Africa - my heart!
.....or Botswana: When a journey becomes a "MOMENTS" feeling.

I went to Africa for the first time in 2000, to South Africa. And back then I was told: "You are now infected with the Africa virus and will definitely come back."
And that's how it was. I fell in love, in love with Africa. This was followed by several trips to this continent, which always required a difficult farewell.

One of these trips took my partner and me to Botswana, which was very exciting at the time because we were traveling by camper. Pure freedom in unlimited wilderness and in the heart of Africa! I was so thrilled !!! So excited that I wanted to do it again, but this time not in the dry season, but in the rainy season.
We had no idea that the rainy season would be so exaggerated at the time of our trip 😄...

This time the overnight stay was not going to be on the roof of the car, but on the ground in tents. I couldn't really imagine how it would all work on site. Sleeping safely in tents, good food, toilets, showers? But why should I waste so many words now?

After one last night in civilization, we set off and the Africa fever was immediately back. We soon moved into our tents and a feeling of contentment spread through me. I was home, at least in my heart. The first dinner, the first campfire, the first trip out and all was well. I just had to sit back, take a deep breath and let Kristin & Dirk's team do their thing. There was nothing that was not fulfilled. Nothing ! We always had time to photograph every animal from all sides and observe them for hours. We were surprised, learned from each other, laughed, marveled, feasted, slept wonderfully, showered warmly and didn't miss the non-existent cell phone reception at all.

I can't put into words everything we were able to experience there (some things can't be revealed either 🤭 ), otherwise my text would go beyond the scope of this page. All the members of the MOMENT team put their heart and soul into what they do and you can see that every single day. It's hard to put into words what Kristin, Dirk and their entire team do there. It's not just standard tourism, it's passion with a lot of flexibility.

If you want to experience the wilderness of Africa in a truly authentic way, then treat yourself to this trip with MOMENTS. These are memories, MOMENTS that will last a lifetime. But a little tip: don't forget the tissues. When you have to say goodbye to the team after this intense time, there won't be a dry eye in the house. 🥺❤️

Ten days on safari through Botswana's national parks - and far more than just impressive animal encounters.

The company owners Kristin and Dirk from Moments gave us a warm welcome at the airport in Maun. Their experience coupled with a deep respect and enthusiasm for the country and nature was a defining moment during the entire tour. Our local guide "Moronga" had a wide range of specialist knowledge, which he passed on with great commitment and gave us a sense of security during the trip thanks to his enormous experience and local knowledge.

We were accompanied by a local team of nine people who looked after us throughout the trip - attentive, warm and always ready for a joke. Inquisitive and interested, they tried to test their German with us, which led to many funny and bonding situations in which we became friends. In the evening, a three-course meal, cocktails, sundowners and sitting together around the campfire under the African starry sky awaited us at the camp.

Camping meant a touch of luxury: spacious tents, well thought-out facilities with washing facilities right outside the tent, clever hooks for hanging up clothes and equipment, a small bedside table and hot water for showers every evening. A luxury we appreciated after a long day on safari. Mosquito sprays had also been thought of (which, as predicted by the team, were not needed).

During the day, we experienced eventful drives where our guide's local knowledge enabled us to have extraordinary animal encounters: leopards with fresh prey, hyenas trying to get their share. Herds of elephants curiously inspecting our vehicle - and even short excursions on foot, always carefully and professionally accompanied by Moronga.

After ten intensive days, a safari team had become a friendly community, and it was hard to say goodbye to them. This trip was not just a safari. It was an encounter with the wilderness and the pristine nature. Ten days without the internet and concentrating on the essentials without the distractions of our civilized world to get an idea of what a pristine life in the wilderness must feel like. It was also the encounters with the people in our team that moved us.

Botswana touched us deeply. Many thanks to Moments and its team
Christoph and Ulrike 🐘🔥🌍

It's five o'clock in the morning, it's dark outside and we haven't slept well. The first night in the bush somewhere in the Okavango Delta in the middle of Botswana's wilderness. Everything is new and unfamiliar to us.
The wind has died down and it is very quiet. The stars are shining in the South African sky. At some point in the middle of the night, we heard a hyena howling and a lion roaring.

