Botswana - Zimbabwe
Day 1: Now that the travel restrictions related to Covid-19 are slowly being lifted, we've been bitten by the travel bug again. Based on a good friend's recommendation and our previous experiences traveling in Africa, we decided to go to Botswana and Zimbabwe this time. Unfortunately, booking the trip was accompanied by the realization that some airlines have apparently lost all sense of decency when it comes to pricing after the pandemic. Lufthansa, in particular, wanted around €2,500 per person for economy flights to Botswana, roughly double the price before the pandemic. And just as an aside, Lufthansa was bailed out by taxpayers during the pandemic. Ultimately, we booked flights with Emirates for just over €1,000. While this involved a longer journey to Maun in Botswana, it didn't break the bank, especially since this region of Africa is very expensive. So, we spent our first day in Africa in Johannesburg and, after a comfortable night in a hotel, took the shuttle bus to the airport. In the lounge in Johannesburg, we consumed quite a bit of Amarula and ended up arriving in Botswana "cheap and tipsy." In Maun , we drove to our lodge on the Thamalakane River and enjoyed the rest of the day.
Day 2: We head to the Okavango Delta , the largest inland delta and one of the last great natural paradises on Earth. After settling into our tent at camp, it's time to attach our telephoto lenses, get out our binoculars, put on our sun hats, and head to the boat. Our first game drive in the delta, which, by the way, has no outlet (the Okavango "flows" into the sand sea of the northern Kalahari), begins. Here, in the middle of nowhere, a true dream of experiencing nature comes true. A very special landscape and wildlife surround us... why so special? Seemingly endless grasslands and around 150,000 islands are crisscrossed by water; it's a source of drinking water for approximately 250,000 mammals, and there are more than 450 bird species . Just to give you an idea of its size: after the end of the rainy season, the river delta can cover up to 22,000 square kilometers, which would completely flood the entire state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. And one more thing: the peace and quiet is simply wonderful. Overwhelmed by the impressions, we then went to our tent accompanied by an animal guide (there's no fence to keep the animals out). There, we checked the red signal horn above the bed, just in case any animals should enter our tent uninvited, and the first day of our safari was over.
Day 3: The next morning, we set off on a water safari . In a traditional dugout canoe, the mokoro, we explore the network of waterways. On our journey through dense vegetation, we see a multitude of bird species and wildlife. At a remote island, we take a guided hike and enjoy our lunch surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, we return to camp, and we're sad that our mokoro trip is coming to an end. We could have been poled through the canals forever; it's truly magical. A word about the mokoro: for sustainability reasons, we used fiberglass mokoros instead of wooden ones.
Day 4: After breakfast, we embark on the long journey via Maun to the other side of the Okavango Delta, to the Moremi Game Reserve . This area is renowned for its incredible abundance of wildlife. Moremi is considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Africa . We'll be staying in a tented camp, and after the long drive, we'll transfer to a jeep for a night game drive. Our first night drive in the wilderness is a fantastic experience, and we'll go to bed with many wonderful memories. Of course, our guide will escort us back to our tents to ensure that no animals get in our way, as inexperienced tourists.
Day 5: We spend the morning and afternoon on game drives in the Moremi region in an open safari vehicle around the Khwai River . The landscape is incredibly beautiful, and we see numerous wild animals that regularly roam this area. We manage to photograph a hippo with its mouth wide open and can't get enough of the many animal encounters. Our guides have prepared a surprise for the evening. In the middle of the bush, we enjoy gin and tonics and snacks, and experience a breathtaking sunset in the wilderness, during which we also spot some elephants at a waterhole. It's indescribably beautiful.
Day 6: Today we're out on safari all day again, exploring the pristine wilderness of the famous Moremi Game Reserve. It's almost impossible to put into words how beautiful this landscape is and how intense and diverse the wildlife encounters are. And then, on the drive back, something incredible happens... we witness a hunting scene between a lioness and a leopard practically at close range . After the leopard manages to escape up a tree, we manage to get a wonderful photo (see main page). Back at our camp, another surprise awaits us. We can't go to our tents because a lioness and her cubs are in the camp. So we have to hope that the young lioness will go hunting at nightfall. And indeed, after a while, the coast is clear, and we can finally go to bed after an incredibly eventful day filled with amazing experiences.
