Lion Cubs of the Okavango Delta
Watch lion cubs play, wrestle, fight for mom’s milk, and sleep, secure in their mom’s care. Look into they eyes of mom lionesses and you will see the sensitivity of your own mother. It will change you forever.
These magnificent social cats are down to 20,000 from 500,000 50 years ago.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta is one of only a handful of delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean. The rainwater from the Northern Highlands of Angola flows into Botswana and fans out over the Kalahari sands. As the flood waters rise and fall, the delta teems with wildlife, making it a premier safari aficionado’s paradise.
The delta is home to the endangered lion, cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros and African wild dog, among other animals such as elephants, zebras, hyenas and more.
Go on a photo safari to watch lion cubs play, wrestle, fight for mom’s milk, and sleep. The way these cubs will watch you watch them, will change you forever.
Areas to see include Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park which holds one-third of all of Africa’s elephants, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Savute Elephant Camp and the mystical Tsodilo Hills scattered with rock art painted by the Kalahari bushmen. And definitely ride on the double-decker houseboat, “Kubu Queen” and go fishing in a “mokoro,” a traditional dugout canoe. Fly fishing is also popular.
William Dewan Burns’ Favorites
William Dewan Burns, owner of Botswana Trek Safari, expert travel guide, and colorful commentator arranges bespoke photo safaris to the Okavango Delta.
Xakanaxa Lagoon
This area offers boat and jeep rides to view an abundance of wildlife including elephant herds, sable giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, wild dogs, hyena and the mighty lion, leopard, and cheetah. You can fish and enjoy exciting birdlife.
Khwai Concession Area
The area is made up of sweeping grasslands, riparian forests and floodplains, which are flooded for most the year. You can see blue and white water lilies bobbing in the water. The Khwai river runs through the area which also has large tracts of Mopane forests, which attract herds of elephants and all the other wildlife. This area is particularly great for viewing the rare Roan Antelope and Sable Antelope.
Savute
Savute is famous for its mysterious and fascinating water channel, which was dry for 70 years starting in 1880, then magically started flowing again and is now dry again. Savute also offers all the wildlife Botswana is famous for.
Spend time with the Bushmen and women of the Kalahari Desert
The Bushmen or San people are indigenous hunter-gatherers, who predate the Bantu people and Europeans. They are known for their knowledge of the natural environment, the extraordinary ability to survive and thrive in very hard desert environments, hunting skills, unique culture and wonderful rock art. Bill taught in a school for bushmen children and his trips take you into the heart of the ancient local culture.
Sunset Flyover
Watch the colors of the setting sun light up the sky as you fly amidst the peace and serenity of an end to another unbelievable day.
While away your Afternoon at Old Bridge Backpackers
People watch, relax with a book, make new friends with international travelers, local folk, or a German IT pro who has his own stool and who will fix your computer, or throw back shots of jagermeisters at this laid-back eatery on the Thamalakane river. Stories from all walks of life come here for the good food, the latest safari conditions, or for nothing in particular. British Royalty shows up from time to time, expecting to be treated no differently.
Contact William Dewan Burns of Botswana Trek Safari for an insider’s trip to the magnificent Okavango Delta in Botswana, Africa. And thank you William, for your wonderful photos.