embraced our stay at our first safari camp.

Jens Kozany and the entire team at Segera took amazing care of us during our 2 night stay. As the only guests at the retreat (the reserve is limited to 20 guests at a time anyway), it truly was a private luxury safari experience. The luxurious accommodations, delicious cuisine, first-class service, conservation focus, and unique property & experiences ensure that we will anxiously await our return visit. A couple of the highlights included: our first cheetah encounter of the trip (mother and two cubs); changing a flat tire with two large male lions consuming a zebra kill just 200 yards over our shoulder; the visit to the amazing anti-poaching tracker dogs; and of course, our sundowners!

As their first international guests since tourism restarted, we were assisting them in running through their health & safety protocols. As with the other camps, mask wearing, temperature checks, and hand sanitizers were all in play. All the staff members are required to have a negative Covid-19 test prior to arriving at camp, have their temperature checked on a daily basis, and wear masks around the camp. Anyone with any symptoms will be quarantined at a local facility. They are also limiting the number of people in their safari vehicles with each individual party having their own truck. There is no communal dining and each party will have their own dining table/space, usually outdoors. This testing and the fact that everyone in camp has recently tested negative provides a good level of comfort. When out on the game drives, you can make a decision with your guide whether you want to wear masks or are comfortable with the spacing while outdoors on the game drives.

Our guide, Benjamin Kisemei, ensured that our 4 nights in the Mara were filled with unbelievable wildlife sightings. His knowledge and easygoing personality allowed us to spend hours with lion prides and their cubs; with hunting cheetah; with herds of buffalo and elephant; and with our much anticipated Mara River crossing. Benjamin stayed with us when we transitioned to Rekero Camp and we were so happy to be able to spend more time with him.

As with the above camps, all the standard Kenyan tourism protocols were being adhered to: mask wearing; hand sanitization; social distancing; private dining by party; limited capacity in safari vehicles; sanitization of luggage. They really have their protocols down and it is a big focus as the properties need to be re-approved in person every 6 months by the Kenyan government to continue operations.

The Area: Watamu – meaning “home of the sweet people” in Swahili – is a small village on the Kenyan coast approximately 120kms north of Mombasa – Kenya’s second largest city. It is also 20kms south of Malindi – Vasco de Gama’s first landing point on the coast of East Africa. Watamu’s shoreline features pristine white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and sheltered by a reef. The area is protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park and is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving areas on the coast of Africa. The Marine Park is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and boasts a diverse marine life from the visiting whale sharks and manta rays to three species of sea turtle.

A stay at the coast is always a great way to unwind after your safari, with the option to just chill on the beach or by the pool or take advantage of all of the different activities outlined above.

There were several guests staying at Hemingway’s and the restaurant and bar were open, along with food and drink service poolside. All the staff were following protocols – touchless check-in; mask wearing; distancing; hand sanitizers; etc.

Final Thoughts:

Our recent experience in Kenya is one that we will not soon forget. The level of safety and comfort that we felt traveling to and in Kenya certainly exceeds the level of safety we feel here at home in the US. Kenya is serious about both dealing with the Covid-19 threat and ensuring that international guests can safely experience all that this wonderful country has to offer. Wearing a mask is a small inconvenience when it results in having a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Kenya – the lack of visitors ensures that you have an experience vastly different to what can often be a crowded situation. Sightings and game viewing were unbelievable and in most cases, we were the only vehicle there. The friendliness of the Kenyan people and the quality of service always shine through.

We are ready to help arrange your ideal itinerary to Kenya based on what we have learned during this exploratory trip. We have a confidence level that international travel can be done safely when the correct protocols are in place. So, when you have the desire and comfort level to go, we’re standing by ready to assist. Asante sana!

Submitted by Rick Reichsfeld & Gary Nicoll, Adventures Africa

Join our exclusive escorted small group trip to Kenya

CONTACT GARY:

mail: gary@adventuresafrica.com
cell: +1 203 241 6909
direct: +1 954 688 3107
toll-free: +1 888 281 5565 ext: 282

Introduction to Botswana

The Republic of Botswana invited Adventures Africa to visit and experience one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Our founder and CEO, Rick Reichsfeld, and I got to represent the company. We were met at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, by Wilderness Safaris, the host company, and Yandisa, our personal guide, and one of the eco-tourism company’s marketing team members for North America. They were happy to lead us into one of Africa’s most unique and untouched regions.

Getting there

Flying from Johannesburg (JNB) to Maun (MUB) on the SA Airlink was short and easy. There is time to enjoy a meal and drink, compliments of the small independent airline. Departure was around 11:00 a.m. and we arrived at around 1:00 p.m. Landing in Maun is fine. The airport is in dire need of an upgrade, which is scheduled to happen this year, in 2020.

