When I first started dreaming about tent camping in Botswana I’m not sure what I had in mind. I don’t think it was sleeping on the ground in a pup tent nor did I expect to have tents quite like the ones we had.
Our first camp was Sable Alley in the Okavango Delta. Everything about it was perfect.
Our tent, with a front porch overlooking a water hole where hippos spent the day and baboons came to frolic, gave camping a whole new meaning.
The interior was roomy with everything needed for comfort. There were two showers, one inside and one out. I totally enjoyed taking an outdoor shower beneath a warm sun and with bird songs serenading.
I loved being wakened by a gentle soul calling good morning and delivering hot coffee and milk. That made getting up before dawn for the first game ride much more tolerable.
Food was delicious and served at tables beautifully set in an open space where the music was the sound of nature.
These gals got a big kick out of learning from the hubby the art of making the perfect martini. They took it on themselves to show off their newly acquired skill by having one waiting for him every evening. Of course, he had no choice but to show his appreciation by drinking it!
Our next stop was Jack’s Camp designed to be reminiscent of the 1940’s. Every detail succeeded in making you feel as if you were in another time.
One of my favorite parts of the day was high tea served in a cushion filled tent. The presentation, the setting couldn’t have been more perfect. The only downside was that it was sometimes difficult to get up from the floor after bouncing around for several hours over rutted terrain.
Dinner was romantic at a long table lit only by kerosene lanterns. In fact, the lanterns were the only source of light throughout the camp, charming but not always practical.
As at Sable Alley, the people who worked there are what made the place special. I can’t say enough about their warmth and their effort to make everyone comfortable. I especially appreciated sweet Thelma, who seeing me limp in after game rides would offer the gift of a massage. Never did I turn her down.
I mean what could be more perfect than being spoiled in a setting like this?
Chances are I’ll not experience the Botswana adventure again, but I will always have memories of the people and place that made this a dream come true.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
Definitely Glamping. I have not been to Botswana actually but I have gone camping (made a blog post on my site) Looks like you had fun.
Wow….that is amazing and I may have to put that on my bucket list!!!!!
Glamping at its very best…love it!
Definitely glamping if it’s this beautiful! I’m so glad I came across your blog today. I loved reading this post. – Amor
My goodness, this trip is over the top. Love all your posts.
So incredible to be able to enjoy such luxury in the middle of nowhere! Beautiful rooms, tables, food and a massage, that is not what camping is usually about! What an experience, and all the beautiful animals, it is hard to even imagine! You have taken so many amazing trips, but this has to be at the top of your most memorable list!
Jenna
This looks and sounds like the “trip of a lifetime!”
oh my Linda.. Jacks Camp.. just stunning.. wow.. wow.. I am so very happy you and Phil had an unforgettable trip.. those memories will live on in your heart, forever.. xx thanks for sharing.. does this mean.. you’re home?.. xx me
Linda! Great accommodations and sleeping in beds must have been delightful. It looks like you are having fun “glamping” style.
Wow. Glamping for sure.
Linda, I have so enjoyed every post from your trip. Your accommodations were exceptional. Thank you for taking me along!
Amazing memories!!!
Lulu – the post kept getting better as I scrolled – at first when I started it and read “tent” – well nice lead in – because what a surprise to see this ups lad tenting in such a gorgeous place – 😉