Having being in the guiding industry for many years, I was always in search of truly wild areas to explore. The more pristine and untouched an area is, is the kind of thing that gets my blood pumping, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a big 5 area. There is something special about knowing you’re in a place where human impact is minimal and where only a few have travelled.
This was the motivating factor for my planning of a 2 week hardcore camping trip through Northern Botswana in March 2018. Tourism in Botswana is structured to be un-congested and with minimal impact to the environment. This trip ventured through the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai and Savuti and at some stage we were completely self-reliant for 5 days. Meaning, the fuel, food and water that we carried with us needed to last until we got back into civilization as there were no shops or filling stations during these 5 days. At times we would drive for long periods without even seeing a vehicle passing by, any manmade structures and no cell or wifi signal – A complete off the grid experience!
All the campsites we chose were completely unfenced and allowed for wildlife to pass right by us at times. Including a massive bull Elephant coming into camp and inspecting each tent and our groceries while we layed super still and silent in our dome safari tents.
Camping on the Boro Islands in the Okavango Delta was simply unforgettable! Arriving early morning at the boat station just outside Maun we were met by our lead guide, Eman, a descendant from the Bayei tribe – the native people of the Okavango Delta.
This was the beginning of everything as myself and Eman have then developed communication and lets say because of this meeting is where we are now!
There are 2 special reasons to me for being a guide. The one is my passion for the natural world and wildlife and the other is to have these moments experienced, shared and interpreted with others.
Guiding extensively in South Africa, i thought to myself, why not do the same in this most amazing blend of ecosystems! This idea came about having a Tented Safari Lodge in natural surroundings, away from man made distractions and close by to a River, where we could offer all major Safari activities from and into the major reserves such as the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai, Savuti, Linyanti and Chobe. And so my search led me to this amazing piece of land on the Boteti River banks which offered all of these requirements and more. An amazing energy and vibration from the first time i set foot here! With absolutely nothing around except for natural bush and no services at all, the task began to create an ‘experience’ for others to enjoy this splendour. And so, the “Boteti Tented Safari Lodge” was established.
My objection is to have every single guest that stays with us to have an unforgettable and unravelled wildlife experience! Looked after by friendly and skilled staff, learning about the culture of the native people of this area and tasting the flavors of local cuisine.
Kavi Naidoo
