Exploring luxury safaris in Chobe National Park

A lighthearted ramble from a luxury Safari in Chobe National Park

I came to Chobe National Park with a bag full of linen shirts and an overestimation of my own grace. I came to see, somewhere between the small airport and the open-sided safari vehicle, that this would not be a journey where I blended into nature like a quiet documentary presenter. This was going to be a trip when elephants passed by as if this kind of thing occurred daily, and I tried extremely hard not to drop a gin and tonic.

Chobe knows how to make you feel little in the best way imaginable. Wide and glittering, the park follows the river and features crocodiles acting like ornamental logs and hippos bobbing like wary floating sofas. The opening game drive defined the atmosphere. Before I had even figured out how to fasten my seatbelt, our guide saw a lion. He pointed offhandedly, as if lions were simply another element like a good view or a gift shop. I nodded sagaciously while inside going crazy, wondering whether lions might sense terror through pricey eyewear.

The lodge was quite luxurious. Imagine a freestanding bathtub facing the bush, where you can soak while questioning every decision you made in your past life and watching antelope stroll by. One of the highlights was the food. Breakfast consisted of fresh fruit, warm pastries, and coffee so fantastic it made me briefly entertain permanent residency in Botswana. Lunch was enjoyed by the river, elephants crossing in the distance, and me attempting not to spill sauce on my white pants, as that would have seemed like inviting disaster.

I was most surprised by how fast the rhythm of safari life penetrated my skin. Despite my generally antagonistic relationship with alarm clocks, early mornings evolved into something to anticipate. Starting early, wrapped in a blanket, is somewhat magical since the air is cool and full of promise. Spending the afternoon by the pool felt completely acceptable, as though having nothing to do later was a perfectly good reason to lie around all morning and watch animals.

Naturally, there were times of introspection, usually brought on by the quiet. Drink in hand, I understood how seldom I let myself be truly quiet as I sat beside the river at dusk. Chobe gives you plenty of time. It disregards your deadlines and your correspondence. It just keeps going: elephants meandering, birds chirping, the sky changing absurd colours of pink and gold. You either slow down or you miss it.

I had picked up some information by the end of the journey. Khaki is indeed slimming. Luxury and nature can coexist perfectly. Though I try my best, I am not naturally graceful on safari. Still, I felt lighter, quieter, and somewhat pleased to have seen something really unique as I departed Chobe. I am not sure what else would define a luxury safari vacation if that is not the focus.