29 June – 13 July
Some journeys are measured in kilometres. Others are measured in moments.
For fourteen unforgettable days, 8 friends, 2 vehicles, one camper, and one 4×4 with an off-road trailer set off from Johannesburg on an adventure through Botswana that had long been on my bucket list. This journey was made even more meaningful as it coincided with my 51st year of martial arts training – a fitting way to celebrate a lifetime of learning, discipline, and discovery.
Our first night at the beautiful Woodlands Camp eased us gently into the rhythm of the African bush. The excitement of what lay ahead filled every conversation around the campfire.
Soon we arrived at Chobe Big 5 Lodge, perched on the banks of the magnificent Chobe River. What more than Taiji beside the water, watching animals in their surrounds slowly and mindfully as the river awakened around us. It was hard to imagine a more peaceful setting.
Later, we boarded a boat for a mid-morning cruise on the Chobe River. From the water, Africa revealed herself in spectacular fashion. Crocodiles basked on muddy banks, pods of hippos surfaced with curious eyes, monitor lizards wandered the shoreline, elegant African darters dried their wings in the morning sun, and elephants came down to drink, often so close we could hear every splash and rumble. Antelope grazed peacefully along the riverbanks while countless birds added colour and song to an already unforgettable scene.
Our journey then took us to Ihaha Camp, one of those magical places where the boundary between campsite and wilderness simply disappears. One evening, as daylight faded, a lion quietly walked past our campsite. There was no drama, no roar – just the quiet confidence of Africa’s king going about his business. It was one of those moments that leaves you both humbled and deeply grateful to be a visitor in this remarkable wilderness. Every sunset painted the Chobe River in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson.
From Ihaha we travelled to the legendary Savuti, famous for its lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Nature, however, always writes her own story. Recent rains had filled pans and waterholes throughout the region, allowing the predators to spread out across the landscape. Cat sightings were few, but disappointment quickly gave way to appreciation. The endless skies, ancient camelthorn trees, elephant herds, and the raw beauty of Savuti reminded us that the bush is never about ticking boxes – it is about experiencing whatever nature chooses to reveal.
Standing Among Giants
One of the unforgettable highlights was standing beneath the magnificent baobab trees. These ancient giants have stood sentinel over the African landscape for hundreds – some even thousands – of years. There was something incredibly humbling about being in their presence. Their immense trunks and timeless beauty seemed to radiate an energy that can only come from centuries of witnessing life unfold around them.
It made me wonder how many generations had stood in that very same spot before us. Perhaps some of our own ancestors paused beneath these trees, seeking shade, shelter, or simply marvelling at their grandeur. The baobabs have quietly watched history pass by, and for a brief moment, we became part of their story.
Gliding Through the Okavango
Another unforgettable experience was our makoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursion through the waterways of Moghtho in the Okavango Delta. Silently gliding across the crystal-clear channels offered an entirely different perspective of this remarkable ecosystem. With our guide expertly poling the canoe through the reeds, the only sounds were birdsong, the gentle splash of water, and the occasional rustle of wildlife nearby.
Of course, we were never truly alone. Curious hippos kept a watchful eye on us from a comfortable – but reassuringly respectful – distance, reminding us that we were visitors in their world. Experiencing the Delta from water level was both peaceful and exhilarating, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the beauty and untamed wilderness of one of Africa’s most extraordinary places.
Our adventure continued south to the vast Makgadikgadi region along the Boteti River. Crossing the river on the small pontoon ferry felt like stepping into another world. Beyond lay immense open plains stretching to the horizon. Here we encountered one of the highlights of the trip – a herd of around 300 zebras moving gracefully across the landscape. Elephants, wildebeest, hippos, and countless other animals completed a scene that perfectly captured the scale and beauty of Botswana’s wild places.
Our final wildlife destination was Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where we experienced the privilege of seeing rhinos in their natural habitat. Standing quietly while these magnificent animals grazed nearby was a powerful reminder of both their strength and their vulnerability. It was the perfect ending to a journey filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Looking back, this adventure was about so much more than the places we visited. It was about sharing laughter around campfires, greeting each sunrise with gratitude, finding peace through Taiji in extraordinary places, and being constantly reminded that nature works to its own timeless rhythm.
Some bucket-list adventures leave you with photographs.
This one left me with memories that will last a lifetime.
