Green Season Specials
High Season (July-October) is always a popular time to visit Botswana, but do not forget about the great rates available for the upcoming Green Season. This is the ideal opportunity for clients to see another side of Botswana. Summer rains leave the landscape lush and green, many young animals are born at this time, and it is a birdwatchers paradise. Green Season: 1 December 2004- 31 March 2005. Botswana at this time of the year has been made far more accessible for guests who visit South Africa in abundance at this time of the year with the introduction of the Cape Town – Maun direct flight which will be launched mid October 2004.
Chief's Camp
From the air, all one can see around Chief's Camp is water from this year's enormous flood, surrounding the Camp. Guests that are fortunate enough to be staying at the Camp during May/June are enjoying the Delta in all its glory. The sightings for this month have been excellent, with all of the big five being spotted on a regular basis. Elephants, giraffes, buffalos, large herds of red lechwe, lion, leopard, a few rhinos and plenty other general game have been in abundance.
Mokoros are still very popular with guests and we are still receiving very good feedback about the entire experience. Guests indicate that it is definitely worthwhile, especially for those that enjoy the hundreds of bird species on the banks of the channels.
Stanley's Camp
The flood water levels have not changed at Stanley's Camp. There is however, lots of hippo in front of the Camp, as there is lots of vegetation for them to feed on.
Mokoro's have just resumed, so remember to join in this exciting experience when you next visit us.
Game viewing has been superb. Some exciting sightings have included a young female leopard with two impalas up in two different trees, another female with cubs, a wild dog and a young male Lion about 200m from camp.
Baines'' Camp
Baines' Camp is coming along very well with most of the walling completed around the main deck area. All the roof structures are completed and the thatching will start very soon. Look out for our full update on Baines' Camp, which will be released shortly.
Chobe Chilwero
When you need some time out to recharge your batteries, or would like to pamper yourself surrounded by ultimate luxury in the bush, then we invite you to experience the many spa treatments available at Chobe Chilwero. You will return home rested, energized and healthy.
The treatments are usually done in-room, but may also be set up at the swimming pool. We use Clarins products, if you decide to have a facial. The most popular treatment is the full body 1-hour massage that soothe and invigorate the body from head to foot. Let us work deep into those aching muscles and relieve all the stress and tension. There are a wide variety of other treatments from which to choose, for example a 30-minute hot stone back, neck and shoulder massage. This is a lovely treatment that combines warm stones and a soothing massage.
We believe that this experience truly compliments the exceptional service, food, wine and game viewing that is offered by this boutique lodge. Remember that spa treatments are also offered at Chief's Camp.
Thank you to Jacquie Stafford from Kunjani Safaris for this month's wonderful feedback.
“On a recent visit to Botswana I discovered a real gem - the elephant experience at Stanley''s Camp in the Okavango. The camp itself was simple but wonderful, with great staff and great food, all in the middle of the bush. I have laughed many times when I''ve told people 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 luxury - usually about 8m x 4m (26 ft. x 13 ft.) in size, raised off the ground and with lovely en suite bathroom facilities and private decks overlooking the bush. You get all modern conveniences, and sleeping in a "tent" makes it all the more exciting when you hear lions roaring in the night!"
This particular camp offers a unique experience: walking in the bush with three elephants that are used to humans. The ‘Walk with Elephants' interaction involves an approximately two-hour gentle walk in the bush with the animals while 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 do not 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 unique opportunity. At the end of the walk you are treated to a lovely picnic lunch while the elephants wander off to eat some more of the bush, supervised by Doug''s lovely wife Sandy.
Doug also runs courses for the local community schools, where the kids come camp for a few days (yes, in very basic tents) and learn to appreciate elephants, wild animals in general and the importance of conservation in Botswana. By expanding awareness of and the possibilities for eco-friendly tourism, the camp makes a great contribution to the future well being of to the rural population.
An added attraction at Stanley''s, and one which I was unable to try due to weather conditions and time, is hot air ballooning over the Okavango. I spoke to the pilot, who has been "flying" balloons for 14 years, and it sounds like a very exciting adventure, indeed. He tells me that watching the dawn from 1,000 ft in a balloon, then descending to 500 ft to do aerial game viewing is a must-not-miss experience, especially in the Okavango. Having seen some videos of his flights, I firmly believe him.
Botswana is marvellous and there are wonderful camps in different parts of the Okavango and nearby Chobe National Park that can make for a memorable holiday. The cherry on the top is Chobe''s proximity to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a definite "must see" at least once in your life”.
Staff Updates
Kaylashney Kuni joins the Sanctuary Lodges Reservations team and brings with her a wealth of experience from the lodge industry. We hope that she has a long and successful association with Sanctuary Lodges & Camps.
Other staff members who are ready to assist you with any requests:
Ryan Powell: Sales Manager
rpowell@sanctuarylodges.com
Joanne Beatt: Reservations Manager
jbeatt@sanctuarylodges.com
Lynne Butler: Reservations Consultant
lbutler@sanctuarylodges.com
Kaylashney Kuni: Reservations Consultant
kkuni@sanctuarylodges.com