I just returned from an amazing Africa experience with &Beyond Botswana in the Okovango Delta!
We stayed at Protera Fire and Ice! , Johannesburg for one night pre and post. We had a quick flight with SA Link to Maun International Airport and then shuttled over to a prop plane with MackAir. Each plane had a max of 8 passengers and individual stops were made for each camp’s air strip. Our last air transfer was in a 4 person Cessna. Some guests opted to upgrade to a helicopter transfer to lodge. The camp guide was waiting for us at each air strip. Each transfer to the camp is approx. 40 min or 10 min if by helicopter. Sparkling or still water was offered to each traveler and upon arrival, we were greeted by staff with a song, clapping, staff greetings and introductions, a welcome drink and cold, herb infused towel to wash face and hands. Each camp (3 in all), offered the same routine for your stay.
• 5:30 wake up at your tent
• 6-630 breakfast
• Morning game drive begins at 6:30 for approx. 4-5 hrs complete with a stop for coffee/tea, soft drinks and refreshments prior to returning to camp.
• Lunch between 11–2:30, served at your leisure. Remaining time to rest and relax.
• High Tea at 4pm
• 4:30 Evening game drive for approx. 3-4 hrs depending on the animal sightings, guest comfort level and always with a Sundowner including cocktails, wine, light apps to enjoy the African sunsets.
• Dinner at camp. Boma style dining experience at least once during your stay.
• Each camp provided guests with a personal butler, multiple dining staff, a camp manager, 2 guides (1 range and 1 tracker), on site chef, massage (only 2 of the 3 camps offered this service). Fresh towel and welcome drink.
• Land Cruisers used for all game drives. Open air with a canvas top and amphitheater style seating, padded handles, sand bag for your photography clients. Guests will get maximum views.
• Ground vehicle transfers to all camps or lodges from air strip. Clients opt to upgrade to a helicopter transfer to lodge.
All lodges and camps provide 3 meals daily, soft drinks, coffee & teas, house wines from South Africa, local-brand spirits and beers, all safari activities, refreshments on game drives, Butler and laundry services. Food was top notch, locally sourced, fresh and from what we gathered, the menu options rotate every couple of days. Camps & lodges operate on 90% solar power. WiFi is only offered in your suite/tent. No internet service while on game drives.
Xarrana Lodge – Romantic luxury tented camp, private pool, open views from tent, common areas to see animals up close with great viewing areas. 9 luxury tents, 1 family tent.
Key details for this camp: deep bubble bath drawn for the first evening of our stay, chalkboard for requesting specific spirits or cocktails ie. We requested Champagne and Blueberry infused Gin and tonics. Mosquito type netting around bed drawn at night and to help with A/C.
Sandibe Lodge – Luxury lodge resembles a giant scaled Pangolin at rest. The rooms were elevated and had a tree-house feel for all the e suites, with private plunge pool and large, wooden deck and lounge area with plenty of privacy. The Pangolin style architecture was prevalent in all common areas, with an elevated bar area, open dining area and plenty of spectacular views. 12 suites in total, 1 family suite.
Key details: Slated floor to ceiling doors for privacy, screen doors. Open shower, vanity area, outdoor shower, separate closet, dressing area located behind wall for bed. Separate wash closet. In room fireplace, double locks for screen door and entry room door. Interactive kitchen for lunches with make your own nachos and pizzas for lunch. Very romantic!
Nxabega Camp – Rustic, luxury tented camp, large wooden patio with 2 chairs and table, separate swing area for viewing and relaxing. Pool area was available to all guests with wooden loungers and cushions. Open dining concept/indoor and outdoor. 10 tents total, 1 family tent.
Key details: our tent did not offer a mosquito cover around bed. Bed king or two twins with outward facing views of the open areas of the Delta. Double vanity with rain shower was located behind bed and dressing area. Separate wash closet. Covered area with swing was off to the side from our tent. Very quiet and serene. WiFi in both room and main areas.
All these lodges /camps provided: individually controlled A/C, indoor and outdoor showers, bath amenities, safe, laundry service daily, bath robe & slippers, pool towels and sarongs, a well stocked bar with bottles of liquor, mixers, water and refreshments. No TV’s, phone for calling staff for needs or emergencies. USB and international outlets on your bedside. Guides escort you back and forth to your suite day and night. Boma’s (outdoor campfire style dining) are done the last night of your stay. Guests are provided mosquito spray for day and evening. Safari shop on site.
All game drives (2/day) gave us ample opportunity to see many of the Delta’s wildlife. Guides ask what kind of animals you want to see. If you ever feel uncomfortable, they will leave the site. We were given a “pit stop” during our break. Yes, you go out in the bush! Guides will never put you in harm’s way. Great tracking, very knowledge with the behavior and routines of the animals. Lots of special touches, attention to detail is on point. &Beyond Botswana was amazing and I can’t wait to go back!