‘I have had the wind at my wings having had such a glorious time on my Safari’

Travelled: December 2018
Destination: Botswana
Itinerary: 3 nights’ Camp Xakanaxa (Moremi Game Reserve), 3 nights’ Delta Camp (Okavango Delta), 4 nights’ Meno a Kwena (Makgadikgadi).
 
Hi Tara,
I must apologize for taking so long to respond. As soon as I returned I had to work on a writing assignment that was due this past Thursday. I made my deadline, and had the wind at my wings having had such a glorious time on my safari!  Thanks for your planning, I'm sure you doing it made all of the difference.
 
The three camps were a great combination, all unique and special in their own ways. Camp Xakanaxa had the warmest staff, so it was a great welcome. All of the staff in all of the camps were lovely, but the women in that camp play a big role, not just serving, but welcoming and helping to run the place (at least for the time I was there.) The camp also put on a lively Christmas performance with singing and dancing from locals at the neighboring village. It was a cultural experience, full of joy and elation.  The camp really celebrated the holidays and it was great being so far from home. There were little presents and a Christmas tree!  I hated to leave...
 
Delta Camp was the most vivid and amazing connection to the natural world.  Walking in the wild uncharted terrain, one-on-one with a guide, as opposed to being driven, I felt closer to nature and animals then I thought possible. It was a thrilling and a unique adventure every day. I loved the close connection to the guides and their knowledge of the land and the animals felt intimate and rare. My guide actually carved his own mokoro, and crossing the waterway was sublime, I wish had been a longer ride, (but the time of year I could travel didn't permit.)  He also shared much about natural medicine, plants and healing, all areas I am interested in.  I appreciated the depth of knowledge of the guides there. And the last night I even got to spend in the tree-house, like something out of a movie, or a dream. I'd recommend this accommodation to everyone!  Delta camp gave me the most authentic safari experience. It felt rare and fleeting.
  
Meno a Kwena was a great place to spend the new year! The atmosphere is so unique with the parachutes draping the dining and public tents, and the lighting with little twinklies made a magical effect. But at the same time the camp feels very luxurious, very "Out Of Africa" British colonial,  with a mix of styles, lots of historic photos, art and unique furniture ( a day bed from India!) I loved watching the food prepared on a fire built in the center of camp, everything here from water conservation, to energy efficiency is remarkable. Very eco-friendly.   And the animals here were plentiful,  I think I saw more here than at the other camps, not that I was counting,  (seeing game is just a small part of the safari experience. ) It was here that I got to visit the San people, who took me on a little walk-about and I learned about the people not just the animals! Also I got drenched every day!  The rainy season for sure! But still, I loved every minute. 
 
I would love to return a different time of year and also to these wonderful camps, but I know there are others that are remarkable as well. Thanks for putting together such a great itinerary.
I truly appreciate the knowledge and care you took in making my holiday trip so fulfilling!
 
All the best,
Kathleen