Exploring Beautiful Botswana with Sir Alexander McCall Smith

The tour begins as guests arrive in Maun off their various flights and settle into the Sedia Hotel, a comfortable hotel set amongst lovely gardens, with a swimming pool and abundant birdlife. In the evening we gather for drinks and a chance to meet our hosts and fellow travellers before enjoying an early dinner and a well-earned night's sleep after the long journey.

In the morning we set out on a cultural tour of Maun, exploring different aspects of life in a small Botswana town. Life plays out on the roadside, from barbeque stands and pool tables to hair salons and car washes. We wander through markets, learn about traditional foods and fabrics, and explore some of the quieter residential areas, passing a kgotla – the traditional public meeting place where community matters are discussed and customary courts are held.

We also visit the new playground which this tour and its participants have made possible for the Shashe community.

We continue to lunch before returning to the hotel for a few hours of rest.

This afternoon has a literary and community theme. We begin with a visit to a local library to learn more about the important role libraries play in Botswana and the challenges they face. Guests are encouraged to bring along a few books they may wish to donate.

We then continue to Bana Ba Letsatsi, a remarkable organisation that provides vulnerable children and young people with education, counselling, meals, life skills and a safe, supportive environment. The camps we will later visit, all part of the Chobe Holdings group, are amongst the organisation's biggest supporters and our visit directly supports the important work being carried out here.

Over tea and cake we begin the No. 1 Story Writing Competition, which our team on the ground have been developing together with the teachers at Bana Ba Letsatsi and the Beyond the Horizon School Club. This term the children have been working on a creative writing project based on a title given by Sir Alexander himself. A selection of the stories will be presented to the group, followed by prize-giving for the three winning entries.

We return to the hotel for some downtime and then we gather for dinner, joined by Professor Mike Hudson of the Okavango Research Institute. Over the course of the evening he will share insights into the extraordinary dynamics of the Okavango Delta, what makes it so special and some of the challenges it faces in a changing world.

Today we venture into the rural communities outside Maun to gain an insight into life at a traditional cattle post. We meet members of the community and learn how these simple homesteads continue to play a central role in Botswana life.
One of the highlights of the day is a storytelling session beneath the shade of a large tree, where village elders share some of their favourite traditional folk tales, many passed down through generations.

We enjoy lunch in a scenic spot in the bush and, for those interested, our host will lead a short walk introducing some of the plants traditionally used for food and medicine.

After some time to rest at the hotel we head out for dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants, where we are joined by a leading conservationist. Over drinks and dinner we will hear about a current conservation project and some of the challenges and successes experienced on the ground. Afterwards we return to the hotel.

This morning we set off early, around 7.30am, for Elephant Havens. This elephant orphanage is set on the edge of the Okavango Delta and rescues orphaned and abandoned elephants with the aim of reintroducing them to the wild.

Arriving at Elephant Havens, we begin by learning more about the sanctuary and its work. At 9am the young elephants arrive with great excitement for their morning feed, which you will be part of. Together with their devoted handlers, you will interact with and feed the elephants while learning more about elephant behaviour and the individual personalities of the calves.

After spending time with the elephants, we leave them to roam their large sanctuary and retreat to the shade for brunch, perhaps watching them enjoying mud baths in the distance.

After brunch we return to Maun Airport to catch our flight into the Okavango Delta. A flight of around forty minutes takes us into the far northern Delta and our first safari camp, Mapula.

One of the oldest lodges in the Okavango, Mapula is currently being rebuilt by one of Botswana's most respected operators. Comfortable and relaxed, it occupies one of the most beautiful corners of the Delta and offers excellent game viewing, with opportunities to encounter wild dogs, lions, leopards, hyena, buffalo, elephants and much more.

On arrival we will enjoy some refreshments and settle into camp. For those interested, a late afternoon game drive will be available. Others may simply prefer to relax beside the pool and soak up the atmosphere. We gather around the fire for drinks before dining under the stars.

For the next three days you will settle into the gentle rhythm of safari life, with early morning and late afternoon activities. The focus here is game drives, although with permanent water in this region, boating and mokoro excursions may also be available, subject to water levels. Walking safaris are also offered, providing a fascinating opportunity to experience the bush at a slower pace.
Mornings begin with a gentle wake-up call and a light breakfast before setting out to explore the camp's vast private concession. We spend the morning tracking wildlife such as elephants, lions and wild dogs, while also taking time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, with coffee and snacks along the way. By late morning we return for brunch, after which the middle of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — swimming in the pool, enjoying the spa or watching wildlife from the decks.

In the afternoons we venture out again by vehicle, boat or on foot, depending on conditions and your chosen activity. Stopping in a scenic spot for sundowners, we then return to the lodge with a spotlight, looking out for nocturnal animals, arriving for dinner beneath the stars. Evenings often end around the fire, sharing stories from the day and enjoying lively discussions about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books — comparing favourite moments and characters while reflecting on the Botswana that inspired them.

This morning we bid farewell to the team at Mapula as we fly south to our next camp, Xugana Island Lodge. Beautifully positioned on the edge of the magnificent Xugana Lagoon, this classic Okavango water camp offers a slower pace and a completely different perspective on the Delta.

Xugana is a traditional Okavango water camp, with the emphasis very much on boating and mokoro excursions. A contrast to the game drives at Mapula, here we explore the waterways and islands of the Delta at a gentler pace. Walking safaris are also offered and can be particularly rewarding, with opportunities to encounter predators on foot, as well as elephant, plains game and much more

Guests may choose different activities according to their interests and pace, before coming together again for meals and shared stories. Each evening begins and ends on Xugana's floating fire deck — one of the camp's true highlights — watching the changing colours across the lagoon as the sun sets and the sounds of the Delta drift in from the water.

A full day at your leisure to enjoy the activities at Xugana and relax at the lodge. Guests may choose to explore by boat or mokoro, head out on a walking safari, or simply enjoy the peace of the lagoon from camp.

The group comes together for meals, and the floating fire deck remains the natural gathering point at the beginning and end of the evening.

Today there will be an opportunity for one final activity for those keen to savour every last moment of the safari. Others may prefer a leisurely breakfast and a quiet morning overlooking the lagoon.

We then fly back to Maun in good time for onward flights home. Time to bid farewell to Sir Alexander, Mats and the rest of the group.

Tsamaya sentle – go well.