The darkness slowly fades and the birds become active. The soundscape is indescribable.

We set off at 5:45 minutes. First we want to drive to the pride of lions with the four little babies we saw yesterday. Tea and coffee are waiting outside...

We are now closing our eyes here at home and are back in the middle of our indescribably great vacation.

With every picture we look at, our thoughts wander into the African wilderness. Speaking of pictures, this trip is a must for every nature photographer! No need to book a photo trip! Kristin, Dirk and Moronga make it possible to get perfect shots of the animals on the safari tours. With plenty of time to observe, you get to know the animals' way of life. Moronga and Dirk inform us about the animals and fauna. The safaris are educational and fun. Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, giraffes, impalas, kudus, hyenas, jackals, wildebeests, antelopes, spring hares, ostriches, yellow and red-billed tocos, mongooses..... we can't list everything we've seen. We are always amazed that so many animals can survive in this arid region. It's not just the wildlife that is beautiful. The barren landscape in the savannah looks just as great as the Moremi Game Reserve, which is flooded with water.

Africa had been on our itinerary for a long time. Five years ago we wanted to book our trip and then came Corona. Today we are happy to have ended up with Kristin and Dirk by chance. It was worth the long wait.

This trip was unbelievably great. We booked an adventure vacation and that's what we got.

We were looked after perfectly from our arrival at the airport to our departure. Our hotel room (tent) was large, spacious, clean and always nicely prepared. The food, which Partner and Kelly conjured up under the simplest of conditions, was delicious. The crew spoiled the guests. They showed us the African zest for life with their songs and dances. When we think about it, we automatically have to smile.

LB our waiter read our wishes from our eyes. There were two tubs of chilled drinks on the bar. For everyone what they wanted. Surprisingly, the bar and the laid table were in unexpected places. Coming up with these ideas and implementing them in this way is fantastic. We're not allowed to give them away, experience it for yourself and you'll understand us.

The crew work in the background and take care of everything you can't see. At five o'clock in the morning, they are already whirling around to make the day as pleasant as possible for their guests. Dismantling the tents, transportation, setting up our "hotel rooms" again, preparing hot water for the showers, the list goes on and on.

Morongo, our guide, loves his country and takes great pleasure in showing it to his guests. For us, he is the best tracker in the world. Our drives in the private concessions were not just on the sandy paths. We followed tracks or animals through the middle of the bush. Suddenly there are ten sleeping or feeding lions in front of us, the leopards on or under the tree or even the two cheetahs. We are always amazed at how he found the animals.

Thank you Morongo for these special experiences with you!

There is so much to tell. The best thing to do is book this trip, pack your bags and off you go to Africa with "Moments Botswana"! You will soak up this trip, enjoy it, experience it intensively and, like us, never forget it.

We would love to come back, let's see what the future holds. If we come back, it will be in the rainy season.

Thank you Kristin and Dirk! We keep taking our hats off to you. What you have put together is terrific.

You have awakened our senses and touched our hearts.

The two Mecklenburgers.

We went on a safari tour through Botswana with "Moments" in the fall of 2025. We traveled through the Okavango Delta and other national parks and private concession areas, where we stayed in camps, to the Chobe River and on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Our tour group was led by Dirk and Kristin Meißner. They, our Botswanan guide and the whole crew took excellent care of us and gave us unforgettable moments with lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras, antelopes, hippos ... in the midst of magnificent landscapes.

 

We were already convinced that it would be great because we had already traveled with Dirk and Kristin as tour guides in South Africa once before. However, what we were able to experience with "Moments" in Botswana, being right in the middle of the animals, went far beyond what we had imagined: "That was awesome!" This sentence was and still is the most frequently used phrase of our small travel group of 5 people when we talk about our trip.

