Early in the morning, a pair of fish eagles perch high in a rain tree and calmly catch the warmth of the rising sun. Their calls herald another day in the Okavango Delta, an amazing wetland formed by the longest river that does not reach the sea. The beauty and the great diversity of wildlife make it a World Heritage Site. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its birdlife, wildlife and diverse habitat.

Botswana is a unique experience that will enrich any visitor’s life. When your plane has landed you will find a mix of safari guides, safari operators and lodge representatives all gathered to meet and greet their clients. After introductions, your luggage is loaded and you set off on your adventure with eager anticipation. Within an hour, the rural areas with their domestic livestock and scattered hamlets are left behind and your expectations rise. Now you are entering the Community Trust areas where you might sight your first giraffe or zebras or impala herds. As you penetrate deeper into the wilderness you will notice the myriad animal tracks, signs of elephant foraging, an increase in birdlife, etc.. Acacia trees, mopani forests or palm belts – each in their own, a type of habitat that attracts various species.

Depending on your destination (decided by your wishes and our knowledge) you will pass through either the Moremi Game Reserve Entry Gate or the Veterinary Gates that separate the domestic animals from wildlife and demarcate the Community Trust areas. These are our stamping grounds; areas that we know intimately and have been operating in for many years. Now you are in real wild country. Lion tracks, elephant dung and sudden sightings of various animals confirm this and you keep your camera ready. Before long you arrive at your tented camp all set up. Friendly staff welcome you as you alight to find refreshments awaiting you. After you have been shown around, you sit down to lunch or afternoon tea and begin to absorb your surroundings, what you have seen, what you might see.

The afternoon game-viewing drive is a slow exploration of the bush, stopping to photograph whatever interests you – a feeding bull elephant, an elegant group of kudus, curious hippos or whatever there is. Your guide will point out and expound on any animals you see and there are reference books on hand to look up any details you might want to know. Sometimes a herd of alert impala all gazing in one direction will betray the presence of a predator. Your guide will scan the road for animal tracks that might indicate a pride of lions in the vicinity. His many years of experience will maximize your game-viewing potential and by the time you enjoy sunset drinks your senses are struggling to absorb it all. On return to camp, a hot shower soon disposes of the day’s journeying and you gravitate to the camp fire to enjoy drinks and ice before supper is served. Much effort is expended to provide you with delicious bush cooking – our renowned camp bread and the best Botswana beef, fresh veggies and salads and innovative desserts.  

We usually spend a few days in one spot then move camp to another area to enjoy a wider sampling of what may be found there. After time spent in the Moremi Game Reserve for example, we would then travel to the Community Trust areas where we can enjoy more of the true Okavango wetlands. The scenery is magnificent, the birdlife prolific and the fishing excellent. Here we can walk, follow a honey guide or even go swimming in safe areas. After dark we can find an open area to gaze at a canopy of stars which amazes most overseas visitors.

2009

The early part of the year passed in a blur of vehicle and equipment maintenance, bridge-building and building the foundations of a new office

Lloyd spent almost a month overseas in the USA and UK, visiting friends and giving a series of talks on his adventures and safaris. The world recession was very evident from what he saw and heard and we can only hope that it will soon pass. It is now mid-year and the earlier safaris passed well despite the long grass and generally wet conditions. A recent visit to Shakawe (top of the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta) found the waters still high for the time of year. The annual flood has already reached Maun and our river is rising rapidly. With the high body of water up north yet to work its way down, we expect a long sustained flood this year. We have built some bridges and numerous causeways to maintain our access to the Community areas but still the waters rise and spread. Some say it will be the highest flood since 1963. Already we see the flocks of waterfowl as they circulate around the edges of the rising levels. Grass seed which has long been shed, rises with the new water and duck and geese are attracted in great numbers. Almost every type of wader and waterfowl to graceful storks can be seen.

On a recent visit to Savute via Khwai’s North Gate we saw the extent of the flooding- large areas of spreading water and numerous deviations. On this trip we had two separate sightings of leopard, both of which paused when Lloyd made cat-squealing noises. This allowed for good photographs. Curiosity caught the cat!

Enquiries continue to come in and we hope the season will pick up as the peak viewing months approach.

Lloyd is pursuing his Samochima Project as he calls it – the establishment of a lodge on his property at Samochima on the Panhandle. There is much officialdom to reconcile first (change of use, registration, EIA, DEA compliance, etc.) but he is determined. Says he is getting too old for mobile safaris yet we know how he loves the bush. Even when this lodge is built one day, he would still do some safaris for old clients who visit regularly. His way of life is changing. Use him and his talents before he passes into more genteel pursuits up north.

Here’s wishing the oil price stays low, that the recession bottoms out and air fares remain reasonable.