Most Inspirational Moment
The highlights for me would be the various times spent in the Okavango Delta, which included the game drives and game walks. On our first game walk our local guide took us to a hippo pool, where we found hippo feeding, which was great to see. We were also so close we could hear them munching on the grass. Camping is also a great way to get the whole wilderness experience, particularly with all the sounds you hear at night, truly amazing! Victoria Falls also far exceeded my expectations and my only regret is not choosing to do the micro-light flight over the Falls. A reason to return (among many) I suppose!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Sam was a very good guide and was always in good spirits. His advice on viewing the Falls from Zimbabwe rather than Zambia was proof of his local knowledge. He really surpassed himself in terms of what I expected from the food on this trip. We all ate incredibly well, from stews, steaks and curries. We even had fish and chips. Whilst on the game drives Kenny took over as leader, which seemed appropriate to me. His tracking skills were amazing. On a game drive in Moremi he told us he was tracking a leopard. He was always very forthcoming with information and his knowledge of the wildlife. Anyway, back to the leopard tracking; Kenny started to point out signs of its presence. From footprints in the sandy road and the alarm calls of various animals, which suggesting a predator was nearby. We drove on then he suddenly veered through the bush. Warnings of "branches, branches" came from the front of the truck until eventually someone in our group spotted the leopard and there it was, walking parallel to us under the trees. It was a magical experience and one I'll never forget. Moments like that really define a holiday for me and thanks to Kenny I'll treasure it forever. We also saw Lion (and cubs), also leopard cubs. Lots of Elephant (also swimming across the Chobe River), Hippo, Wild Dogs (which Botswana are known for) and numerous birds, to name but a few. Last but not least the third tour member Bruce, who was always very happy, hardworking and efficient. He certainly deserves a mention.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I think the best advice to give would be to go with an open mind. Game viewing can be at times difficult, as mentioned earlier, vegetation is often very dense and the grass grows particularly high. But, with a good tracker and everyone’s eyes peeled you can get rewarded, as my preceding review should testify. Take US Dollars. Hard currency means everything. You can use ATMs in Maun and a few other larger towns but rest assured you will find your credit cards refused at various stages of the trip. Zimbabwe only takes MasterCard (NOT VISA) and even then the machines "may not" be working. We noticed that getting into the Falls in Zimbabwe take both US Dollars and GB Pounds, which we didn't initially realise. So, my main point would be to TAKE LOTS OF CASH. Another point would be the time of year to go. I was very happy going in mid to late May, which is the start of their dry season (winter). Be aware that the Delta floods in July and August and the main rains in Botswana come in November and December. Going at various times of the year would have differing advantages for various points of the trip. For example, going in May was good due to no rain and good due to the high level of the Falls, but not so good for the Delta. Later in the dry season would be good for both I guess. July/August would be good for the Delta and perhaps the Falls would still be quite high. Whatever time of year you choose to go, you're bound to have a great time!
