Natucate Review: Private Wilder­ness Experi­ence, Botswana

African Expert vs. Newbie: Project Review of our Private Wilderness Experience, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world’s most pristine and breathtaking ecosystems, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters and serene landscapes. Our 15-day Private Wilderness Experience provided an intimate exploration of this unique environment, blending adventure, education, and conservation.

In this review, two of our team members share their impressions of the trip:

• Wesley: An experienced wildlife enthusiast who was born and raised in South Africa and has extensive knowledge of Africa's landscapes and wildlife.
• Meghan: A first-timer in Africa, experiencing the magic of the Delta and wild animal sightings for the very first time.

Their perspectives offer a glimpse of how this incredible journey resonates with both seasoned travellers and newcomers alike.

Wildlife Encounters

Wesley:

The wildlife experiences at Kwapa were truly remarkable. On our drive into camp, we encountered an introverted elephant, passing by without a care, a peaceful moment that, at first, seemed like just another common sighting. But as the days went by, I realized it was the first gust of a rising wind. The next day, we trailed a leopard on the move, relocating its hunt. To me, it was a blur—too fast to focus on—but for the photography enthusiasts I had the pleasure of joining, it was a perfect shot. Later that day, I had a wild encounter at camp when a pack of wild dogs surrounded the perimeter. At first, they seemed merely curious, until an impala shot past me on my way to my tent, closely followed by one of the dogs, eager for the chase.

As the sun rose and new friends emerged from their tents, we set out for a game drive. We spent hours admiring a battle-scarred leopard perched in a tree—an old male, thick and full, with a scar over one eye that looked as if a Disney artist had drawn it while he slept. But that scar was a testament to his survival, proof that he had fought for every moment of his life. In that instant, I couldn’t help but reflect on survival—not just the leopard’s, but our own. We often distance ourselves from the raw fight for life, thinking that our human experiences are somehow different. But in that moment, I realized we are more connected than we realize. We too are fighting, navigating our own 'concrete jungles,' and we need to be more conscious of one another’s struggles and triumphs. We must remember that survival is not just something other creatures do—it’s something we all share.

Then came an early morning game drive. As the sun rose, we drove through the bush, appreciating the nocturnal creatures still lingering in the fading darkness. Our reward was a pack of hyenas, fighting over a porcupine. The situation shifted quickly, though, as our vehicle rumbled to life and caught their attention. We sat just meters away, watching the hyenas’ calls and mannerisms, wondering if this porcupine might have been the same one that had visited our camp the nights before.

But the experience I’ll remember most is the determined pursuit of lions with Okwa, our guide, a walking safari specialist and guide trainer. From the moment we arrived, Okwa noticed the presence of lions and was determined to find them. Days passed, filled with constant tracking—new prints, old updates—and my frustration for Okwa grew, though he remained steadfast. The day before our departure, we set out on a final drive due to the heat. We found fresh lion tracks, and Okwa’s determination led us to trail them on foot. Later, just meters away, we found them, peacefully sleeping. In that moment, I felt an awe and shock I could never have imagined, like winning the lottery.

Meghan:

There are no words to describe the first time that a family of elephants appears from between the trees and stands before you. I felt a mixture of awe, admiration, curiosity and nervousness. Our guide was calm and attentive, also with a big grin across his face, as he observed and explained quietly how to interpret their movements. Quickly my nervousness fell away, and all that was left was a sense of wonder as I watched these gentle giants pull leaves from the trees, shelter their young, and observe us carefully. This was the first of countless moments that made my heart pound and tears well up in my eyes while observing the incredible power and beauty that nature holds.

We witnessed herds of impala running across the plains, lone-standing kudus seeking shade and fruit from the ”sausage tree”, wild dog pups and adults peering out of their cave and then dashing towards us in curiosity, an older male leopard guarding his warthog kill high in the tree branches and whose gashes and wounded paw showed signs of a fight, giraffe silhouettes painting the horizon, hyenas circling our parked vehicle and sniffing the air and a pair of elusive female lions resting peacefully in the shade. We started each day with a blank page and came home with a novel of encounters and awe-inspiring moments that would take time to unpack and process, and which left an indelible impression on us all.

Guides and Local Expertise

Wesley:

A crucial part of any safari is your guide—they’re the bridge that deepens your connection to the experience. And let me tell you, we had some truly remarkable guides.

Massimo, an SKS Tracker and bird specialist, embodied the humility of a monk. No matter the question, he always had an answer that tied everything together. His explanations were layered with foresight and insight, and he had this rare ability to identify almost any bird and reconstruct an animal’s entire journey from just a single set of tracks. He understood the deep interconnectedness of nature’s motives.

