Camille's Botswana Educational Trip

Prepare yourself for some significant predator-prey, or predator-predator, action – a wildlife photographer’s dream. Lions, leopards, African wild dogs, spotted hyaenas, and cheetahs provide almost constant unfolding drama on the floodplains, at the expense of herbivores such as buffalos, giraffes; and a host of antelope, such as tsessebe, impala, and red lechwe.

On top of the excitement of a safari experience, the advantage of evening drives is that you have a unique chance to see nocturnal wildlife at their most active. Instead of watching a big cat snooze in the sun, for example, you may be able to glimpse a pride preparing for their evening hunt and setting off into the bush for a kill. Scan the bushveld for creatures that rarely appear during the day, from aardvark, to civets, genets, bushbabies, and owls.

A walking safari is a wonderful way to explore Africa's wildlife, and these may vary from a gentle morning ramble to a longer "hike" for the more intrepid. Escorted by our enthusiastic guides, explore areas with no roads, whilst listening to bird calls, and learning about animal track identification.

The birdlife is excellent and varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. Sightings may include African hawk-eagle, ground hornbill, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-billed hornbill, gabar goshawk and red-billed francolin.

A dinner in the bush is the ultimate safari experience – join us as we toast to the day under a magical star-studded sky while listening to the evocative sounds of an African night …

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles. Bringing you closer to many thrilling interactions being played out in the wild, our knowledgeable guides are the vital link between guests and the intricacies of the natural world.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ unique community concession agreement means that many of the professional guides here grew up in this area, adding an extra layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their expert tracking and identification skills. Swap your game drive for a nature walk, and marvel at the smaller things you may miss when travelling by vehicle.

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains truly an Okavango experience, and there is no better way of viewing game and exploring the channels than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The wondrous wetland habitats result in a multitude of aquatic life, and these excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds.

* Water levels permitting.

Excursions by boat are another idyllic form of water wildlife exploration in the amazing paradise of the Okavango Delta.

* Water levels permitting.

Fishing is on a catch and release basis, and the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, is considered one of our best fishing areas as there is permanent water all year round. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp, whereas all fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guests if required.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

The birding at Wilderness Vumbura Plains is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. Search for some of the the hundreds of bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers, to carmine bee-eaters, and secretary birds. Or even the Pel's fishing owl! In the summer months many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.

As part of this unique collaboration, lightweight and compact OM-D photography equipment has been provided for guests to try out a number of the impressive features offered by Olympus. The picturesque vistas at Wilderness Vumbura Plains will amaze even the most seasoned safari explorers, and we hope that you will enjoy learning more about wildlife photography with our passionate guides.

* Olympus Photo Hub experience dependent on camera availability.

Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa.

Insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s pristine wilderness and wildlife areas. If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist – in this generation and those to come – we need the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, our Children in the Wilderness programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.

This is achieved in a variety of ways – from hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools, to running camps at Wilderness Safaris and partner camps, for the children within the rural communities that live on the edges of the wild areas of Africa.

There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than adventuring by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Drift across Botswana's Okavango floodplains, the world's largest freshwater, inland delta. The riverine forest surrounding Wilderness Jao are ideal for spotting smaller creatures amongst the papyrus reeds.

* Water levels permitting.

A boating excursion allows us to reach and explore the more distant waterways and clear, deep channels. Explore the iconic Delta floodplains at Wilderness Jao.

* Water levels permitting.

Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally on a catch and release basis.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles, and reveal the spectacular wildlife diversity of the vast floodplains. Traverse the iconic Jao Reserve in search of game ranging from the elusive Pel’s fishing-owl, to the infamous ‘Jao Mafia’ mongoose gang, to a myriad of big cats, to co-habiting crocodiles and hippos, to a multitude of antelope species, buffalo, and elephant herds.

Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. Please note that during high water levels, night drives are not possible.

Wilderness Jao rests under a fantastic tree canopy on its own remote island, surrounded by a watery garden of channels, reeds, and lilies. A 45 minute boat ride from Wilderness Jao, you can enjoy a full-day game drive, along with a picnic, on wildlife-rich Hunda Island.

Tucked away in amongst palms for privacy, overlooking lush waterways, the Wilderness Jao Spa is an exquisite setting from where you can rest, relax and feel utterly restored. A full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of signature massage options, may be experienced. A treatment is bound to further inspire guests to fully appreciate Wilderness Jao's extraordinary holistic offering.

Stay active and energised amid the wild beauty Jao. The well-equipped gym (treadmill, elliptical trainer, punch bag for boxing, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball, skipping ropes and a range of free weights) is a haven for a refreshing workout with a view of the magnificent floodplains.

A fascinating feature at Wilderness Jao is the museum and gallery, with its emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing of the area and its denizens, from a metres high giraffe skeleton, to geographical maps. In addition, a series of botanical pressings by EE Galpin, known as the 'Prince of Collectors' and one of the pre-eminent botanists of his time, is beautifully showcased here. In fact, he was the great-grandfather of Cathy Kays, co-owner of Wilderness Jao. Included is a fascinating history of the Kays family, who have been rooted in Botswana since the 19th century and today based in Maun, operating Ngamiland Adventure Safaris (NAS) and other ventures.