SAFARIS AND STAYCATIONS – Mogogelo Camp, Botswana
We all need a breather from routine now and then. A break from all this crippling day-to-day trepidation. Mogogelo Camp in Botswana is your best pick for an easy-to-plan luxury safari, on budget.
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GETTING THERE
Situated just a few kilometers from Maun in a private concession abutting Moremi Game Reserve, Mogogelo Camp is not only easily accessible but also quite affordable.
It took us approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the camp from Maun by a vehicle. You need a 4×4 to get to Mogogelo and it is only reachable by road, at least for now.
One thing you will notice is that there are no complicated detours. From Shorobe Village it is just a smooth transition on the gravel road.
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THE STAY-CATION
Our weekend getaway to Mogogelo was a definite success as we saw about five lions within reach from the camp on our morning Game Drive. We might have interrupted a would-be successful kill as we stumbled upon the lions just as they were moving stealthily towards an unsuspecting impala.
We were in for a treat as there were plenty of elephants as well. It is safe to say Elephants rule the entire area because they are everywhere! For my fellow countrymen in these areas, coexisting with the “gentle giants” is not a walk in the park.
A stone throw from the elephants there was herd of buffaloes. We can all agree that a pride of lions, a breeding herd of elephants and a herd of buffaloes all in a close proximity gets the adrenaline rushing. Nonetheless, that was spectacular because I was not ready to get in a long haphazard drive searching for sightings. It always defeats my definition of Safari. My type of Game Drives are when we just drive around, tracking animals mindfully, seeing what we see when we see it and our Guide understood the assignment!
We decided to skip the afternoon activity and have a prolonged siesta. Mother Nature came through with some afternoon showers as well. The sound of rain drops hitting a Meru-style canvas tent is simply therapeutic.
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SAFARI ON A GREEN SEASON
The impressive amount of sightings came as a surprise as we traveled during a rainy season/low season. Surprisingly the gravel road was not as muddy as we expected. The lush greenery did not deter us from spotting incredible sightings as well. For bird-watching the rainy season is sensational! For abundant wildlife sightings I’d suggest winter/high season though. That’s when animals congregate at water holes and the luxuriant vegetation is no more. Bringing about vast open spaces great for more incredible sightings.
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Additionally, over-tourism is mythical during the low season. Talk about exclusivity! Another highlight was the fire area that overlooks a waterhole! Nothing beats star gazing around the fire and catching glimpses of a lone bull elephant strolling down for a drink. All rooms have a view of the waterhole so even if you are too lazy for the fire area, you can appreciate the magic of an African Safari from the comfort of your room. Just maintain an open mind though. No sighting is guaranteed.
What a cozy and quite enthralling experience! Welcome to Mogogelo Camp, Botswana
