Our Senior Travel Advisor, Clare Sheldrick, recently returned from an extraordinary journey through Botswana's untouched wildernesses, from the elephant-lined banks of the Savute Channel to the waterworld of the Okavango Delta, finishing on a refined note in Cape Town.
Between game drives with leopard, lion and wild dog, a lantern-lit bush dinner deep in the delta and a sidecar ride along Chapman's Peak Drive at sunset, Clare discovered first-hand what makes this combination of destinations so special.
My journey began in the remote Savute region of Chobe National Park, staying at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, perched on the banks of the Savute Channel and renowned for its high concentration of elephants. The camp itself is beautifully understated with just 12 raised luxury tents, each with views across a well-frequented waterhole.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives delivered extraordinary sightings of leopard, lion and wild dog, all without the distraction of crowds. With only one other permanent camp in the area, it felt as though I had this corner of Botswana almost entirely to myself. Our evenings where often spent on the open-air boma, where pre-dinner drinks beneath a blanket of stars became a bit of a ritual.
From Savute's dry terrain, my next stop was into the waterworld of the Okavango Delta, an entirely different ecosystem, yet equally captivating. Eagle Island Lodge, part of the Belmond portfolio, is found on a private island and offers a more fluid safari experience. Arriving to find an elephant wandering through camp, this is a place where wildlife weaves into every moment.
Each of the 12 tented suites comes with its own plunge pool and delta views. I spent mornings gliding through reed-lined channels in a mokoro canoe, and afternoons exploring by boat, watching the delta come alive with birdlife. Being on a private concession also allowed for night drives, adding a new dimension to wildlife encounters.
One evening, a surprise bush dinner was arranged, lantern-lit and deep within the delta. It as then followed by a helicopter flight over the waterways at sunset. As darkness fell, the sky transformed into something extraordinary, filled with stars.
I arrived in Botswana focused on the guest experience, but what stood out just as much was everything happening behind the scenes. Low-impact design, off-grid operations, a focus on managing visitor numbers and ongoing community partnerships all contribute to the way the lodge operates.
With Belmond's relationship with Nxhoga Village, near Eagle Island, community support extends beyond tourism, including water supply, waste management and access to healthcare through the lodge nurse, reflecting a long-term relationship with the local community.
At lodge level, Eagle Island operates entirely off-grid, with energy, water and waste managed on site. The lodge states that water is drawn from the Okavango, treated and provided in reusable glass bottles, reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.
The lodge was rebuilt using local timber, reclaimed materials and traditional thatch, reducing the need for permanent concrete foundations. Local communities were involved throughout construction, creating employment opportunities and helping develop local skills. Local staffing, locally sourced food and cultural experiences like the boma evenings, felt natural rather than staged.
From the wilds of Botswana, I then journeyed south to Cape Town, where my base was the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson hotel. Known as the 'Pink Palace', it sits at the foot of Table Mountain, and after ten days of dust and delta water offered a change of key.
The hotel is steeped in history, with beautiful gardens and a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. I explored the city and surrounding coastline on a private tour with Escape & Explore, taking in Kalk Bay, the penguins at Boulders Beach and Cape Point. The return journey was a sidecar ride along Chapman's Peak Drive as the sun dipped low!
Dining at the hotel's Veranda Restaurant introduced me to local flavours and being able to step directly onto vibrant Kloof Street is one of Mount Nelson's main appeals.
Pairing Savute with the Okavango Delta delivers contrast within a single Botswana itinerary. Dry terrain and open water is within a short flight of one another.
Ask for a private concession stay where possible, it's what opens the door to night drives, an experience not available on public reserves.
The Escape & Explore private tour is best timed for the afternoon, so the return leg along Chapman's Peak Drive coincides with sunset.
Book the Veranda Restaurant ahead of arrival at Mount Nelson, its position on Kloof Street makes it as much a way into the city as a place to dine.
Travellers should ask about Belmond's community and off-grid initiatives at Eagle Island. The story behind the stay is compelling.
The raw beauty of Botswana paired with the elegance of Cape Town creates a perfectly balanced itinerary, delivering not only extraordinary wildlife encounters, but also moments of stillness and connection. For those considering Africa, this combination is hard to surpass, and having experienced it firsthand, I can say it's every bit as magical as you imagine.
Get in touch with Lusso to start planning your own Botswana-to-Cape Town journey.
