Hi, everyone:

Okay, so now I'm starting to work on the details of our trip. The airfare is booked, so now it's time to start putting the whole thing together.

It looks like we will have six nights in Botswana, and the camps we are interested in are Chittabe/Chittabe Trails, King's Pool and Kwetsani. The first question I have is whether two nights at each of these is appropriate, and if not, which of the three camps would have to be sacrificed? We will be in Botswana the last week of March, having come from South Africa in the Kwazulu Natal area, and Vic Falls, (don't know which side yet).

Do these camps sound like good choices, particularly if we are looking not only for good game viewing, but also for opportunities to hear and experience, to the best of our ability, the incredible sounds of the bush. Big cats, particularly lions, are at the top of our list, from a sound perspective...as are the hippos.

Any advice or ideas would be, and very much are, appreciated.

Is there a specific order in which we should visit the camps in Botswana? We are, at this point, only looking at the WS camps, although we do understand that there is a preference out there for some of the Kwando camps. We had to start narrowing it down somehow, and since Chittabe or the Trails is so highly recommended, that helped set us on the WS path.

Looking forward to your advice and thoughts,

Lisa

March isnt particularly the best time of the year to visit the linyanti. Once the rains begin, the game wanders into the deep thick Mopane bush and is inaccessible. You will still hear the hippos both day and night at Kings Pool. Selinda maybe a better choice for March, if you choose to go with Wilderness safaris. Primarily due to more wide open country there. Yes, Chitabe is a good choice. Have you considered Mombo?

You did mention Kwazulu Natal. Are you visiting Phinda?

Hari

Hi,

Yes, we've thought about Mombo, but the price is just too high, unfortunately.

In Kwazulu Natal, we'll be staying at a private reserve called Zulu Nyala, and will take day trips to St. Lucia wetlands and Emfolozi,(sp?)

Has anyone been to Selinda who can tell me of their experiences; what is the camp like, the accommodations, etc.?

Thank you.

Hi! Do a search here on Selinda, you should be able to get a hold of a couple of trip reports.

While the accomodations are going to be pretty good. It wont match Kings Pool in terms of luxuary, but, would be very good.

Hari

Re your request about info for Selinda, this is not a Wilderness Camp it is owned by SA filmamkers the Jouberts and the vice president of Botswana, it is however marketed by Wilderness.
I have stayed at their small camp Zibilainja and find this great for my needs I am not into luxury just animal viewing, but suspect March may not be a good time.

sniktawk,

Care to elaborate on your time at Zibilianja? I'll be there in August.

Lynn,

What dates in August are you at Zib? I will be next door in Lebala and Lagoon for a full week August 21 onwards. We might bump into the same cats/dogs as they wander from one area to the next.

Hari

For atravlynn
Zibilianja is a very small camp I have visited on 7 occassions. It is not luxurious but that is not the point it provides some of the best game viewing in Africa if you dont include Rhino. Its only problem is if the vehicle is full if the camp is full 8 you will get two vehicles with 4 in each this is much better.If you can persuade your guide to forsake the Lagoon and try the woods you have a reasonable chance of Roan or Sable, plus if you are very lucky Eland. Hopefully you will get to meet Amber the leopard, and perhaps the 2 remaining "boys" (cheetahs). Give my regards to Sean Samantha and Motswami. The water levels have increase tremendouly in the last few years giving rise to lots more elephant and buffalo. I can guarantee that you will return again and again. If you do not like to move around a lot you should also visit Leballa on your next trip it is a game drive and transfer all in one. Have a great time. Finally I have seen Wild dog on 5 out of 7 visits I hope you are also lucky.

Those two cheetahs can be anywhere at any time......linyanti/savute/selinda/kwando

I hv seen them when they were 3 around Duma Tau and when they were 2 at Lagoon.

Hari