Lucie Thaxter Safaris

05/06/2026

Where did the last week go? I’m behind schedule (again)…

Back to my recce report! The next camp on my travels was Sango Safari Camp, a small, classic tented camp with just 6 simple, comfortable tented rooms in a corner of the game dense Khwai area overlooking Moremi Game Reserve.

My visit was too brief but the team impressed me with that joyful hospitality that Botswana does so well, the food was great and the area delivered some great sightings.

I forgot to take pictures (shame on me! 😳) so I’ve used Sango’s room photos so you know what it looks like!

If you would like any info on planning a trip to Botswana please get in touch, or follow me for more updates from my recent recce!

29/05/2026

Feedback Friday! 🌍 A first for Lucie Thaxter Safaris — the first clients from the USA that found me through an internet search. Pat and Cliff, I couldn't be more delighted you did. What a trip to share with you. 🐆

26/05/2026

The Mababe Depression was the next stop on my Botswana research trip — a new area for me, lying to the north-east of the Okavango within Chobe National Park. It's known to safari aficionados for its enormous buffalo herds during the dry season, and the predators that follow.

This was very much not the dry season! 🤣 Unseasonally late rains meant many airstrips hadn't dried sufficiently and a number were out of action, making the logistics a little challenging. But the team on the ground handled everything brilliantly and we arrived without drama. We were, however, the last flight to land on this particular strip — and when you see the picture, it's pretty obvious why.

There are just a handful of camps in the area, and the newest is Bushways' Mababe Tented Camp, set in a beautiful position overlooking the perennial Mababe River. The tents are comfortable and well-appointed — everything you need and nothing you don't — with a spacious open main area and a wonderful riverbank firepit for post-dinner drinks under the stars.

Despite the season, the wildlife was anything but quiet. A pair of well-fed cheetah were spotted just before we arrived into camp, a lovely relaxed ele spend ages drinking at the river, and a large pack of wild dogs rounded off the afternoon beautifully.

I loved this area and would very much like to return in the dry season to see how dramatically the landscape transforms as the land dries out.

Thinking about Botswana for 2026 or 2027🤔 ? I'd love to help you plan something special — drop me a message or visit luciethaxtersafaris.com to start the conversation.

21/05/2026

Sometimes, on safari, it's nice to take a break from safari...

Relax at the beginning, end or even middle of your Botswana adventure at the delightful Grays Eden, a restful boutique sanctuary just outside Maun.

Luxurious rooms are in pretty Cape Dutch style cottages overlooking the Thamalekane River, there’s a lovely pool for chilling, the food is fresh and delicious, and there’s a fab wine cellar for dining in which would be great fun with a group of friends.

I loved my stay here and I’ve had excellent feedback from clients too.

If you would like any info on planning a trip to Botswana please get in touch, or follow me for more updates from my recent Botswana and Mozambique recce!

20/05/2026

Here’s that blurry but amazing sighting of multiple Marsh Owls🦉 hunting that I mentioned and didn’t post!

19/05/2026

The Kalahari surprises continued! 🌿

Dune Camp sits in the heart of the Central Kalahari Private Reserve — panoramic grassland views, comfortable rooms, and the kind of skies that remind you you're a long way from home. This is the Kalahari's best-kept secret — and at a more accessible price point than its sister lodge, Deception Valley.

Our guide TT made every moment count. We watched a leopard slink along the track at dusk, strange jellyfish clouds roll across the horizon, and two elephants wander through camp after dark.

If you've been dreaming of the Kalahari, let's talk. 🌍
📩 Drop me a message or visit luciethaxtersafaris.com to start planning your journey.

14/05/2026

This it's back to the Kalahari! 🌿🦁

This is where I kicked off my recent research trip to Botswana — and it turned out to be one of the biggest revelations of the whole journey.

I stayed at the beautiful Deception Valley Lodge, nestled in the shade of stands of Purple Podded Terminalia on a vast private reserve in the Central Kalahari. With just six suites, it has an elegant, intimate feel, and the team — led by the wonderful Georgina — were an absolute delight from start to finish.

We were expertly guided by Roo, with tracker Chyota finding us one of the Kalahari's famous black-maned lions 🖤 — as well as desert-adapted species including Oryx and Kori Bustard, the world's largest flying bird. The landscape, normally arid and sun-baked, was lush and green after exceptional rains, which meant some of the smaller residents stayed hidden — but an extraordinary sighting of around 20 Marsh Owls hunting rodents through the long grass is one I won't forget in a hurry.

Saying goodbye to the team was genuinely hard, especially Sally, who kept the refreshments — and the big smiles — coming throughout. 🥂

The Kalahari offers something genuinely different: a wilder, less-visited side of Botswana that contrasts beautifully with the Okavango Delta and Chobe. I'll definitely be adding Deception Valley Lodge to future itineraries.

Thinking about a Botswana safari? I'd love to help you plan something special. Drop me a message ✨

11/05/2026

My amazing recce of Botswana and Mozambique!

My first trip of the year took me from Botswana’s Kalahari and Okavango Delta, to the beautiful coastal area of Vilanculos in Mozambique.

I met brilliant guides, exceptional lodge staff, and had unexpected wildlife encounters both above and below sea level! I'm back with masses of notes, thousands of photos and a whole host of new ideas for fantastic luxurious African adventures.

I’ll be reviewing the trip in detailed posts over the next few weeks, but here’s a little teaser!

🦉 The Kalahari surprised with amazing owl encounters
💦 The Okavango Delta was so green and lush
🐕 The Mababe Depression delivered well fed Cheetahs and Wild Dogs
🚁 The helicopter transfers were huge fun
🌅 Soo many amazing sunsets
🦁 Lions everywhere!
🤩 Gorgeous accommodation
🛶 Blissful mokoro trips
🐆 Leopards, leopards, leopards!
🌊 Vilanculos beautiful blues & fabulous views
🤿 Benguerra beach heaven & fantastic snorkelling

Huge thanks to my partners in Botswana and Mozambique - you outshone yourselves!

If you're thinking of a trip to either Botswana or Mozambique please get in touch - I've got lots of fresh ideas and information!

More to come soon. 👀

27/04/2026

24/04/2026

Yesterday’s various forms of transport!

Getting into the Okavango Delta is an adventure in itself and yesterday was no exception! Heavy rains have made some airstrips temporarily out of action but the incredible safari logistics wizards made it all happen seamlessly 🙌🏼