AndBeyond Chobe Under Canvas

I travelled to Chobe National Park by plane from Cape Town with my sister and dad. Upon arrival at Kasane airport we were greeted by our guide Diane, who picked us up in one of the open air safari vehicles. The entrance to Chobe is just a few minutes drive from the airport, and the moment we entered the park our safari began.

On the way to our mobile tented camp we saw elephants, giraffes, impala and more birds than I could ever hope to remember. Our mobile camp was made up of just five tents, and our first night and morning we had the entire place to ourselves. We got settled into our tent and then went out on an evening game drive where we were able to spot a pride of lions at sunset. We arrived back to our gorgeous tents to hot water freshly added to our camp shower, and after washing up had an incredible dinner with Diane.

Each day at Chobe Under Canvas begins with a gentle wakeup from your butler and fresh hot water in your basin and shower. Mornings being with a morning game drive, and just as you are getting hungry a coffee stop in the middle of the bush. After a few incredible hours of animal sightings, you’ll head back to the camp for a breakfast or lunch (depending on the day’s schedule) then have several hours to nap, read and relax before heading back for an evening drive. After a hot camp shower the incredible staff treats you to a drink from their full bar and the most incredible food that is unbelievably prepared entirely over an open fire.
The entire experience was incredible. We saw so many animals, learned so much from our guide and the other staff and truly enjoyed the time we spent with other travelers. I cannot recommend this experience enough.

This is a camping experience. It is glamping, but still camping. There is no running water and no electricity, but there is a toilet in the tent and you can charge your electronics in the safari vehicle during game drive. Your phone will basically be a camera though, because there is virtually no cell service. Please also note that if you are buying a country specific international plan, Chobe is directly across the river from Namibia. Many of our fellow travelers were connecting to Nambian cell towers rather than those in Botswana.

We travelled during the winter months and while it got quite chilly, the staff thought of everything. “Bush babies” (hot water bottles) and blankets were waiting for us on our safari vehicles for morning game drives and placed in our bed during turndown service while we were enjoying after-dinner drinks and conversations by the fire. This is just one small example of the staff thinking of everything.

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Anne Bisgaard’s guide, Botswana: The Ultimate Safari Experience.