When we were traveling through Botswana back then, we really felt like we’d stepped into a TV documentary about Africa. Chobe National Park technically already existed, but other than that, there wasn’t much to show for it. There were a few campsites where you could camp, and that was it. And, of course, the wildlife was protected. The entrance fee was corresponding; we paid USD 7.50 for a car and three people for a 3-night stay.
The photo below shows how we camped by the Savuti Channel back then. While we were having coffee, we decided to step aside for a moment to let an elephant pass by on its usual morning walk.
These days, things are different. A number of luxury lodges have been built, like this one (picture source). It’s located on the same spot where we used to camp. Rates start at about $1,000 per person per night.
Back then, you had the choice of pitching a small tent, as most tour operators did at the time, or sleeping in the car. We thought that was safer. You never knew what might wander through the camp during the day or at night, like an elephant in a proverbial china shop.
Back to the present day – this is what the “night camp” looks like these days. It’s certainly comfortable, but your photographer still thinks that traveling through Botswana isn’t quite what it used to be. And he’s very glad that he and his friends took advantage of the opportunities back then, while they were still available.
Evening at the Savute Channel Lodge, source.