Imagine this: After an exciting day of safaris in Botswana, the sun began to set, seeing a golden shade over the landscape. We made our way back to the camp. With a tour, we were about to experience something truly unique – camping in Botswana in the national park.
Where Did This Adventure Take Place?
Our journey led us from Zambia to Zimbabwe, where we were picked up shortly after crossing the border. Then, we drove to Botswana. The border crossing itself is a story for another time. Botswana, is located in southern Africa, shares its borders with Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Despite its vast size, the country has a relatively small population of around 2.5 million people. Gaborone serves as its capital city. Botswana isn’t widely known, except for one exceptional reason – its incredible safaris.
What Was It Like?
After a full day of adventure, we were all ready to unwind. Our campsite welcomed us with tents set up in a circle around a crackling campfire. It was the perfect setting for a memorable night of camping in the heart of a national park.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, everyone went to their tents to rest. Surrounded by the endless wilderness, it was not uncommon for wild animals to wander by. In Botswana, there’s a strict no-hunting policy, even in self-defense against aggressive animals. We were, essentially, at the mercy of nature. Yet, strangely, nobody seemed to worry about that. We were all focused on relaxation and the sense of calm that surrounded us.
The campfire cast a warm glow, keeping complete darkness at bay and allowing us to hear the distant sounds of wildlife. This unusual nighttime soundtrack had a strangely soothing effect on me as I lay in bed. It was, looking back, my first experience of camping, albeit a somewhat fancy version.
The next morning, our group left from their tents and gathered in the center once again. The promise of an early morning safari awaited us. Not even the monkeys were fully awake yet.
It was an incredible experience, one that allowed me to reconnect with nature in a profound way. However, doing such an adventure without a guide is not recommended – and it’s not allowed as well. Safety, after all, must always come first.
