Traveler Magazine Andrew Harper Traveler Summer 2019 | Page 14

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BOTSWAN A
Sharing the northern border of South Africa
is the nation of Botswana, a country primarily
composed of the Kalahari Desert and the
Okavango Delta. As such, it is one of the most
sparsely populated countries in the world—a
single day trip from a major city feels worlds
away from civilization. Lodges prove to be
the best bet as a base of operations in these
generally uninhabited, yet utterly gorgeous,
settings, as immersive structures allow for
an unimaginable intimacy to lands devoid of
human interference.
Zarafa Camp is established on the edge of
the Zibadianja Lagoon, a prominent watering
hole for all walks of African wildlife within
the Selinda Reserve. Built entirely from
recycled hardwoods and canvas, the camp is
completely self-sufficient thanks to its own
solar farm and bio-gas system. As striking
as all this infrastructure would seem, Zarafa
Camp is essentially camouflaged from the
wildlife—leaving you perfectly situated to
witness the politics and drama of the animal
kingdom from your deck.
Another equally prominent option for
discovering Botswana’s beauty is Duba Plains
Camp. Embedded within the heart of the
Okavango Delta, the camp channels the safaris
of the famed 1920s in aesthetic underneath
the cool shade of the giant ebony trees. The
amenities are more modern: environmentally
friendly air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a wine
cellar and a library all combine for a camping
trip you never thought possible. Right below
and beyond your lodging, lions, elephants and
buffalo combine as your de facto neighbors.
PARTNER’S POV
“
A new safari experience is our Olympus
partnership, which is focused on enhancing
photographic skills for interested guests and
supports a scholarship program run by our
non-profit partner, Children in the Wilderness.
Together we not only share a love of wildlife
photography but also similar ideals about
making a bigger, positive impact on the world
and our place in it.”
C R A I G G L AT T H A A R
W I L D E R N E S S S A FA R I S
“
AmaWaterways created a truly unique
journey through Africa by combining a classic
safari experience with a scenic wildlife cruise,
offering up-close encounters with the animals
in their natural habitat while on a four-night
Zambezi Queen cruise. Each itinerary also
includes staying two nights in Zimbabwe’s
Victoria Falls.”
MARY MARGARET REUTHER
A M A W AT E R W AY S
SUMMER | 2019
C O N TACT YO U R T R AV E L A DV I S O R TO DAY
The best part about both of these lodges?
They help comprise Great Plains Conservation.
Built upon the belief that wildlife survival
hinges on protected landscapes that allow for
migration routes, Great Plains Conservation
acquires hunting and agricultural land to
convert to wildlife conservation grounds.
The collective whole of the land is supported
by the income of a handful of light-footprint
safari camps. Add in the sibling-nonprofit The
Great Plains Foundation, and you’ll sleep easy
knowing that the lions serenading your camp
are being saved thanks in part to your visit.
PHOTOS
L E F T PA G E : B O AT R I D E I N
B OTSWA N A , A F R I CA
RIGHT TOP: SCENIC VIEW
OF DAMARALAND
RIGHT BOTTOM: LIONS,
T H E SAVA N N A H , A F R I CA