Boteti is the perfect stopover destination to decompress before or after a jam-packed safari experience through Botswana’s wild corners. Located just outside of Maun (20 – 45 minutes dependent on traffic and cattle herds), Boteti Tented Camp sits on the banks of the perennial Boteti river which is home to abundant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
The rustic tented camp offers insight into a less-tourist orientated way of life, and combines a bit of local flavour with a taste of the safari lifestyle. The location was chosen because the owner grew up in the neighbouring community, and wanted to give back to his surrounds. Everything at Boteti is locally sourced, and every effort is made to support community initiatives. When you stay at Boteti, you choose to travel with purpose. Our portfolio manager, Chelsea Lee, visited Boteti to check out the lay of the land.
What type of traveller would suit Boteti?
Boteti is a fenced off camp surrounded by the local community villages, and offers a slow pace of life. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, then Boteti is just the ticket.
Boteti Tented Camp would suit these kinds of travellers:
Adventurous travellers who want to gain insight into a more local way of life and combine it with tourist-orientated safari experiences. Those who don’t mind quintessential Botswana visuals of hippos and crocs on the river, while herds of goats plod past the river banks.
Keen birders who want to spot lifers and array of local specials. There are a number of waders and passerines to spot in the area, which include everything from bee-eaters, to goliath herons, wattled cranes and terns. The birding crowd are often Boteti’s most popular repeat guests.
Second time visitors who have done the major safari tourist circuit, and crave a little something different. Boteti is perfectly place to enjoy cultural experiences in Maun, the arts and crafts scene, and unique safari activities.
Planet conscious safari-goers can rest in the knowledge that Boteti only uses locally sourced produce from the surrounding farms such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Also, fresh fish is sourced from the Okavango Delta’s waters. Boteti also puts money back into numerous community initiatives.
What do you love about the safari experience at Boteti?
I love that if you stay for 4 days you get to experience all of the activities on offer. There’s also a fantastic 2-hour mokoro trip upon arrival at camp. This gives you a taster of what’s to come.
On a camp level, there is a viewing platform overlooking the Boteti River which is a quiet spot to observe the birdlife. They’re currently in the process of building a cocktail and dining area around the riverfront area, which will provide front row seats to the birding and hippo action.
Describe your favourite part of camp life.
Overall, it was probably the guiding. I had a local guide called Relax who was informative, entertaining, and introduced me to some interesting facts about the surrounding vegetation. He even opened up a fruit from a boabab tree, which is where cream of tartar originates. Special mention needs to go to Boteti’s staff, who are so warm and welcoming – particularly the camp manager and chef. Another highlight was the cultural boma dinner that was accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.
What is the food like?
The chef prepares basic, traditional fare that’s tasty and curated to suit various dietary requirements. Meals are rustic but filling, and include everything from hot plated meals to traditional fare. We had leek soup, lamb chops with basmati rice, Okavango fish, and the nicest packed lunch (curried chicken pasta) for our lengthy safari day trip.
People should know…
This is not your usual safari experience, it’s more a local way of life combining it with a wilderness experience. If you’ve missed out on something during your epic safari adventure, you can do this during your time at Boteti where longer stays actually include day trips.
Contact reservations@sundestinations.co.za to add Boteti Tented Camp to your Botswana itinerary.
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