Experience Botswana On A Fly-In Safari

From the moment our small safari plane, a Grand Caravan EX, touches down on a remote bush airstrip surrounded by acacia trees, it is clear that this journey will be unlike any other. As we step off the plane, we are greeted by our private guides and the camp team. Their genuine hospitality makes us feel at home. The surrounding landscape unfolds before us in a spectacular tapestry of wetlands and wildlife, immersing us in the untamed beauty of the delta.

Our adventure begins at Duba Plains Camp. Nestled in a 33,000-hectare private reserve, it greets us with understated elegance and an intimate connection to nature. Our large canvas tent, adorned with  carefully selected furnishings and vintage décor, opens onto a private deck with our own little pool overlooking the delta. It feels like a sanctuary that balances top level comfort with the raw beauty of the wilderness. As we settle in and explore the camp, we realise how attention to detail is evident in the personalised service and the exquisite culinary delights crafted by the Relais & Châteaux chef and his team.

The four different camps we have chosen for this adventure are in remote parts of the Okavango Delta, which means that getting from camp to camp is done by safari plane or helicopter. All this is organised with local aviation partners Mack Air and Helicopter Horizons as part of our booking with Great Plains Conservation, one of the world’s leading safari companies. The fly-in aspect adds a thrilling dimension to the journey as each flight offers a new perspective on the delta’s breathtaking landscape.

We certainly enjoy every minute up in the air, be it in the Grand Caravan EX, the GA8 Airvan or the choppers. An interesting fact is that our pilots, skilled in navigating the challenges of bush airstrips, have to perform flyovers before landing. As pilot Ryan shares: “This practice is necessary to ensure the runways are clear of wildlife and to avoid collisions with elephants, rhinos or baboons that at times linger around the airstrips.”

Our aerial adventures also include a scenic flight in a helicopter without doors – an incredible game-viewing experience. As we soar low over the delta, the absence of doors allows for close up encounters, unobstructed views, and million-dollar photo opportunities. The sight of hippos wading in the waterways, crocodiles basking in the sun, herds of elephants moving in unison, and the intricate network of the channels and islands is nothing short of magical. This flight is one of the highlights of our journey.

Our next stop, Sitatunga Private Island Camp, offers an interesting contrast to Duba Plains Camp as it is right on the edge of a lagoon. The exclusive property that only opened last year provides us with a totally different insight into the delta’s rich ecosystem and vast waterways. Over the next few day, we explore the labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and the mighty Okavango river on a private barge, encountering vibrant birdlife, fierce-looking crocodiles, and herds of hippos. The tranquillity of Sitatunga, the calming boat rides surrounded by forests of the swaying reeds and papyrus, allow us to unwind and recharge our batteries.

What adds to this memorable experience is the luxurious accommodation at Sitatunga. Our spacious multi-room canvas tent is again elegantly furnished and features a private deck with a pool, exercise bike, stunning lagoon views, and regular visits from the resident hippo family. Accompanied by the camp’s top-end service, exquisite spa treatments, amazing meals, and the wonderful team, Sitatunga is a piece of heaven. What impresses me deeply is the leadership of General Manager Mr. Six, which I witness during our stay. Leading an entire team to perform at such a high level is one thing, but ensuring that form a close-knit family despite being in the remote wilderness for three months at a time, is truly extraordinary. It is a testament to exceptional leadership and the remarkable ability to foster unity and harmony in such an isolated setting.

Leaving Sitatunga and our new found friends is bittersweet, but the journey continues with another exhilarating flight. This time, we take a scenic helicopter shuttle, offering another great bird’s-eye view of the delta’s vast expanse. The sense of freedom and adventure, coupled with these incredible aerial vistas, add massively to the unique nature of our fly-in safari.

Next on our bucket-list journey is Selinda Camp in the northeast of the delta. In the vast Selinda Game Reserve, the savanna teems with wildlife, and the number of elephants we encounter is staggering. On our daily game drives, we sometimes come across hundreds of these magnificent creatures. The surprisingly close encounters with whole herds of elephants are profoundly moving, providing an almost spiritual connection with these gentle giants.

On one of the mornings at Selinda, we experience what I can call the most unforgettable breakfast I have ever had. Set up next to a waterhole is a luxurious breakfast table, fully laid out with silverware, champagne glasses, freshly cut fruits and berries, a selection of French cheeses, muffins, and scones. Next to a nearby tree, the private Relais & Châteaux chef has set up his bush kitchen and is working his magic together with his team. As we sit down to enjoy the impressive bush setup I hear a cracking noise to our right. We lift our heads. Nothing is to be seen. Yet there is the noise again – clearly someone is breaking off branches in the bush. And then – seemingly out of nowhere – they appear. The most magnificent herd of elephants. With babies, grown-ups, youngsters, and a mighty matriarch. They look at us, hesitate briefly, then deem us harmless and proceed to have their vital morning drink of water at the hole. As we lock eyes I am certain they feel the awe we experience, the immense gratitude, bliss and joy.

Our final destination, Zarafa Camp, continues the theme of luxurious exclusivity that Great Plains Conservation is so famous for. Nestled in another prime location, the camp offers stunning views and exceptional game viewing. Twice we also get to witness a pride of lions devouring a fresh kill, the raw power and primal beauty of the scene sending shivers down our spines. The sound of cracking bones and growling lions, coupled with the close proximity of these majestic cats, is clearly awe-inspiring and chilling at the same time.

As our journey nears its end, there is one elusive creature we have yet to see – the leopard. Our local guide, Piet, reassures us that a safari is not over until you board the plane and actually take off. True to his word, on our very last day, his expert tracking leads us to a beautiful leopard. The elegant sighting, framed by the rough African bush, is the perfect finale to our grand adventure. It is also a testimony that skill combined with experience, perseverence and a little bit of luck do – as in so many other cases and settings – lead to success.

As the sun sets over the delta, casting its golden glow on the plains, I reflected on the privilege of experiencing such remote and untouched beauty first hand. Our fly-in safari to Botswana truly was a testament to the harmonious blend of luxury, conservation, and adventure. Each camp offered unique experiences that celebrate the splendor of the Okavango Delta. Knowing that our stay supported the preservation of the magnificent African ecosystem and the well-being of local communities makes our experience even more meaningful. The combination of exclusive fly-in access, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife encounters created a narrative of exclusive adventure that will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Safari Experience

For a full overview of the safari experiences and high-end safari camps, visit www.greatplainsconservation.com. For bookings at the camps mentioned in the article, Duba Plains Camp, Sitatunga Private Island Camp, Selinda Camp, Zarafa Camp, visit www.scottdunn.com.sg.

The best time to travel to Botswana is between March and October. Take a flight to Maun International Airport, Botswana. From Maun, Great Plains Conservation organises all inland safari plane rides and helicopter shuttles.

For information on helicopter safaris, visit www.helicopterhorizons.com.

The bush airstrips accommodate private jets like the PC 12 for direct access to the heart of Botswana’s exclusive wilderness.

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