zephyr2

I'm planning on six nights in Botswana - anywhere between Sept. 13-25 this year, and I am baffled by the choices. I want great and varied game viewing, exceptional guides, an open air ambiance, an intimate setting, luxury not as important - having said that, I'd have sprung for Mombo, but it's booked. Also my husband is an avid photographer. Available camps that have been recommended to me and are of interest are Little Vumbura, Selinda (the walking trail appeals to me), Baines Camp (although I am seeing some mixed reviews), Chief's has some availability, and Kwetsani. Also recommended but I think they may be too large are Xakanaxa and Chobe Chilwero.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these camps... perhaps you have other suggestions.

Also it seems that there is a lot of down time during the day, and I'm an on the go type - ahould that impact which camp I choose. Also wondering if I should do 2 nights at 3 camps or 3 nights at two camps.

can anyone recommend the Selinda walking safari that begins at Selinda and ends at Zib. Many thanks

johan_belgium

I would opt for Selinda (3 nights) and Little Vumbura (3 nights) if these camps are still available.

Normally you have good chances of seeing cheetah and wild dogs at Selinda and Little Vumbura has a really good variety of game and it's one of the best places in Botswana to see sable antelope.

If you want to be busy all of the day, I would recommend to book a private vehicle and go out for the day (but I have to warn you it can be quite hot that time of year). Also at Little Vumbura you can go on a boat trip at noon and maybe do some fishing if you are interested.

Greetings,

Johan

zephyr2

Thanks Johan - do you have any thoughts about the Selida Walking Trail? Also am I likely to see the Big 4 or 5 at both?

johan_belgium

In Botswana, you can see rhino only on Chief's island (Chief's camp and Mombo). I didn't recommend Chief's camp because your chances of seeing cheetah and wild dog are not that great in this area because of the density of lions over there. Also you can't do night drives here because it's part of the Moremi Game Reserve and at the moment it's not allowed to walk within' the Moremi Game Reserve.

Leopards are probably the most difficult to spot but you can see them at both camps. Normally you'll see elephant/buffalo and lion in these camps. But you have to realize that seeing animals is never guaranteed.

I haven't been doing the walking trail so I can't tell you anything about it. But if you are keen on photography I wouldn't walk instead of driving.

Greetings,

Johan

santharamhari

I'll also say, get a private vehicle for photography.

Hari

santharamhari

Zephyr2,

Going by your description, i think Kwando will be perfect for you. Have you checked any availability? If they do hv room, i recommend your 6 nights split between Lebala and kwara or Little Kwara.

Hari

zephyr2

To santharamhari -

can you give me any more info. on Lebala?

santharamhari

Zephyr2,

What particular info? I would be glad to answer any specific questions......either here or via email
[email protected]

Camp great, hosting/management spectacular, Guiding top-notch, actual wild life great, spectacular predator activity.......great location, etc etc.,

Hari

santharamhari

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-lasqq8


That's some of my pics from Botswana....some pics from Lebala/kwara areas also

Hari

santharamhari

Johan,

You want to add your thoughts about Lebala for Zephyr2???

Thanks
Hari

johan_belgium

Hari,

I already did this morning in the following thread: Lebala and African Travel Resource.

Greetings,

Johan

santharamhari

Ok....thanks, i didnt look there yet.

Hari

zephyr2

Thanks to all for the info - I think I am narrowing down to Little Vumbura adn either Selinda or Lebala, although I am still waiting to hear if Lebala is available. Baine's Camp is available, but I've read some comments about poor guides.

santharamhari

Good luck!!! This late.......i suggest you get whatever is available......selinda or Lebala. Actually, if game viewing is number one on your list........you could do both camps.....you cant go wrong

Hari