Day 7: After breakfast at the camp, we leave the Moremi region and drive east to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans . They are among the largest salt deserts in the world. However, they are not quite as impressive as, for example, the Salar de Uyuni, but still a must-see for nature lovers. Nowhere else in southern Africa does one experience this feeling of solitude and emptiness, and the sunsets are spectacular. Somehow, it becomes especially clear here that the " colors of Africa " create a special light and are a delight for photographers.
Day 8: We continue on to Kasane . Kasane lies northeast of the Okavango Delta in the Chobe District, at the border of Botswana, Namibia (Caprivi Strip), Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Due to its relatively good transport connections, Kasane is very touristy. After our days in the bush, it feels like a completely different world as we stroll through the town in the afternoon. Incidentally, you can buy the rather delicious Okavango Gin here.
Day 9: Very early in the morning, we set off on a game drive in Chobe National Park , which is primarily known for its elephant population. Unfortunately, we immediately notice the large number of tourists in the park. At one point, there are so many jeeps that the big cats can barely get to their resting places after the night's hunt. We've never experienced such a "touristy" park in Africa, not even Kruger National Park in South Africa. In the afternoon, we switch from the safari jeep to a boat and enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River . This is truly wonderful, and from the boat we see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles up close, as well as numerous birds.
Day 10: Today we cross the border into Zimbabwe . After what felt like an eternity of driving along Africa's famous dirt tracks, we arrive at Nantwich Lodge in Hwange National Park . If anyone Googles the price of this lodge, they'll be shocked. We can definitely say that this place is worth every penny, and that's just a feeling. It's such a beautiful refuge in the heart of the African wilderness that it's hard to put into words. Since we booked our tour with Jenman Safaris, the lodge's owner, we probably got a more reasonable price.
Day 11: We set off on safari with a ranger from the lodge and are impressed by one of the most biodiverse wildlife reserves in southern Africa. Besides its scenic beauty and diversity , Hwange National Park is also home to large herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, predators, and numerous giraffes. A major advantage of the park is that you are allowed to drive off-road, always with respect for the animals and plants, of course. After the game drive, the lodge, as is customary after a safari, prepares sundowners for us around a campfire. This atmosphere by the fire, the landscape around us, the light of the setting sun... we are all moved to tears, so touched are we by the experience.
Day 12: After breakfast, our ranger was waiting for us again, and we continued exploring Hwange National Park . The park impressed us once more, especially with a wonderful encounter with big cats right at the beginning. The evening ended around the campfire, and we enjoyed our last night, the incredibly delicious food at Nantwich Lodge, and the amazing atmosphere. It truly felt like a perfect place in the world.
Day 13: The final leg of the trip offers a special highlight: a visit to Victoria Falls . We'll explore the Victoria Falls in the national park of the same name and, from the circular hiking trail, witness the Zambezi River plunge into the depths below. This is a must-do, as seeing these waterfalls is truly breathtaking. It's the widest continuous waterfall in the world . Speaking of "seeing," a tip for photographers : during and after the rainy season, there isn't much to see at the falls, apart from a gigantic cloud of spray. After our hike, we'll treat ourselves to a helicopter tour over the falls. If your holiday budget allows, definitely do this. It's absolutely fantastic.
Now, of course, a little detour into the fact-finding section, given such a significant landmark. As already mentioned, Victoria Falls is the largest continuous and widest waterfall in the world (1,708 meters). During the rainy season, a staggering 550 million liters of water plunge 108 meters every minute! That's enough to fill about 3.6 million bathtubs every minute. During the dry season, you can swim right at the edge of the falls in the so-called Devil's Pool.
Day 14: On the last day of our tour, we have the morning free to explore the town of Victoria Falls . We stroll to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel and, as non-guests, are cheeky enough to have a look around. We also visit the Wild Horizon Lookout Cafe – a must-see! To round off our tour, we take a relaxing boat trip on the upper reaches of the Zambezi River and watch the breathtaking sunset over the mighty waterway. A farewell dinner of filet steak (beef steak is the best in Botswana) is a wonderful way to end the trip.
Day 15: We head to the airport, and a dream trip comes to an end, one that will stay with us for a very long time. Even though Botswana and Zimbabwe are known to be very expensive countries in Africa, a trip to this region is well worth it. If your budget is too tight, but your longing for Africa is strong, then you should start with a different country. Feel free to ask us for ideas.