Embark on an epic journey through the untamed beauty of Botswana with Rhino's seasoned travel gurus, Cayleigh and Barry. As I donned my reporter's hat for the first time, I had the thrill of interviewing them about their adventures in the heart of Botswana. What made this chat extra special was that it was not only my debut as an interviewer but also Cayleigh's maiden voyage to the stunning landscapes of Botswana. Cayleigh's fresh perspective, coupled with Barry's seasoned insights, painted Botswana in a unique light. Their exciting journey took them from private reserves and national parks to the watery channels of the Okavango Delta.
Discover the untouched nature of Botswana!
First Things First
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of their wildlife encounters, let's uncover what drew these intrepid explorers to Botswana in the first place. Cayleigh and Barry shared a mutual love affair with Botswana, describing it as the heart of Africa.
"For me, Botswana is more authentically African, and what you see from a game viewing point of view you see in abundance. I fell in love with it... It was truly magical." – Barry.
And Cayleigh? Well, she's already planning her next trip back!
A collection of amazing sightings our Travel Expert had on safari in Botswana, Image Credit: Cayleigh Brown
Their Journey Begins…
Our dynamic duo kicked off their adventure in the Chobe region, home to Botswana's thriving elephant population. A serene river, a gentle breeze, and the heart-melting sight of a young elephant calf learning the ropes from its doting mother.
"It was incredibly adorable watching the young elephant trying to learn how to use its trunk." – Cayleigh.
Three male lions walking with a swagger like they own the place
Lions Being Not So Lazy
Next stop? The Kwando Private Reserve, where a very exciting chase took place. When asked what it was like to witness male lions chase each other in a fierce battle for territory, our Travel Experts could not stop raving about it.
"It was sort of something we put out into the universe because the previous day, we asked the guide if you'd ever encountered two prides fighting over territory. The very next day, he saw the footprints of two male lions. We followed them, and the next thing, we saw and heard them chasing away three young male lions trying to intrude into their pride. It was unbelievable to see because there were just lions everywhere!" – Barry.
Cayleigh was equally as enthusiastic about the experience, saying that she could see why people say the lion is the king of the jungle!
African wild dogs on the hunt in Botswana
Someone Let The Dogs Out
The excitement continued as they ventured into the Khwai Reserve, where they were met with another adrenaline-pumping sight – a pack of African wild dogs in hot pursuit of an impala.
"It was very intense just seeing their strategic abilities." – Cayleigh.
Leopards just love lazing in trees!
A Lazy Leopard
Ah, the elusive leopard, the holy grail of safari sightings! On their final day, their guide, Tony, tracked and ultimately led our duo to a truly magnificent sighting... a lazy leopard lounging in the branches, belly full from a recent feast! Cayleigh declared that it was the best sighting since you never really see a lazy leopard.
Our Travel Experts highlighted the people as one of their favourite aspects of Botswana
Conservation and Culture
But it wasn't just the wildlife that left a lasting impression on our intrepid travellers. Both Cayleigh and Barry were deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality of the people of Botswana.
"The people were the highlight of my trip. They are so humble and sincere in what they do. You just feel so welcome. The initiatives they have in Botswana, whereby they have ownership in the lodges, so they give back to the community, are evident in how passionate they are about their work. They don't just do it because it's a job – they really have a buy-in to what they are doing." – Barry.
Cayleigh fondly remembered a guide who was particularly passionate about his work, saying that it was contagious.
Elephants spotted in the Okavango Delta
Serene Safaris in The Delta
Now, let's talk activities! Cayleigh braved her first mokoro ride, navigating the serene waters of the Delta with nerves of steel. "It's incredible. It's completely nerve-wracking," she confessed, "But it brings you down to almost the animals' level."
And as if that wasn't enough excitement, they hopped aboard a boat safari, where Barry remembers seeing a lot of hippos. "The hippo is one of my favourite animals because they are funny-looking... they are real characters!" he laughed. Cayleigh found the boat safari to be an immersive experience, and different to your standard game drives.
"It provides a different sense of quiet to your safari. You can switch off the game vehicle, and you can switch it back on again, but that noise is always going to follow you around, whereas, with the boat safari, you're just feeling and hearing the birds, the hippos, everything!" – Cayleigh.
Your Botswana adventure starts now!
It’s Time for You To Have a Bountiful Botswana Safari!
Feeling the call of the wild yet? As you can see, our Travel Experts eat, sleep and breathe Africa. They travel extensively to handpick only the very best experiences, destinations, and lodges to recommend to you.
Botswana beckons, dear adventurers, with its unparalleled beauty and boundless adventure. Whether you're chasing lions, marvelling at elephants, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the African bush, Botswana promises an experience like no other. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today, and let us plan your own tailor-made adventure!