 

We didn't just see the animals and photograph them as we drove past, as on other trips before, but we were able to stay very close to them, observe their interactions and had the feeling that they were sharing "stories" of their lives with us. As we were camped in the middle of the parks, we were able to be with the animals in the early hours of the morning, even before the safari tours left the lodges, and were also able to be there again when things got exciting again shortly before sunset and the elephants came to the waterholes and rivers. Strict rules apply in the national parks, you are not allowed to leave the paths, but in the private concessions we were able to follow the tracks of the animals, look for them in the terrain, watch the lions hunting and finally see the whole pride of elephants feasting on the crack. In every word, every gesture, in his explanations and his driving style, our Botswanan guide showed us how much respect and love he has for the animals. Thank you for this great experience!

 

Our safari vehicle, our living room for 10 days, offered a clear view all around. During the breaks we had coffee and tea or chilled drinks. The fridge on board was stocked with everything a man or woman could wish for.... Our moving days, the days on which we moved to a different camp, were a single safari from morning to evening. Watching, enjoying, enjoying. And in the evening, the crew welcomed us to a new camp, where we found everything exactly as we had left it in the morning at the previous location. The campfire was burning, the table was laid for dinner, the bar was set up and put in the right light.

 

We were camping in the middle of the wilderness, but with a lot of style and always with that special something extra. The spacious, rain- and mosquito-proof tents with large beds, soft bedding and towels offered a level of comfort that we hadn't expected. In our own bathroom, at the back of the tent, there was hot shower water whenever we wanted it and we had our privacy. I won't reveal the many little surprises that our crew had in store for us, because they should remain surprises.

 

We had an extensive breakfast and the lunch was always varied and tasty. Every evening, the chef presented a great three-course menu that he had created for us. Anyone can bake in the oven, but how he baked bread, rolls, pizza, focaccia and cakes for us in the wilderness is something you really have to see!

 

But it wasn't just the chef, the waiter, the cook and the other helpers who took care of our tents, logistics and the technology, everyone in the crew was warm and concerned that we wanted for nothing. You could tell they were proud of what they had achieved and how much they enjoyed working for "Moments".

 

Thank you, Dirk and Kristin, for having the courage to live your dream of Africa and to set up this company to share it with others. For us it was the trip of a lifetime. It really reached our hearts and touched our souls. Thank you for that!

 

Winfried and Conny from Brehna

If you can leave the civilized world, running water, electricity, paved roads, money and much of what we think makes life beautiful behind for nine days and want to experience unforgettable moments and encounters with large and small wild animals, we recommend a safari vacation with "Experiences with Moments" by Kristin and Dirk Meißner.

It was our first African vacation and we were and still are overwhelmed by what we were offered. Tracking animal tracks and searching for prides of lions and leopards alongside herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest, impala and many other animals were simply amazing moments.

You simply have to experience the simplicity and at the same time the unspoiled luxury of a (...).

You simply have to experience the simplicity and at the same time the rustic luxury of a tented safari with a daily campfire, lovingly laid table, excellent food and interesting conversations. This was complemented by daily highlights large and small, such as a sumptuous table by a small river or cocktails on a dune at sunset.

Kristin, Dirk, Moronga and their entire team did everything they could to ensure that we were able to experience the beauty and wildness of Botswana's nature, especially the many animals, at first hand. For us as nature and animal lovers, it was the best vacation of our lives.

A big thank you to Kristin, Dirk and the whole team for this wonderful experience.

Baldrun and Günter Weber

We are a couple in our mid-fifties and have taken part in a very special trip.

 

We started in Zimbabwe in the small town of Victoria Falls. The Zambezi, as it plunges into the depths on the Zambian side, was a unique natural spectacle. All inclusive, we had both a rainbow and a small thunderstorm, fantastic. Two nights in a great guest lodge rounded off the contrasting program. By now, our group had formed a close bond and we were looking forward to what the coming time in the bush of Botswana had in store for us.

 

Southern Africa had already cast a spell over my wife and I and so this was now our sixth trip. But unlike before, we wouldn't be sleeping in the roof tent of a camper, but in a tent where you could stand upright with your own sanitary facilities at the back. In other words, real luxury in the midst of wonderful, untouched nature. The rainy season was coming to an end, it was summer and the temperatures were around 35°C during the day and 20°C at night.

