Stunning Botswana (page 5 of 7)

Friday, September 1st: That's it, we're heading back to Maun where we can repack properly. We take the plane the following afternoon. The hotel we're staying at also has a pool, but we won't go. The water isn't very appealing, and on top of that, there's a swimming lesson going on. Fun to watch though.

On the road

In the evening, we'll have dinner at a nice restaurant with Joe and William. They more than deserved this last meal because our vacation with them was a real success.



And that's it, it's over. The return flights went smoothly, and we arrived back in Nice on time. The contrast is stark when we're back in traffic jams, honking horns, and aggressive drivers. I want to leeeeeave again to find everything I already miss 😕

Thanks so much, Mathilde, for this beautiful travel journal 🙂 When you get back from an incredible trip, it’s a bit tough to return to everyday routine, but I remember all the great moments and the amazing images that stay so vivid—and it motivates me because I know I’ll go back

The easiest (and most budget-friendly) is South Africa. Otherwise, Namibia is a magnificent "gateway." The most beautiful in terms of landscapes is also South Africa

Thanks so much for your input! Indeed, South Africa is the easiest—that’s also why we started there 😉. And since we’ve got a real taste of unfinished business, we’ll probably go back next year 🙂. After that, Namibia is really tempting too when I see the stunning landscapes, and then there’s Botswana with all those animals—but I feel like there’s even more to discover 😕. Well, the list is gonna be reeeally long....

This travel journal allowed me to extend our trip, and I really enjoyed doing it. We still talk about Botswana a lot, and for sure, we’ll go back one day 🙂 Thanks

😇Hi there,

What a magnificent story—it really makes you dream! We’re thinking of visiting Botswana next year with another couple. Could you share the budget you had with that agency? Can we mention you when we reach out to them? Thanks again, and looking forward to reading more from you!

These photos are unbelievably beautiful 😊—no way you're a pro. I’ve traveled and photographed Africa my whole life, and I’ve never seen results like this. Bravo, your report is so detailed!

Thanks Myriam! It’s the camera that’s good ;) not me. I just press the button :P

Nah. When there’s a long string of luck and chance, it’s no longer just luck and chance. My wife’s a photographer, and it’s absolutely clear that quite a few of your photos *pop*, as they say.

There’s solid control of the camera, especially with depth of field. And then there’s the talent—way rarer—to capture a shot at just the right moment.

You could improve your framing, especially for object or people shots, by either tightening or loosening the crop. That’ll help you avoid things like cut-off feet, for example.

You’ve given us a real feast for the eyes. Thanks for the work, the sharing, and the humility.

And come back with another travel journal whenever you like, yeah...

Hi Mathilde, We just got back from Namibia and we’re so enchanted that we’re now thinking about a trip to Botswana soon. Could you please tell us which agency you used and if you’d recommend them? I love your blog. Hope to hear from you soon. Best regards

Hi Mathilde,

A huge thank you for sharing your trip and the stunning photos you posted.

I’ve "done" South Africa, and I’m already dreaming of going back—I was so blown away by what I saw. Next May, I’m heading to Namibia, and after reading your travel journal, I think Botswana will definitely be added to my must-visit list!

Hi Mathilde,

I just read your Botswana travel journal with great pleasure—congrats on the photos and the quality of your story; it’s so inspiring!

Last year, in September, I went to Namibia and was also blown away by everything I saw. We were in a group of about twenty, and the guides told us we’d had unbelievable luck to see so many scenes worthy of the "Planet" channel. Of course, we stayed in hotels and lodges and were "guided," since I’m not able to sleep in a tent (I’m 72) and have almost never done it. Anyway, bravo for sharing your experience with us.

Thanks so much.

Francine

As you rightly said, Jojonet 😊, it’s true that photos capture a moment of truth that’s hard to grasp. I felt such a strong emotion when I saw them.

As I mentioned, I spent 40 years walking across Africa with Nikon and Canon cameras, along with telephoto lenses, tripods, and lighting gear. No shame in admitting it—I was pretty terrible at it 😅😂.

Now, I just use my eyes and savor the moment.

Hi there, I read your post about Botswana with interest and I’m currently looking into a trip for autumn 2018. How much should I budget per person, excluding flights? How long did you go for? Thanks for your reply! Best regards

Hi Mathilde! Great job on the blog! Lovely sharing, beautiful photos! We just got back from 3 weeks in Namibia, Oct. 2017, completely transformed; Our heads are full of memories and sensations. We met several travelers there who spoke highly of Botswana. For four people, excluding airfare, what was your budget? Keep up the great work! Thanks for your reply

Hi Mathilde,

Following a friend’s recommendation from the forum, I just checked out your travel journal. Unfortunately, I couldn’t open all the photos—the connection is too slow where I am right now. But I managed to see quite a few of them.

Wow, what a beautiful journal! What can I say? Simply congratulations!

Well, here goes—this is my first blog on VF, so I hope I won’t make too many blunders. You’ll have to forgive me in advance because I’m sure I’ll mess up somewhere along the way

Oh, absolutely not! It’s a real success for a first try!

What a talent for storytelling and photography! I’m a little jealous—I’ve never managed to get such stunning shots in African parks and reserves (Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania)! Some photos are blurry, you say? We’ve seen worse! Those antelopes fleeing the hunting feline—what a masterpiece! And that gallery of bird portraits (the Hornbill, the Superb Starling, the Grey Go-away-bird, the Bee-eater...)—just breathtaking!

You’ve truly spoiled us and brought back memories of African landscapes and wildlife scenes. That outdoor shower reminded me of our trekking-bivouac on the Tok Tokkie Trail in Namibia (though camping isn’t really an option for my wife anymore). And your camping travel style proves you don’t need to spend a fortune on luxury lodges to explore Botswana properly, including the famous Okavango Delta and spotting the "big five"!

Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂🙂🙂

Michel

Thanks Joel for your kind words. I love photography and I try to put in the effort to take nice shots, but it’s not always easy to think of everything (ISO, shutter speed, aperture 😕). And you’re right—I need to improve my framing, but not just that... I’m practicing and I promise, I’ll do another travel journal! 😏

Hi Armelle,

Email: letsatsisafaris@gmail.com www letsatsisafarilodge.com

Yes, I highly recommend this local agency! They were fantastic with us and incredibly kind. We’re planning Namibia too. All the feedback is so positive that we’re really looking forward to organizing it! 🙂 Have a great evening, Mathilde

You're absolutely right, Evelyne. Add this destination to your travel list—it’s totally worth it. Have a great trip to Namibia, too. I think you’ll love it there!

Thank you so much! Well, I really hope we’ll have as much luck as you when we go to Namibia. And I hope that when I’m your age, even if it’s not camping, I’ll still be able to travel like you do to see all the beautiful things our planet has to offer 🙂

You're right. We remember things we can't photograph better with our own eyes.