DonTopaz

Musing about next year's travel plans, and I'm thinking about northern Bots possibly in March or in May.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, especially about Kwara, Lebala, and Chobe Chilwero in the green season (March) or shoulder season (May). Comparisons between March and May would be especially welcome.

(At Chobe, I understand that the animal sightings are in a public park rather than a private concession.)

HariS

Hi Rizzuto - Kwara in the green season is fantastic. For best results I would shoot for early in the green season when the grass is lower Nov,Dec,Jan- but, as you know a good tracker does help. I would personally prefer March to May - if those were the only two choices.

Lebala and the Linyanti is always going to be hit or miss during the green season -but, with Spencer you know as well as I do that you are in for a great safari and if animals are around you will sniff them out.........

safarimama

Hi Hari
I will say hi to Spencer for you at Lebala. Who are your favorite guides at Kwara and Lagoon?

spassvogel

Sorry I stayed at Chilwero in Nov so not really a help.

SV

HariS

Hi Safarimama,

Last time I was at Lagoon(dec/jan 2007/8), Mothusi was my guide. But, he is around all camps these days as a free-lance guide unless he private guides clients. He's excellent too.

Not sure who is at these camps at the present time, as I have not been there in some time.

spassvogel

Safarimama
I have met Mothusi last Nov when he was at Chief's camp.
He did not speak very well of the Kwando operations - particularly the recent management changes which obviously had a bad impact onto atmosphere and guiding.
Friends of ours were guided by him in 2007 for a week to Lebala, Lagoon and lt. Kwara and they were extremely pleased with his character and skills.

SV

safarimama

I will let you all know what's going on over there; I'm usually pretty good at "hitting it off" and getting the "dirt" up to the surface! \/

LAleslie

When we were at Kwando Lagoon in Nov 2007 a new couple, from South Africa, had just arrived to manage another Kwando property (I forget which one) and they were getting the lay of the land. The all-local Lagoon staff were mighty ticked off that two (white) South Africans had been given managerial jobs.

basto

I think the couple you talk about were managers at Kwara. We visited in Dec 2007, and they were quite new. You could tell that the operation was not running smoothly at that time. They did handle us very well though. Anybody know if they are still around?

Hari,
Could you please elaborate a little bit on why you would choose March over May? Planning to go in May so it would be interesting to hear what to expect.

thanks,
Tom

HariS

Hi Tom,

Possibility of floods in certain areas of the concession in May or atleast higher water levels. Also, personally speaking - Kwara the game viewing is really good in the green season months, that I don't see the need to go there in High season, where I much prefer the Linyanti areas. I haven't stayed at Kwara main camp since 2005 or so, so can't comment. But, at LK in Jan 2008 - we had Lizzie who is absolutely fantastic. Her co-manager was on leave, but, I do believe I met him at the airstrip briefly on his way out.

HariS

Oh btw, Tom - if I remember correctly, you were to visit Lebala shortly after my October visit as I was just re-reading my trip report the other weekend. How was your visit? and what gameviewing did you have?

basto

Hi Hari,

Thanks for your answer. You are absolutely right, we were scheduled to go Lebala, but had to cancel. Working in a bank I simply had to work instead...

I am looking for a trip in the last days of April instead, not sure what camps are available yet, but would love to visit Kwara and Lebala. We´ll see what comes up!

atravelynn

I had Basto's question. Thanks for the response Hari. It appears that in March, while there may be rains, the floods, which bring much more water, have not yet arrived.

I'm usually pretty good at "hitting it off" and getting the "dirt" up to the surface! It appears you are working as a congenial cleaning lady, Safarimama. If that's what it takes for extended travel to Africa, I'll be at the airport with my mop!

safarimama

I never travel without my rag and a bucket!!! See you at the airport. You'll recognize me rightaway!!!

PredatorBiologist

Another big plus for March is with the 5 Rivers special deal it costs in the neighborhood of 45% less than May for Kwara and an even greater discount on Lebala.

safarimama

PB - It was extended into April, but I booked before that extension was announced. It's a steal!!!