Chobe National Park in Botswana is a world renowned and iconic wildlife destination in the heart of the KAZA TFCA. It offers visitors the chance to bear witness to herds of elephant and buffalo, giant crocodiles dozing on the riverbanks and an abundance of birdlife to name but a few. Often accessed from Kasane, but for those in the know, it is also accessible from the Ngoma Gate, just 40 minutes outside of Kasane. This is a much quieter area in terms of vehicles, but just as impressive from a wildlife perspective. Machaba Safaris operate a stunning lodge in conjunction with the local community and it is located just 10 minutes from the Ngoma Gate. Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve, on the edge of a plateau it offers endless views over the seasonal Chobe flood plain and also bears witness to magnificent sunsets – the ultimate way to celebrate the end of another perfect African day. This small lodge offers seclusion in an authentic African environment with suites that are nestled in bushwillow thickets and Zambezi Teak Trees.
The Zambezi Region of Namibia, or the Caprivi Strip as it used to be known, is easy to access from Botswana, crossing the border at the Ngoma border crossing which is only 10 minutes from Ngoma Safari Lodge. From there it is an hour to Katima Mulilo, the main town for this region with somewhat of a frontier or border town feel about it. A further 2 hours past beautifully maintained village settlements and grazing cattle and you will arrive at the wilderness of Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Camp and the incredible Sijwa Project. Nambwa Tented Camp is a unique luxury camp set high in the trees with the tents connected by walkways high enough in the air for the elephants to walk underneath them. From here you can explore Bwabwata National Park by either vehicle or boat. Head to the horseshoe for sundowners and wait for the resident herd of elephant to join you or scour the bush for predators such as lion, wild dog and hyena. Nambwa Tented Camp has 2 sister properties, a camp site and the rustic Kazile Island lodge allowing guests of varying budgets to enjoy this undiscovered National Park.
Leaving by boat, taking in one last water-based safari / transfer, you arrive at the inspirational Sijwa project in the Mayuni Conservancy that is the brainchild of Tinolla with the approval of Chief Mayuni. Here they raise their own chickens to sell, have a permaculture vegetable garden, recycle all glass into beautiful pieces of jewellery or homewares and run a sewing project and a junior sewing project making staff uniforms, lovely dresses and stunning placemats. Jobs have been created and there is an incredible level of pride in those working there. Tinolla is not stopping there however as now they are working on beehives which not only produce honey but keep the elephants away from valuable crops.