The walk-through to the airport is between old shipping containers and temperatures are around 95F. We suggest that you have shorts, a light shirt, and possibly flip flops. After passing through customs, Wilderness staff will greet you with warm and genuine smiles, and those smiles stay through the entire trip. Your bag will be tagged and then sent onto your camp. You will pass through security and then be driven to a single turbine 12-seater Caravan airplane.

Flights are short and scenic, and you immediately get the feeling of going into true wilderness. The pilots are very professional, and the safety briefing is thorough, with an information guide in front of every passenger’s seat. The first stop ahead was Mambo Camp, a short 25-minute flight from Maun.

Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta

This premiere camp is $3,800.00 per person per night, sharing, during peak season.

Mombo is one of Wilderness Safaris’ flagship camps. It is very well known for high profile game viewing. This camp is situated in a prime location within the Okavango Delta on the world-famous Chief’s Island. The camp is at the very northern tip of the island, which is ideal for seeing everything from large prides of lions, an abundance of elephants, buffalo herds, a variety of bird species, and leopards. The drive to the camp from the dirt airstrip was 10 minutes. We were greeted by our guide, Zee. All the lodges have very knowledgeable guides with a holistic approach to guests visiting the camps. High profile animals like lion, wild dogs and so on were seen. During game drives, the guides would interpret what the animals were doing then and there, and why, in an entertaining and educational way.

On arrival at the camp, we were greeted by Pen, Karyn and the rest of the team. The lodge was rebuilt some 2 years ago. It has a wonderful Africa feeling, with a sense of “beach paradise” design. Wooden blinds open to reveal vast plains with baboons, impala, elephant, and many more animals roaming in front of you. Very large and spacious rooms allow cool and relaxing breezes to pass through. The rooms cannot be explained with photos or a story. Visit this camp and you will see it is well worth the rate if you can get availability less than a year ahead. An a-la-carte menu is available for all meals. If you fancy something a bit lighter or you need comfort food, you can request a homemade pizza with your choice of toppings. The food is delicious.

Newman, the concession manager, runs a tight but lighthearted team. Baz, a professional with great people skills, introduced us to the wilderness conservation program with a very informative and emotional presentation on human/wildlife conflict. The company has changed areas that were once on the brink of destruction to places that now no person would ever know man had been there. There is a great need for us as humans to help this conservation company. They have highly educated individuals who need more funding to help protect what is left in Africa.

Even with only one night in Mombo Camp, we had two game drives. There are no walking or boat trips at Mombo camp, as this is in a National Park and no walking is permitted at this camp. The first afternoon in the bush was good; we saw some elephants and a rare African Wild Cat. This cat resembles a domestic house cat, with a greyish body and black stripes on the legs, and was spotted by Adventures Africa’s CEO, Rick. That afternoon we stopped and had a very dramatic sunset, enhanced with a gin and tonic in hand. The next morning a pride of six lions was seen only 200 yards from camp. Zee, our guide, positioned the vehicle very well every time, where guests were in a perfect position to photograph Africa’s unique wildlife. All African wilderness camps will offer a pair of binoculars, a selection of field guides and–wait for it–a camera with a variety of lenses and equipment made by Olympus! These amenities that are on a return-after-use basis are a brilliant idea for travelers. Say goodbye to carrying around heavy camera equipment and binoculars. You get to keep your 16G SD card so you can take it back home and show all your friends and family your “National Geographic” pics.

Overall, Mombo is renowned for the animal sightings and expect to wait at least 1 -2 years before getting availability in this exclusive Africa camp.

Vumbra Plains, Okavango Delta

This premier Camp is $3,000.00 per person per night, sharing, during peak season.

Rogers greeted us at the water-surrounded airstrip in the North-Eastern part of the Okavango Delta. This part of the delta has more water around the area than that of Chief’s Island. During the summer months (Dec-Apr) which is the rainy season, the delta is in fact low. Low in terms of the water running in the channels. There is still rain, which is much needed for the flora. Wintertime (Jun-Aug) is when the water reaches the world’s largest delta. Rogers, our guide, was very experienced. Experience plays a vital role in the “Wilderness Way” Wilderness Safaris has a great company ethos when training staff. It’s done so that everything starts from the top and flows down to the newest employees. What this means, from the CEO to the room cleaners, is that everyone is on the same level in terms of family. Family is the key word here. At every camp, we felt immediately as if we were a part of the Wilderness Family. Our guide Rogers, who has been with Wilderness Safaris for “donkey’s years”, fulfilled every guests’ expectation. I was, myself, a guide for over a decade, and this is one of the key functions I personally look for in a guide when going out on a safari. Rick wanted to see an aardvark, I wanted to see birds, our other two colleagues wanted to see cheetahs and wild dogs. None of these requests were considered farfetched. Heading into the bush in Vumbra was like leaving the world as we knew it. We saw a bird endemic to the Delta, a slaty egret. One of the sights that most safaris have never seen is a red-crested Korhaan doing its mating display—but we watched in at Vumbra. And although Rick wanted to see an aardvark, we did spot see this nocturnal creature, but Rogers pointed out numerous tracks and created the anticipation that we may see one around every corner. After tracking wild dogs in an area for over 4 hours, they were then spotted in a jackalberry forest, and we spotted a cheetah with two cubs under some trees in the woodland areas. Every aspect was covered. This lodge has the traditional makoro (dug out canoe) activity in the delta, you may have a chance to spot the rare Angola reed frog and some other spectacular plants like the water lilly.

