From helicopter arrivals over the Okavango Delta to stargazing on the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nico Heath recounts his latest Botswana adventure, highlighting the unique experiences and deep connections that make this an unparalleled luxury safari destination.
Nico has just returned from a research trip through Botswana, one of the continent’s most evocative and soul-stirring safari destinations . We took the opportunity to sit down with him and hear firsthand what’s changing, what’s enduring, and why this extraordinary country continues to captivate first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers alike.
- 01. You’ve just returned from Botswana. What stood out to you this time?
- 02. You revisited Jack’s Camp. What continues to draw you back?
- 03. Any new camps that impressed you?
- 04. What upcoming experiences in Botswana excite you?
- 05. Any advice for families considering Botswana?
- 06. What’s the most wildly romantic experience one can have in Botswana?
- 07. You travelled at the tail-end of the green season. Thoughts on the best time to visit?
- 08. How do water-based experiences change the rhythm of a safari?
- 9. For clients seeking something truly unforgettable, what do you recommend?
- 10. Why is it essential to plan a Botswana safari through a specialist like Lightfoot?
Flying over the Okavango Delta by helicopter to arrive at Atzaró Okavango was an epic way to begin. The sheer scale and beauty of the Okavango Delta from the air is mesmerising. At Khwai Leadwood, we had one of the best lunches I can remember, right on the banks of the Khwai River with elephants ambling by, and that feeling of timelessness. But the real thrill came at Sable Alley. We were tracking a leopard, following its footprints, when we unexpectedly bumped into a pack of wild dogs hunting impala. Sadly, no kill, but thrilling nonetheless!
You’ve just returned from Botswana. What stood out to you this time?
You revisited Jack’s Camp. What continues to draw you back?
Jack’s Camp, and its sister property, San Camp, are like nowhere else in Botswana. It’s not just about the wildlife – although, you’ve got the meerkats, and meeting them is an incredible experience – but it’s the history, the artefacts, and the story of the Bousfield family, who’ve been there for generations. The camp itself is like a museum, filled with curiosities and a sense of time. The experience is completely unique: the vast salt pans, the sleepouts, and the opportunity to spend time with the San people (also known as the Bushmen) learning how they have adapted to life in the Kalahari. Jack’s Camp isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding the land, the geology, the heritage. And there’s a social aspect too, gathering around the fire, sharing stories. Uncharted Africa – now operating under Natural Selection – the brand behind Jack’s and San Camp, really understands that old-school safari spirit.
Absolutely. What Natural Selection and Uncharted Africa are doing in Botswana’s private concessions is phenomenal. Two camps stood out: Tuludi and Little Sable. They’re very different – Little Sable is more rustic, more about the bush, very wild. Tuludi, on the other hand, had the best bedroom I’ve stayed in in the bush. It’s extremely luxurious and stylish, and still completely in tune with the surroundings. And then there’s Atzaró, which is a newer, top-end option that’s becoming quite well known and suits our market well.
Any new camps that impressed you?
What upcoming experiences in Botswana excite you?
I’m always excited by experiences that feel truly rooted in place. Monachira has recently opened in a remote channel of the Okavango Delta with helicopter-only access and deeply immersive, off-grid experiences. The new Atzaró Okavango is also setting a benchmark for sustainable, design-led safari. Natural Selection & the Uncharted Africa team have partnered with Singita to launch Mbamba, a brilliant blend of land and water experiences with campfire-lit evenings. They all add to the rich tapestry of safari experiences already found across the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. For me, it’s never just about what you see, it’s how you see it, who you meet, and how the place makes you feel.
Botswana is well set up for families with younger children. Comfort levels are exceptional, with spacious rooms, family tents, and most camps now offering thoughtful setups for kids. Some even allow babies, like Atzaró, where there was a baby staying during my visit. With a private vehicle, children of any age can go on safari, although this is always at the guide's discretion. Whilst there aren't any formal kids' clubs, parents can take turns or bring grandparents along to help, making a safari a great option for a multi-generational holiday. The key is choosing the right camps and private concessions, which give families more freedom and flexibility. Combining the Okavango Delta with the Kalahari and Victoria Falls creates an unforgettable family safari itinerary.
Any advice for families considering Botswana?
What’s the most wildly romantic experience one can have in Botswana?
Sleepouts are incredible, but they’re not always private. For something more intimate, I’d suggest a sundowner boat trip. Drifting down one of the Okavango Delta’s channels, setting up a bar on the boat, and watching the animals gather by the water as the sun sets – that’s my kind of romance. Total peace and beautiful landscapes.
Every season offers something different. The peak dry season (June to August) is when you'll see the most wildlife but also the most fellow tourists. I travelled in May which is at the very start of the dry season but there was still water. For me, May is perfect, before the rates go up for high season, but with great wildlife and lush landscapes. The Green Season from November to March is a wonderful time to visit Botswana (and many other Sub-Saharan safari destinations) as there are fewer crowds and its great for birdwatching or seeing baby animals.
You travelled at the tail-end of the green season. Thoughts on the best time to visit?
How do water-based experiences change the rhythm of a safari?
Botswana is both land and water, and that duality is what makes it so special. Water safaris offer a slower, more meditative pace. You see the landscape differently. I always recommend combining camps that offer both as it’s the best way to experience the Delta fully. Just remember: where there’s more water, there tends to be less big game, so it’s about balance.
Go to the Makgadikgadi and stay at San Camp or Jack’s Camp. I love San Camp with its ethereal white tents and endless views, Jack’s Camp with its rich history and museum-like interiors. Meet the meerkats, spend the night in a sleepout. It’s completely unique in Africa. The silence, the scale, the stars – you can’t describe it, you have to feel it.
For clients seeking something truly unforgettable, what do you recommend?
Why is it essential to plan a Botswana safari through a specialist like Lightfoot?
Organising a safari to Africa is complicated. To get it right, you need to understand the seasons, the flood patterns, the styles of camps, and all the logistics. At Lightfoot we match all that to the client’s preferences and makes sure everything flows. We can advise on the best regions to visit, as well as the right time and style of safari for you and your travel companions.
It has to be the evening out on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan at Jack’s Camp. We drove out onto the pans, switched off all the lights and walked off in different directions, fifteen minutes or so apart. Then we just lay there on the ground, in silence, looking up at the stars. You couldn’t see or hear anyone. One of our group was moved to tears by the experience, thinking about how lucky she was. It was quite spiritual really, and the stars were out of this world. Moments like that stay with you.
What moment from your recent trip has stayed with you?
Botswana offers a tapestry of experiences that go far beyond the traditional safari. From close wildlife encounters to quiet moments of awe beneath a sky full of stars, it’s a destination that transforms you. If you’re ready for a journey that blends exceptional comfort with the old-school safari experience of yesteryear, let Lightfoot Travel create your perfect luxury holiday to Botswana.
Photography credits: All images by Nico Heath
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