cazenove+loyd has its roots in Botswana, as it was here that Susie Cazenove and Henrietta Loyd started working together over 30 years ago. The mind-expanding experiences, in-depth knowledge and life-long friends they gained there are the foundations of the company and allow us to continue designing individual, extraordinary holidays to the country all these years later.

As safaris in Botswana are undeniably expensive, each day should feel spectacular. Our Destination Experts will meticulously plan every element of your safari according to your wants and needs, adding in those special experiences that complete a trip.

Here, we have detailed a stunning trip that our Destination Experts designed for a client. Taking in contrasting landscapes and exciting game-viewing, while staying in camps which capture the romantic gilded days of safari, it is a fantastic introduction to the country we love so much.

Elephants in Botswana

10 EXTRAORDINARY DAYS IN BOTSWANA

Begin your journey by flying into Maun Airport, where you will be met by our friends on the ground and flown by private charter to Tsigaro airstrip, on the edge of the otherworldly Makgadikgadi saltpans. Your home here will be San Camp, a beautiful retreat in the style of 1920s East African safaris.

Sunset at San Camp in Botswana

Romantic and peaceful in equal measure, San Camp is the ultimate honeymoon destination, with its billowing white tents looking out over the Makgadikgadi Pans. It feels relaxed, yet incredibly exclusive with only seven tents which all have four-poster beds and paraffin lanterns. Wonderfully, there is no electricity, which makes the stargazing even more thrilling.

San Camp in Botswana
San Camp Botswana

Each evening, the lodge manager will be on hand to discuss the following day’s activities with you, letting you decide exactly how you want to spend your days. You can visit the group of habituated meerkats, go on walks with the Bushmen and explore the pans on a quad bike. There are now horses here, so you will have the option to explore on horseback.

Quad biking in Botswana

In all of the regions we work in throughout the world, securing the most inspiring guides is our highest priority. Nowhere is this more important than on safari, where the guides we choose not only inspire you with their vast knowledge and thrilling stories but through their highly skilled and intricate tracking.

If possible, we will do our best to arrange for your private guide to be Ralph Bousfield, the owner of San Camp. Over time, Ralph has become quite the safari celebrity, but more important to us is his encyclopedic knowledge of Botswana and beyond. If requested far in advance, we can arrange for him to accompany our clients throughout their trip.

Picnic in Botswana

After three magical nights in the Makgadikgadi Pans, fly by private charter to the Selinda Reserve in the Linyanti region, near Botswana’s border with Namibia, which is famous for its vast herds of elephants.

The rivers here attract thousands of elephants to their banks during dry months, allowing visitors unrivalled viewing of these incredible beasts. The region is renowned for its wild dog packs, a number of which have successful dens, as well as many other animal and bird species.

Elephants in Botswana

Your home here will be Zarafa, a small and extremely exclusive tented camp in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve, with splendid views over an open floodplain. Sheltered under cool and shady jackalberry and red ivory forests, each of the four tents overlooks a lagoon that is the focal point for thirsty animals keen to get to the water. The daily procession of general game trekking past the camp makes for incredible armchair viewing.

Zarafa in Botswana
Zarafa in Botswana

Zarafa has a wild feel, with an atmosphere of remote African romance intermingled with adventure. All the large predators are found here, as are smaller nocturnal predators such as the African wild cat and bat-eared fox.

You will be staying in our favourite tent, the Dhow Suite which has two beautiful bedrooms, a huge deck, plunge pool and dining area, where you can choose to have private meals. You will have a private guide to look after you throughout your three-night stay.

Plunge pool at Zarafa safari camp in Botswana
Outside bath at Zarafa safari camp in Botswana

After an early morning drive tracking prides of lion, herds of elephant and the elusive wild dog, you can choose to relax at camp or take an exhilarating bush walk. Wandering through riverine forests and past open floodplains fringed with palm trees, these walks usually concentrate on the smaller aspects of the bush and give you a deeper understanding of your wild surroundings.

You will travel to your next camp, Duba Plains, in style: via private helicopter. From the skies you will be able to take in the unique and fascinating phenomenon of the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River flows through ‘the Panhandle’ and spreads out in a fan, creating intricate and dazzling delta waterways. The result is a thriving ecosystem of incredible wildlife.

Duba Plains Camp lies in an incredibly game-rich area in the northern part of the Okavango Delta. As one of the area’s most remote camps there is a true sense of being in the bush, although the level of luxury has certainly not been compromised. Game drives take place in specially modified 4WD vehicles, accompanied by a professional guide with extensive knowledge of the area and wildlife. As this area is famous for the buffalo and lion interaction, which is frequently documented by National Geographic, they usually prove extremely exhilarating.

At the end of your 10-day safari, you will have seen an amazing diversity of habitat and wildlife species. We believe this wilderness of contrasts and astonishing beauty provides one of the most inspiring experiences in the world and our Destination Experts can design an incredible holiday in Botswana that is totally tailored to you.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.

Karen Chapman
Auriole Potter
Flora Sweeting

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