5 reasons why you need to visit the Okavango Swamps

ONE – THE WATER

Where else in the world do you get to ride on a dugout canoe where hippos make highways, birds nest, frogs croak, and crocodiles feast? The water of the Okavango is crystal clear, it’s quite remarkable to trail your hands through the water as you listen to the slow swirl of the oar pulling you through the water as your guide keeps a sharp lookout for any possible danger. Generally, the shallow water is free of large animals and it is a tranquil experience.

The seasons adapt to the flood waters which arrive around June–July. The water comes from summer rains in the highlands of Angola, travelling over 1,000 km to Botswana — it takes about 4 months to arrive. Every month is a different landscape, making for dynamic game watching and ever-changing landscapes – a photographer’s dream.

TWO – THE LODGES

The lodges in Botswana are quite literally out of this world. Fact. Sustainable? Luxurious? Stylish? 6 star? Decadent food? Crisp linen? Chic interiors? Tick. Tick. Tick Tick.

Whether you want to swim in your private plunge pool, sleep under the stars, walk on foot through the bush, or throw a Birthday party under a meteor shower – Botswana has you covered. Why don’t more celebrities come here? They probably do, but no one can photograph them and the staff are discreet.

THREE – THE PEOPLE

The Botswanan people are warm, friendly, and expertly trained in hospitality. Attentive, not overbearing, informative, and engaged, but just the right amount. They’re proud of their beautiful country and rightly so. Botswana is one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. Most lodges have private butlers, so before the blink of an eye, they know when to bring that Aperol Spritz or Almond Milk Cappuccino.

FOUR – NATURE AT ITS FINEST

The rich biodiversity is unencumbered. Water is life. The fish-filled rivers and estuaries draws in birds, reptiles and amphibians. The fresh water encourages herbivores to graze the lush plains and shrubs. The predators are drawn to the prey. Botswana is so isolated that hunting and poaching are much rarer here. Thankfully this means wild dogs, leopards, lions and cheetahs abound. Rare antelope species like the Lechwe can be found here, too.

FIVE – ESCAPE TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

Do you ever want to escape the humdrum of everyday life? Well, here you have it. Bathe naked under the African stars (quite literally in an outside shower or the delta). Relish the silence. Switch off that damn phone. Reconnect. Revive. Reinviogorate your soul. Africa will give you this in dollops.