 

Our campsites "migrated": in the Chobe National Park, first from the Riverfront to the Savute region, then to a private reserve in the Mababe/Khwai region and ending in the Moremi Game Reserve. Each region was unique in its own way. Although we had already traveled through them as self-drivers, the experiences on the Gameviewer were completely new. The close encounters with the animals were of a very special intensity, our senses were heightened and our trust in our experienced guide Moronga was boundless. Thanks to our German-speaking tour guide, we also received all his explanations about the fauna and flora in translation.

 

Two highlights of our trip: the mokoro tour on the Khwai and the boat trip on the Okavango (where my wife involuntarily baptized her sun hat...).

 

Listing the animals we saw would be too long here, so I'll limit myself to our five highlights: Herds of elephants as far as the eye can see along the Chobe River, which separates Namibia from Botswana, moving from one side to the other. The kings among the animals: the proud lions in the Savute region, walking along the Gameviewer and making you hold your breath for a few seconds, you are so incredibly close. At one point we even spotted a pack of wild dogs! We had never seen them in such numbers before.

Chance, coupled with luck... Also a very special moment: a leopard lying on the branch of a tree. And just as we were about to leave the Moremi Game Reserve, we came across the big cats with the black tear lines: two cheetahs. I will probably never forget the direct eye contact with one of the animals.

Even on the gravel road towards Maun: still elephants, giraffes, zebras...

 

That's what makes Botswana so unique for me: no fences behind which the animals have to live, they are simply allowed to wander...

Also, or probably because the government controls tourism through high prices, this sustainable approach to biodiversity and safaris (far away from mass tourism) will hopefully remain in this quality for a long time to come.

 

A few words about our food. Although our focus is not on the food: it was gigantic. Our chef partner and his crew conjured up new dishes on our plates every day in his kitchen tent. My wife (who doesn't like red meat) was always given a modified version to choose from. Respect for what was possible under the given circumstances (remarkable: preparation and washing up was done with drinking water).

 

Not forgetting the logistics team around Pako, who mastered every situation perfectly. A total of 9 crew members ensured that this trip was unforgettable. And of course there are Kristin and Dirk, our lovely tour guides, who are living their dream by making these safaris possible in the first place.

 

What made the vacation even better: the great group, we will miss you all very much... Let us save these unforgettable pictures and moments in our hearts, to put it in the words of my wife... THANK YOU!!!

 

 

Christian

What are moments? I don't know, probably just another strange advertising term. At least that was my first thought. But that was all about to change. But first things first.

 

It all started with a spontaneous short visit to the travel agency "Kristin", which was actually intended to bag a short fall vacation. The result was a "Moments" booking, thanks to the great atmosphere and competent advice as well as the spontaneity of my better half... After some initial doubts, we, a couple in our early 50s, haven't regretted booking this admittedly not cheap trip for a single second.

 

It was gigantic. Unexpected. Full of surprises.
Unpredictable and yet perfect.
Perfectly organized. Perfect in (almost) every respect.

 

Why? First of all, there are these two completely crazy people - Kristin and Dirk - who are living their dream and have created this travel offer and accompany it with dedication. But more importantly, they not only let their guests take part in it, they involve them. Kristin, the always attentive, creative idea generator with an eye for detail, and Dirk, the technically adept organizer with a cool head even in tricky situations, complement each other perfectly. Respect! Plus the hand-picked fellow travelers, this random community on which sooo much always depends. It was a great fit! And of course the local crew, the biggest unknown. With six guests and two "travel companions", these nine (!) people are clearly a decisive factor for a successful trip. And they were!...

