| The
Wilmot family first came to Botswana in the early
1900’s. Their family history closely tracks
the development of Botswana. Grandfather Cronje
Wilmot first started.
His
son Bobby Wilmot was part of the group that were
involved in the early exploration and opening up
of the Okavango Delta at a time when it was virtually
unknown and unexplored.
Lloyd
and Daphne are steeped in the Botswana wildlife
experience and you could find no better guides to
share it with you. For years they have been taking
people to some of the most magical parts of this
fascinating country - Deception Pan in the Kalahari,
the blast Mkgadikgadii salt pans, Nxai pan with
its famous Bains’ Baobbas, mystical Kubu Island
with its ancient stone ruins, Savute and Moremi,
Shakawe, tsodilo Hills, Chobe, Linyanti.
Lloyd,
once a hunter, now a conservationist, is a veritable
mine of information. You name it – he’s
done it. Swimming with elephants, tracking lion,
leopard or cheetah on foot, building hides to view
game at remote waterholes, following the amazing
African migrations and more. His famous Lloyds Camp
in Savuti was legendary a place of wonder and excitement
and not surprisingly probably more credited in wildlife
documentaries than any other camp in Botswana. It
was here that Lloyd developed his special affinity
for lions. It is not surprising that one delighted
guest wrote of Lloyd. “While Lloyd is my shepherd
I Wilmot fear…”
Daphne,
born in Botswana, has lived in the Maun area most
of her life and has been running safaris for 35
years. Daphne provides the woman’s touch ensuring
that are truly well looked after. Her table is legendary
conjuring wonderful 3 course meals in the middle
of the African wild, under the stars and miles away
from all mod cons! But it is as a game guide that
Daphne is remembered with awe by her guests. She
has a gentle way of getting you as close to the
small wonders as to the big adventures. Her patience
and eye for photography makes her an invaluable
aid to the keen photographer. Daphne welcomes children
on safari and quickly wins their trust while introducing
them to the enchantment of the African wild.
Grant,
Daphne’s son grew up in the bush with her.
After completing school in South Africa he returned
to life in Botswana with unfettered enthusiasm.
His experience to date has been wide and varied
ranging from assisting on numerous environmental
projects to film making. Now 34 Grant runs safaris
out of Maun either with his own team or together
with Daphne. Grant is the best birder amongst us
and his knowledge of bush lore and his eye for detail
is exceptional. He has exceptional patience often
makes the difference between the special captured
moment or the dramatic safari memory of a lifetime. |
