Botswana camps in May
 

You guys will probably think this is very funny. We are now considering our Botswana trip for mid-late May to see the Delta a little more green. So, if mid-late May, which would be our best camps, particularly for cats? We want to stay in the Okavango/Moremi/Linyanti regions.
Laura.

I should add that we can't afford Mombo.

I am only qualified to chime in as far as the rates go, given that my first Botswana visit will not occur until later this year.

Kwando (www.kwando.co.za) operates four camps in Botswana and has an excellent reputation amongst Fodorites who have done safaris with Kwando. For a May visit, you are looking at a rate of $450 per person per night sharing.

Wilderness Safaris does also offer its 5-paw offerings (Mombo, like Kings Pool, Jao and Vumbura Plains are all 6-paw offerings).

CCAfrica (www.ccafrica.com) operates Nxabega and Sandibe in Botswana.

Then there is also an option such as doing one of CCAfrica's Africa Under Canvas expeditions such as this one:

http://www.ccafrica.com/expeditions/...?tourcode=EBWW

Finally, a moderately priced Botswana experience that seems to be a very nice option is Game Trails Botswana:

www.gametrailsbotswana.com (it appears their site is currently being updated to reflect their 2006 itineraries and prices). It is possible to do a 10 day safari with Game Trails for about $2,500 per person.

Good luck.

Laura,

A party of 4 (relatives of mine) are planning a trip to the Wilderness safaris camps in May.....their understanding is Kwando is completely booked solid.

I suggested going to Chitabe and Duma Tau or selinda in May. The other delta camps may be hit or miss with the high floods in May......lots of roads may not be accessible. Your best bet is to write to Wilderness to find out the exact situation.

Hari

Laura,

May is tricky because you don't know how the flooding will be next year.

If you want to see some green I would suggest to go in March to the following camps:

- Chief's camp;
- Kwara;
- Lebala.

Also rates are much better in March.
Normally you should be able to drive around at Chief's camp that time of year.

But I still think it's better to stick to the original plan (Augtus/September) if you are looking for predators.

Like I said, I'll go different times of year to maximize my chances to photograph and see all I am interested in.

Greetings,

Johan

hmmmm...we were thinking the following for mid-late May: 5 nights Chitabe, 3 nights Xigera or Jacana, 5 nights Savuti.

Johan -- why do you say March instead of May -- isn't that still the rainy season?

We were planning this instead of August because we frankly want to see and experience the beautiful scenery of the Delta. We can't afford to really spend ample time in the delta/linyanti areas in August. We're thinking that we will be able to find the cats and other wildlife since we'll be in the private concessions where we can get off road.
Laura.

Laura,

Second part of March it's the end of the rainy season and you will normally be able to drive around and see some serious game at Chief's camp.

I recommended March because of the following prices:

Decent prices at Kwando and Sanctuary lodges;
Gameviewing in March will be normally better than May at Chief's because you have more roads to drive on;
Birds: summer migrants are still there.
A bit of rain, it's not that bad and before it's going to rain (building up of the storm) you normally have some chances to take some great pictures.

At Jacana or Xigera you will normally be on mokoro or boat that time of year. It's great but not for cats.
I think Kwara is a better option because gameviewing around that area is much better and you can do water activites there too.

I won't say that Savuti/Duma Tau won't be nice but it can also be a bit disappointing that time of year. I find the Khwai section of Moremi national Park f.e. far more productive.

Like I said before if cats are on your mind, you have better chances seeing them in August/September. If you are going in May, it can be fine but also your game drives can be limited by the floods (not for Savuti/Duma Tau and Chitabe). For me that's not a problem but for someone who's maybe going once I won't recommend to go that time of year.

Actually it's up to you and I am sure you will enjoy it.

Greetings,

Johan

Thanks, Johan -- that does give us more to think about -- not that I need anymore to think about re: this trip :)
Laura.

Johan:

Would April be similar to March at Chiefs -- just to get a little further from the potential for rains?

Laura.

Laura,

I would opt for March because of the price and the fact that in April it already will be difficult to drive around at Boro West (a place at Chief's island).

Don't worry about the rain.

Greetings,

Johan

Hi Laura........ Going to Chief's in a few days.......I will give a report when we return......

Great! I can't wait to hear back!
Laura.

ttt

Sarah,

This is the thread i mentioned....

Hari