 

Well, anyway, at some point - escaping the February weather at home - we were sitting on the Ethiopian airline bound for Maun. Maun? Exactly. Maun. We first had to explain to the lady at check-in that it was in Botswana... Arrival in the wet season. Rain. Lots of rain. And in a tent from tomorrow. Great, that should be fun... Then I remembered the words "When it rains, it rains briefly, but really. Then it's good again, and - it stays warm!" And that's exactly how it was. What followed was an incredibly restless and incredibly eventful trip through southern Africa. Not a second of boredom. No phone, no internet. It was incredibly exciting, incredibly relaxing, incredibly restful. Even if the day rarely started after five o'clock. This trip exceeded our expectations, even though they were vague at best, let alone defined: super camp sites, nature that couldn't be more natural. Animals, wilderness, adventure. Africa.

 

Lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck, impala, warthog, baboon, hippopotamus, crocodile, ostrich, eagle, falcon, crane and vulture - this is not a selection field like in 6aus49, where there might be a few hits that we would like to see. No, this is rather a rather incomplete list of animals that we were able to observe at close range and in large numbers on a daily basis during our two-week safari. And this is neither a joke nor an exaggeration, but an unbelievable reality.

 

And that's exactly what they were, these "moments".
They usually came as a surprise.

 

Well, almost. Because our capable guides usually knew where there might be something to see. Whether by locating noises, tracking, vultures pointing out carrion on tree skeletons mauled by elephants, warning calls from birds or the behavior of herds of antelope, they always found plenty of "visual prey" for us...
But the little experiences on the daily exploration tours with our super-comfortable, well-equipped, open game viewer also provided us with wonderful "moments". There were river crossings, deep water holes on the sandy highways, spontaneous animal pursuits, the rescue of a vehicle stuck in a mud hole or the late evening game drives with searchlights. Or the boat trips on the waters of the Okawango Delta.
There was always something going on. And all set against the stunning green bush landscape in the African nowhere.

 

Sounds were also "moments". The non-silence of the night. The calls and songs of the countless birds. The roar of the massive hippos and the prowling hyenas. Or the noise caused by the honey badger breaking into the kitchen tent.

 

Of course, the few people around us also provided some "moments". The friendly and open-minded way of life of the local crew, who made our stay in the wilderness extremely pleasant. The silent and barely noticeable logistics, which were perfectly implemented to allow our camp to "wander". The pride with which our mainguide Moronga told us about the history and nature of his country. The top gastronomy, which was impressively successful with the simplest of means and offered us culinary delights. The welcome songs with which we were greeted with a cool drink around the campfire when we arrived at camp in the evening. The surprise tables that were set up in wonderful places and were waiting for us with a lunch...

 

As if the incredibly varied safari wasn't enough of an experience, there were more highlights to follow. The border crossing into Zimbabwe, for example, which could not have been portrayed more impressively in any movie. The sticker in the passport with the handwritten entries is a lasting memory. Ingenious. Unique. Africa.

However, the end of our tour was to have another highlight in store - the extremely impressive Victoria Falls. First an exploration in an optional helicopter flight, then an extensive tour of the falls. Here, too, there is an unimaginable closeness to nature and danger instead of barriers and perfection. Not unpleasant spray mist on the face and all over the body instead of scratched Plexiglas walls... The end of the tour in the small town of Victoria Falls offered the opportunity to "bargain" for a few souvenirs, mainly local wood carvings, or to try some typical local delicacies at the lively market. The mopane caterpillars were delicious, the Zulu beer took some getting used to and could not be compared with the obligatory 11 o'clock tea.

 

Well, the bottom line for us is that this vacation offered an incredible density of experiences with many unexpected "moments". Varied, exciting, relaxing. Luxurious and anarchically free at the same time.

 

Top organization and support.
An absolute recommendation.

 

We take home great experiences, magnificent animal sightings and an incredible number of memories that are captured in countless photos.
Many thanks to Kristin and Dirk, the crew and our fellow travelers!

 

Finally, an important warning:
Be careful, Africa can be addictive!

 

Frank & Steffi, February 2025

 

 

PS: I have deliberately omitted a detailed description of the places and the route here, as these are described excellently in the travel description for Tour A on the website.

What is the best time to visit Botswana? It's any time, because you can visit Botswana all year round.