Our lodge overlooked water filled with reeds and dead trees that goes on for as far as the eye can see. Each room has a plunge pool and is designed in a comfortable bush-to-contemporary feel. The staff celebrates a local meal and local traditions with the guests every Monday. First dancing and singing for guests, then the table is filled with local cuisine suitable for any hungry tummy.

The Vumbra staff is fantastic. Rob from the conservation team sat with us during dinner. Rob explained the local ecology and how the small vertebrates have a huge impact on the ecology of the Delta. There are some 140 species of dragonflies in the delta, with many unique amphibians and other important ecological species. The Delta is under threat by foreign countries setting up agricultural schemes to support their own demand for produce. These foreign countries convince third world countries like Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe that they need dams and hydroelectric schemes to increase their economy’s GDP. Foreign countries offer to build dams and hydroelectric plants in exchange for farming rights and natural resources, but don’t explain the actual impact this may have down steam on local people, fauna and flora. The delta is under threat due to the damming of its water source in Angola. Wilderness Safaris is on top of this, monitoring and convincing governments of the value of the expanse of wilderness that can be seen from space.

Savuti Camp, Linyanti

This Classic Camp is $1,643.00 per person per night, sharing, during peak season.
Savuti Camp is part of the classic camp network at Wilderness Safaris. We were greeted with open arms and big smiles. The staff are exceptional. It is more of a rustic camp with thatch roofing, buffet-style cuisine, and limited luxury amenities. This most certainly does not take away any of the glamour behind this remote camp. The camp is located on the Savuti Channel and is well known for Sable, Roan and good predator populations. The camp is open year-round, however, the best time to visit this camp is during June, July, August, and September. The team was extremely welcoming and friendly like all the other camps. Wilderness Safaris prides itself on leading from the front. The “family feeling” is there 24/7. We spotted some incredible wildlife with our young, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide Keith. We spotted a serval at night, a rare find and some birds of prey such as bateleur eagles, tawny eagles, and many more species. If you are looking for a luxury style camp, the newly renovated King’s Pool Camp is well built with individual plunge pools, a premier selection of drink,s and stylish rooms. These camps are about 1 hour away from the dirt airstrip.

What we think of Wilderness Safaris

This luxury brand, located in remote areas of Africa, are true ambassadors of eco-tourism. The company has been operating since 1983 with over 40 camps in 7 countries. They employ over 2000 people and have conserved and restored millions of acres of areas under threat by human habitation.

All camps are carefully designed to cater to all individuals whether you are looking for a high-end luxury experience or classic safari vacation. Staff members are caring, welcoming and professional.

The “Wilderness Way” is to develop individuals in communities by educating, empowering, and creating opportunities within each staff member’s strength. Every year staff members are given an opportunity to voice concerns and to explain to team leaders what sector they may want to grow. It’s an incredible initiative from this company. To quote Sir Richard Branson, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to”

Camps are in areas that have almost no human evidence. All the camps we visited are so remote, yet accessible by small aircraft. There is absolutely no light pollution, no distant noises of road or traffic.

Things that are a Must Do

• Safari twice a day or all day. If you feel like doing a whole day safari, your safari guide and lodge managers will be more than willing to accommodate this activity.
• A bush walk, depending on the camps’ additional activities, lodges such as Mombo do not offer bush walks as it is situated in a national park.
• A helicopter flip, THIS IS A MUST! You will get a true sense of how far from human habitation you really are. The most exciting part is seeing wildlife from low altitudes. We spotted bush pig, Sitatunga, and hippos.
• Photography lessons. Each camp is equipped with loaner cameras. These cameras are excellent. During the day kindly ask one of the guides to show you some tips and tricks.
• A mokoro trip. Explore the water of the delta up close.

Travel Advice for Botswana

• These locations are situated in Malaria areas. Consult your travel doctor before heading to these places.
• Make sure you take sunscreen and apply regularly.
• Have a good baseball cap or a full brim hat. Make sure you go on every safari with a sweater or windbreaker.
• Baggage allowance is limited to 33 lbs. per person. Your bags should be soft cased.
• All the lodges provide a complimentary laundry service so limit the number of clothing items but pack enough underwear.
• Wi-Fi is limited to your rooms and is not available in common areas.
• TIA – This is Africa, relax and enjoy the laid back Africa way