Desert & Delta Safaris believe Botswana is the ultimate post-pandemic travel destination – here’s why
Botswana is one of the most exclusive international travel destinations, attracting travellers from around the world to enjoy a world-class safari experience combined with incredible accommodation, food and drink. Desert & Delta Safaris is renowned as one of Botswana’s most trusted operators, and in these challenging times, their outstanding service extends to their Covid safety protocols, which go above and beyond the expected standards for international visitors.
All eight premier safari camps ensure that hygiene standards are at the absolute maximum. Each lodge has a designated and permanent team who are tested with rapid lateral flow tests before guest arrival. Movement out of the camp can only occur with a negative test result, ensuring that the camps and lodges are effectively a Covid-free bubble.
Africa’s most uncrowded safari destination
Botswana’s national parks, game reserves and private concessions are all stringently controlled, so guests can expect to enjoy vast, expansive and remote wilderness areas with an abundance of wild animals and minimal human contact.
For those seeking a more secluded safari experience, the Xugana Island Lodge is available for private hire. From the safety of their exclusive group, guests can explore the Okavango Delta’s 16,000 sqkm of spectacular islands, waterways, and open floodplains with up to 16 of their family and friends.
All Desert & Delta Safaris activities maximise both space and privacy. The game drive vehicles have a guaranteed window seat and ample space, whilst boat excursions ensure that the middle seat remains unoccupied. Mokoro canoes are naturally private, designed for just one or two people at a time. Walking safaris have been limited to a maximum of six guests so that you can enjoy the expansive environment and incredible wildlife undisturbed.
Peace of mind
Travelling during a pandemic can be nerve-racking, but stress can be minimised by keeping logistics simple. By working with an operator like Desert & Delta Safaris you can keep your whole safari under one company. Desert & Delta Safaris have their own charter flight company called Safari Air, so your journey will be smooth and easy.
With eight magnificent safari lodges in unique locations, you will be spoilt for choice! From the Chobe River with Botswana’s highest concentration of elephants, to the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. There are the islands of the Okavango Delta and the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Desert & Delta Safaris covers every ecosystem in Botswana.
Under the stars
After a year of working from home and staying indoors, it is time to reconnect with the true wilds of the world. Desert & Delta Safaris’ Sleep-Out experience on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans does just that! With a maximum of six people and a specialist guide, guests can venture out into the middle of the world’s largest salt flats and sleep under a blanket of stars. Described as a life-changing experience, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan Sleep Out will awaken your senses in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments.
If you crave a more luxurious experience, guests can try the romantic sleep-out deck at Camp Okavango. Just you and your loved one tucked away on a private corner of the island, on a large double bed under the expansive Botswanan sky.
A deluge of nature
At the start of 2021, Botswana experienced phenomenal, unprecedented rains – around double the season average in some parts. Subsequently, the rivers of Chobe and Okavango are brimming with water, wildlife, and outstanding scenery. A traditional mokoro is the best way to travel through these lush floodplains and experience unique, personal encounters with nature. The generous rainfall has also resulted in fertile grasses, which have attracted a plethora of birds and herbivores, leading to an increase in predator activity. 2021 certainly promises to be an extraordinary safari year in Botswana.
The global pandemic has shown us that we need to be more responsible in the way we travel, as too many destinations have become overcrowded and unsustainable. However, Botswana has been operating a strict low-volume and high-revenue model of tourism since the country’s independence in the late 1960s.
Desert & Delta Safaris follow this incredibly reliable model and champion sustainability through their unique CARES Philosophy. Desert & Delta Safaris put conservation and responsible tourism at the forefront of everything they do. It is critical that their safaris empower the citizens of Botswana, as well as protect the wildlife. Desert & Delta Safaris regards the empowerment of the local community as the pillar of their success, as they are one of the first premier safari operators in the country to be entirely staffed and managed by Botswana citizens.
Desert & Delta Safaris have retained and supported every staff member during the pandemic – an achievement matched by few large European companies. Therefore, your adventure with Desert & Delta Safaris always goes a long way in making a lasting positive impact on people and the environment.
Established in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris is the longest-running luxury safari group in Botswana. During this nearly forty-year period, Desert & Delta have gained an enviable reputation as one of the most well-respected and trusted tour operators in Africa.
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