 

Every season has its own special charm in every region of Botswana. The subtropical, continental semi-desert climate ensures that temperatures rarely fall below 20 degrees all year round. It is usually dry for nine months of the year.

 

Winter in Botswana lasts from May to August and promises very dry weather, blue skies and pleasant daytime temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees. At night, however, the temperature can drop to zero, but is usually between 10 and 15°C.

 

 

The Kalahari (Central Kalahari and Kalahari Transfrontier Park) shows its desert character especially at this time of year, the air shimmers, hot desert winds whirl up dust, the ground has dry cracks, the landscape appears inhospitable, forbidding and offers a real desert atmosphere.

 

The summer rainy season begins in December. This vegetation period, during which the landscape changes completely, lasts until March. During this time, Botswana is very scenic. Hot daytime temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees, thunderstorms and frequent short showers are typical of this time of year, known as the emerald season. The vegetation is lush in the Okavango Delta and along the Linyanti and Chobe National Parks, with tall grasses and flowering plants dominating the landscape. This is where the rainfall is heaviest and the water levels are highest in the northern Okavango, Chobe River, Zambezi, Kwando and Linyanti. In the Okavango Delta, the water usually reaches its peak at the end of July / beginning of August; it takes about 3 to 4 months before the flood waters of the Okavango reach the southern Delta. Many places in the delta can no longer be reached by road, but only by boat or small plane. During this time of lush vegetation, birdwatchers in particular get their money's worth. The landscape in the Kalahari is also transformed by the rain into an oasis of flowers. The pans fill with water and provide a habitat for numerous bird species. The spectacle of the flamingos is a unique experience at this time of year in the area of the pans near Nata. But the herd animals also embark on the largest migration in southern Africa. Here, around 75,000 zebras and wildebeest migrate to the Nxai Pan, where they give birth to their young, depending on the start of the rainy season. Their hunters gather in large numbers around the herds and can be observed in the vastness of the landscape against a fantastic backdrop.

January is the main breeding season for many of the colorful migratory bird species. The countryside is strewn with wildflowers, green foliage and green grass everywhere, a fantastic contrast in the wildlife photographs. The sounds of nature are constant and everywhere, day and night, many young animals can be observed, nature is full of new life everywhere. January is the middle of the so-called rainy season with spectacular afternoon thunderstorms and warm days (average 30° to 35°C) and nights (average over 20°C), statistically it rains 8 - 10 days a month, but usually only briefly. Game viewing opportunities are good. Predators hunt the rapidly developing young of their respective prey species. The month is very suitable for photography due to the many colors and dramatic cloud formations. The contrast between the predators' natural winter camouflage and the summer colors makes for great photo opportunities. The herbivores find it easier to spot and escape the predators. It is a time of abundance for them, while the predators have to travel further to find prey, as the grazers are spread over longer distances.

Many herbivores now feed on the ripe fruit of the fig trees, including the so-called "fruit bat" or flying fox. The water lilies are beginning to bloom and the reed frogs are also highly active. The Okavango Delta is fantastically green, nature is alive and noisy. This begins at the latest at dawn. Due to the rainfall, many plants go through an active growth phase. Butterflies, birds, frogs and all the rather small animals are highly active and offer the interested eye more than usual during the year. The rain continues to fall in mighty afternoon thunderstorms with a huge rumble of thunder and great cloud drama in the sky. Temperatures are similar to January, averaging over 30°C and over 20°C at night. February can have both very dry and very humid phases, even if humid in terms of the annual rainfall does not mean that it pours continuously. The large bullfrog (Limnodynastes interioris) reappears after months, sometimes years, of dormancy and plunges into nocturnal feeding frenzies. The wild species never have very far to go to the next watering hole, every puddle is filled and their young are now almost as big as the adults.

