How participation camping in Botswana reconnects you with nature

A surfeit of wildlife, striking arid landscapes with entangled waterways and an inviting climate rife with wondrous sunsets, Botswana offers some of the best getaway experiences to be had!

While traditional tours offer an expansive range of possibilities, the allure of authenticity has begun to strike a tone with the modern traveller – the recent trend towards camping expeditions allows one to attain a deeper connection with the natural world.

The typical perception of camping assumes that the added closeness and portable accommodation suffers at the cost of the comfort and convenience you may experience on an ordinary itinerary, however, this doesn’t have to be the case…

                 

So, what is participation camping?

Typically occurring in groups, participation camping is a style of camping where individuals take an active role in setting up and managing their campsite. It involves being responsible for tasks such as pitching tents, cooking meals, and maintaining the campsite.

Participation camping lends itself to a more independent and hands-on camping experience – allowing one to have a closer connection with nature while engaging in tasks that directly interact with the environment. Experiencing the challenges and rewards of outdoor living can offer an added sense of adventure and the freedom to shape your journey individually.

For semi-participation safaris, guests are only required to set up and pack their tents. All cooking, cleaning and other chores are taken care of by the team. Here at Odyssey World, we partner with Bush Ways who help provide exceptional safari experiences, leaving you with more time to explore!

From expert guides at your disposal, skilled chefs producing delicious and healthy meals and well-appointed tents and amenities, you can experience the delights of Botswana while knowing you’re in safe hands.

                 

What makes Botswana so special?

Botswana’s rich environment lends itself to outdoor exploration – from the beauty of its diverse range of landscapes to the frequent animal encounters, there’s something special about being immersed in the heart of the action.

“One of the most rewarding and exciting ways to explore Botswana is by camping”, our Africa expert Madri writes, “There is nothing more exhilarating than hearing the lions roar when you sit quietly around the campfire at night, listening to the sounds of the night and sharing experiences and stories with other campers around you”.

“Waking up at dawn to hear the birds welcoming the day, with the sounds of an elephant drinking water from the waterhole, whilst you have your first sip of the strong-brew coffee over the embers from last night’s fire. It is an adventure like no other, making your way through the dusty roads, spotting warthogs with their tails up running through the grassland, and here and there a lone Oryx or Kudu on the side of the road”.

From scenic locations such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta, home to verdant wetlands and sinuous lakes, to the wildlife-rich backdrop of the Chobe River, posing for picturesque scenes that exemplify the safari spirit – there are few camping spots in the world that can compare!

Not only will the wildlife and landscapes enchant you, but Botswana’s remote camping sites offer some of the clearest and darkest skies, providing an exceptional stargazing experience…

Away from the light pollution of cities, you can witness the brilliance of the Milky Way, vast constellations, and shooting stars painted across the sky – the same cosmic canvas our ancient ancestors would witness above them!

So if you find yourself drawn to the inimitable lure of nature’s most tantalising sights, you can browse our ‘Botswana Safari on a Shoestring’ itinerary – with prices ranging from £1,345 in the low season (5 November – 25 June) to £1,475 in the high season (11 July – 24 October), or contact us directly to plan a customised safari: either email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or call us using the number at the top of the page!