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Experience Walking with the Elephants in Okavango, Botswana

Elephants

I believe that travel is one of the greatest adventures of life and, having lived in Africa for over 40 years, I never fail to be amazed by the very special moments one can experience whilst travelling on this special continent.

My “work” as a Tour Operator, designing itineraries for discerning travellers, never fails to uplift my spirits and urge me to travel more. Over the last few years I have travelled a lot, as my business has a policy of not sending our valued clients to places we have not personally vetted.

Jacquie & JabuWildlife Adventures and Camping in Botswana

On a visit to Botswana I discovered a real gem – the elephant experience at Stanley’s Camp in the Okavango. The Okavango, in the north west of Botswana, is a 6 000 square mile inland delta, the largest of its kind in the world. The delta’s lagoons and islands are home to huge numbers of wild animals, including elephant, hippo, lion, cheetah, buffalo, many species of antelope and abundant avian life.

The camp itself was simple but wonderful, with great staff and great food – all in the middle of the bush. However please note that this is camping in great style. I have laughed many times when I’ve told clients that they will be sleeping in a tent and they have said “We don’t do camping!” Well, take it from me (and I’ve been to lots of camps in Botswana), these tents are absolute luxury – usually about 8 x 4 m (26 x 13 ft) in size, raised off the ground and with lovely en suite bathrooms plus private decks overlooking the bush. You get every modern convenience, and sleeping in a “tent” makes it all the more exciting when you hear lion roaring in the night!

Walking with the Elephants in Botswana in Okavango

This particular camp (and its sister camp, Baines) offers a unique experience – walking in the bush with three African elephants that are used to humans. The elephants’ owner, Doug, has been working and living with these giants for many years and not only are these jumbos obedient but love people too! The “Walk with the Elephants” interaction involves an approximately four hour gentle morning walk in the bush with the animals, whilst Doug tells you all about their habits and personalities, and demonstrates their features. You’ll feel their skin, tails and feet, look in their mouths to see their amazing molars and really get to know them. You also get to lead them by the trunk! But you don’t get to ride them, as that wouldn’t be natural.

It was an awesome experience for me and I believe that all travelers who are interested in wildlife would be “wild” for this opportunity. At the end of the walk you are treated to a lovely picnic lunch in the bush, whilst the elephants wander off to feed, supervised by Doug’s lovely wife, Sandy. You may ask “were you scared?” The answer is “yes! I was very frightened at first”, but with Doug’s calm love, deep trust and long experience with these great beasts, it became impossible not to relax and enjoy the absolute thrill of this incredible adventure. I left my new friends – Jabu, Marula and Thembi – feeling very privileged to have experienced such a close and emotional encounter with elephants.

The elephant walk every morning with their devoted “father” whether or not there are camp guests coming along. It’s not at all commercial and you really get to grips with elephants and their life in the Botswana bush.

Doug also runs courses for the local community schools, where the kids come camping for a few days (in very basic tents) and learn to appreciate elephants, wild animals in general and the importance of conservation in Botswana. By expanding awareness of eco-friendly tourism, this project makes a great contribution to the future well-being of the rural population.

Botswana is a marvellous destination and there are wonderful camps in different parts of the country that can make for a memorable safari. The cherry on the top is the close proximity to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a definite “must see” at least once in your life.

For more information, please visit: http://www.kunjani.co.za

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