The mighty Okavango and Zambezi rivers in the Panhandle area are now at maximum flood levels and white water rafting is no longer offered in Victoria Falls due to the danger to life. The Victoria Falls are enormous, the masses of water that are now cascading over the edge are many times higher than in October or November. Now nobody doubts why they are one of the 7 wonders of the world, a rain cape is a must when visiting. Meanwhile, in southern Africa, the fruits of the marula tree are ripening. This does not escape the notice of the numerous large bull elephants, which now move from tree to tree in search of their favorite food. Elephants are therefore practically daily guests at some campsites. The impala rut begins. The slender males frolic around snorting to attract the attention of the females, fighting to be the dominant male and dominate the herd of females for a few days. The temperatures are still more than warm, but the air is getting drier and rainfall is not as frequent as in the previous month, we are still talking about 4 to 6 rainy days per month.

There are first signs of the change of season, we are slowly moving into fall: the night temperatures are now also dropping below 20°, even if it still reaches 35° during the day. As the mornings are cooler and the relative humidity is higher, you can sometimes see beautiful mist over the lagoons and rivers in the morning, which offers the chance of fantastic pictures. The impala mating season reaches its peak. The males also clash loudly at night, the snorting noises can be heard all night long. The trees have finished flowering and the fruits are beginning to ripen - particularly striking are the huge fruits of the liverwort tree, which we find in increasing numbers in the delta. Reptiles of all kinds use the remaining warm days to breed before the colder winter days take away their energy.

The floods from Angola are now reaching the upper part of the Okavango Delta and are slowly but inexorably beginning to penetrate the huge wetlands. Formerly dry areas are now flooded again The rains have stopped and the atmosphere is much less humid. Nights are now cooler - around 15° - but can also be in single figures. While daytime temperatures are still warm, they have lost their peaks and only exceptionally exceed 35°. A jacket is now worn on morning drives or night drives, and a hat can't hurt from time to time in the morning. Buffalo now congregate in huge herds (up to 1000 animals) and visit the larger bodies of water more frequently than before, while the seasonal lagoons are beginning to dry up. The visibility of matriarch-led elephant herds is also increasing again as they travel more frequently to larger water bodies. The greens are slowly fading and giving way to the sandy hues of the dry season. The natural camouflage of the predators now matches the coloring of the surrounding bushes. The migratory birds leave for their wintering grounds.

June is an exciting time. For many Europeans, this is the most pleasant time to travel, as the daytime temperatures are usually a maximum of 30 °C. The wild dogs start looking for a den for the annual rearing of the young, the pregnant female is heavily pregnant. Once a den has been chosen, the wild dogs will be easy to find for the next 3-4 months, as the den is then the starting point for all their hunts. The Mababe Concession and the Savuti area north of the Okavango Delta offer some of the best chances of seeing wild dogs in Southern Africa. Temperatures reach their lowest point towards the end of June, when it can be as cold as 5° at night. On game drives, the wind increases the feeling of cold, which is why windproof clothing is now recommended, as are hats and thin gloves. It remains dry and dusty. Many bush and tree species lose their leaves or are already completely bare. Non-perennial waterholes are now drying out. The game concentrates around the remaining permanent water supply. The predators follow suit.

The flood has arrived in the southern Delta (Moremi Game Reserve). All regions of the delta are feeling the flood, which has made its way more than 1000 km from Angola to here. The paradox is that the floods coincide with dust and drought at a time when it has not rained for a long time. Roads that were still there yesterday are suddenly flooded and impassable today, even though there is no rain. The leaves continue to fall from the trees, the grass becomes drier and shorter with each passing day. Yellow is the dominant color. The game is excellent to watch. The nights are still cold, but the days are warm and pleasant. The weather is typical for Botswana: clear and sunny. More and more animals gather near the watercourses and on the alluvial plains to graze. These days, the water spreads unexpectedly in places that were previously completely dry. With the mokoro, you can now reach places that would otherwise be almost unthinkable. Soft light in the morning and evening combined with the dust in the air creates fantastic photo opportunities, also known as the golden hour, which fascinates every photographer, amateur and professional alike.

