It is the time of year when the Okavango’s waters have receded and the rains are starting…  here is an update on how things are looking water and wildlife wise at some of our favorite Botswana safari properties:

Kings Pool Camp – Water levels are extremely low in the Linyanti and no boating activities are possible from Kings Pool. Reliable leopard sightings.

Qorokwe – Water levels are still good in the permanent Delta. Qorokwe is still offering mokoro excursions but in front of the main area of camp, it is dry. In terms of game for the past two weeks, they have seen wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion and great general game. This area cooks on gas as summer rolls around with such a variety of habitat convergence zones.

Mombo – Water is receding in the channels around Mombo although they are getting some decent rain out there. The game viewing has been spectacular of late, with the elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard being seen regularly.

Kalahari Plains – The area has been a little dry as they wait for the rains to break. General wildlife viewing has been superb. The camp recently got permission to walk in the Kalahari and Neuman will be test-driving this experience. For now it is a short walk with your guide while out on drive, generally around the pans. In the future they plan on serious exploratory walking with the bushmen as trackers.

Vumbura – Activities as normal in the permanent Delta with both boats and mekoro on offer. Although the flood water has dropped a lot, there is still plenty of water in the channels. No need to mention the game here –  always sublime.

Jacana – The water level around Jacana has dropped quite a bit and it is too low for mokoro excursions. There is still water around Pelo and for the time being, it will be possible to run mokoro trips in this area. At the moment, levels are too low for boating from Kubu lagoon, and as they name implies, there are lots of hippo there.