The herds of animals are getting bigger and bigger and the limited space at the water leads to tensions between the elephants. Elephants dominate the waterholes and only prides of lions are allowed access. At night you can now constantly hear their sounds and noises. The bush looks bare in the mopane and teak vegetation and dust is everywhere. The first breezes are forming. But there is a lot going on and the observation opportunities at the remaining waterholes are very good. The floodwaters have reached the south-eastern end of the delta and thus Maun, flowing on towards Makgadikgadi National Park. The locals are speculating about whether it will break last year's records and how far it will flow into the semi-desert towards Makgadikgadi. The weather continues to be pleasant during the day, between 25 and 30 °C, and cool at night, usually between 10 and 15 °C. At the lagoons in the northern Okavango Delta - e.g. at the Godikwe Lagoon - thousands of herons, storks and other breeding birds are now arriving to start building their nests.

The climate has changed and there is absolutely nothing left of winter. The weather is moving towards spring, temperatures are rising again, reaching over 15°C at night. During the day it is now well over 30°C again. The sun is shining, the sky is clear, it is dry and hot. Surprisingly, the elephant and buffalo herds are still growing, while the latter in particular are welcome but not easy prey for the lions. The vivid red carmine spints have returned from their winter quarters and provide flying color accents along the water banks. Many other migratory bird species can now also be spotted again. The water is now slowly receding, with not much coming in from Angola, at least for the time being. Tiger fish, a predatory fish species, become active as the water temperature rises. Some trees, but also grasses, are showing signs of fresh growth. Many plant species will flower and produce fruit in the next 6 weeks - just in time for the expected new rains.

Welcome to what feels like the hottest month. But the game viewing is incomparably good and is ample compensation for the heat. Daytime temperatures are now regularly around 40°C and at night the average is usually over 20°C. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon is the motto. Both humans and animals do everything they can to escape the midday heat. Most animals are only active with the first morning light and from late afternoon onwards. Many species only graze at night. During the day, the animals hide in the shade of the few green trees and bushes. Everything is bare and the grasses are trampled down or eaten away. Night game drives now offer maximum experience value, as many predators shift their activities to the night hours. The omnipresent dust immerses many scenes in a dramatic atmosphere.

All the locals are waiting for the first cloudbursts and the approaching rainy season. Day and night temperatures remain high and game viewing improves until the day of the first rains, usually sometime in early or mid-November. The rain brings noticeable relief. The herds of animals slowly disperse and begin to drink from the seasonal waterholes in search of food. It is the time when the animals give birth. The tsessebes start, followed by the impala and red hartebeest. Predators such as cheetahs and wild dogs prey on the defenceless newborns and may kill several animals a day to satisfy their hunger. The intense conflict between predators and prey provides safari guests with excellent viewing opportunities, which are not yet disturbed by the slowly growing vegetation. The fresh grass is still short and reminiscent of mown lawns. The trees are also sprouting again. It is a good time for photographers, as colors, animal life and good visibility are at their best.

Antelope mothers help themselves to the abundant supply of protein-rich grasses. The lambs and calves are growing at an astonishing rate. The impala have finished lambing, now the wildebeest are starting, while the rains come more regularly and there are big thunderstorms every few days. The waterholes are filling up everywhere. The bush shines in bright shades of green. The grasses are shooting up. But while the grazers enjoy the fresh green, the predators lose their natural camouflage in their light brown coats. As a result, they are now spending much more time hunting where prey was easy to come by just two months ago. The migratory birds have all arrived and the best time for birdwatchers has begun. Temperatures have dropped slightly with the onset of rain, but hot days still occur and it remains warm and humid at night. Dramatic cloud formations in the sky and night-time thunderstorms are the magic of December and provide photographers with great subjects. Temperatures are usually around 35°C during the day and between 20 and 25°C at night.

We had a wonderful vacation with Experiences with Moments that we will never forget. Kristin, Dirk and their young team made this possible for us. We had the opportunity to observe many animals and their behavior in nature. This was only possible thanks to our dedicated guide, who also had a great deal of general knowledge.

We had new highlights every day and the whole thing was stress-free. The atmosphere was very good every day. The Victoria Falls were the crowning glory of the trip. Many thanks for the unforgettable vacation we were able to spend with you.

 

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