Alan, a born conservationist and elephant expert, brought an energy that transformed every moment into something unforgettable. His passion for the natural world, combined with his deep understanding of every being’s well-being, resonated in everything he said. You could feel the care in his voice as he shared his stories around the fire, and you’d find yourself feeling like you were part of the very experiences he spoke of.

Okwa, a walking safari specialist, was always laughing and had an almost supernatural ability for tracking. Offer to carry breakfast, and he’ll walk for miles, showing you the bush from a completely different perspective. His approach blended culture, tradition, and history, using local knowledge to reveal the delicate balance of coexistence in the wild. Each step with him felt like a deeper dive into the heart of the bush.

Ritchie was another guide who left a lasting impression. Determined and always hungry for knowledge, he had a deep respect for his culture and traditions, but he was also open and compassionate when sharing them. His guiding was cheerful, full of laughs, and he had an uncanny ability to pick up on scents that led us to some truly amazing experiences. Watching him and Okwa track together was a sight to behold—they moved with such synergy; you’d swear they’d been tracking together for decades.

Each of these guides brought something unique to the table, making our safari experience feel like no other.

Meghan:

Where to begin. For me, everything—from the flora and vast diversity of wildlife to the tracks on the ground and the cacophony of sounds echoing in the bush at night—was new and unknown. I had stepped into a completely foreign landscape where my knowledge did not reach. I was so grateful to our guides—undoubtedly some of the very best in the field—who broadened my understanding every day, translating shapes, signs, and sounds into a story I could follow. They brought layered and complex meaning to the landscape we were treading on, connecting all of our sights and experiences into one complementary picture. They not only passed on to us their deep passion and understanding of the land and its creatures, but welcomed us to be part of the story.

We were encouraged to try our hand at following tracks and interpret the event it revealed, to train our eyes to identify swift movement and certain patters among the trees, to listen carefully to the night’s sounds and witness the dialogue within and across species groups, and to decode the Southern starry sky and all that it can teach us. The guides that accompanied us were another incredibly thought-out and integral element of this experience that made it so wonderfully unique.

Group Dynamics in Botswana

Wesley:

The group dynamics were great, and something an experience like this does naturally – brings people together. On arrival, I was my introverted self, not someone who is quite vocal or goes out of my way to converse – an internal challenge more than external. This did not stop others from striking up conversation and had me disarmed quite early.

Every group activity, even if with new participants, felt special in its own way and really helped you appreciate not only the wilderness but the people you were with as well. Each person was so compassionate and kind, always open to sharing a conversation, a laugh, sunscreen, or whatever it might have been – There was a strong sense of community that really allowed you to dive into the experience of the escape.

Meghan:

Daniel Kaul, founder of Natucate and organiser of the Private Wilderness Experience, has a special talent when it comes to ensuring the best possible group dynamic. He brings together people of all ages, nationalities, professions and life stages and somehow creates the most wonderful, harmonious constellation. Many being PWE serial returnees, there was a good balance of experienced wilderness travellers, and people like me, who were experiencing the African bush for the first time.

The team did a great job of allowing for plenty of social time to slow down and connect with other travellers, or to spend time alone to reflect and rest. The campfire always welcomed guests to sit together and share their experiences of the day, or to sit in silence, deep in thought and transfixed by the flames. During the day, the watering hole in front of camp provided incredible wildlife sightings, and the couch and library in the covered dining area offered a gentle reprieve from the afternoon sun to relax and read.

Camp Life and Hospitality

Wesley:

I have been to a few rustic wilderness camps that have a flair for roughing it, and this was my expectation en route to camp. To my surprise, this was not mutually inclusive, as the camp was run incredibly well given their limitations and location. The meals were outstanding and full of flavour, with lots of variety at every meal and an ever-changing menu over the course of the days that kept you excited for the next plate.

The camp staff were always pleasant and gracious, smiling, laughing, and chatting. It gave the camp an extra warmth, and I personally could not find any fault. The tents were always clean and in the best condition – I have tried to get sand out of a tent before with no success, and still don’t know how they did it so well and managed to get the tents so clean and the fire so bright. There was always fresh coffee and baked treats to snack on while waiting for lunch or dinner, as well as fruit. Coming back to camp felt like coming back home.

Meghan:

Camp Kwapa, run by the African Guide Academy, quickly became our home away from home during two all-too-brief weeks. Despite being so remote, I was amazed at how well-stocked and comfortable the camp was. The spacious tents and incredibly cozy beds left many of us certain it was the best sleep we’d ever had. The staff—most of whom were aspiring guides—were exceptionally kind and attentive, ensuring we always felt well cared for. The cook took pride in keeping us well-fed, serving delicious meals that left everyone satisfied.

The entire team went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience, from preparing freshly baked bread with jam and butter each morning after our game drives to ensuring the campfire was always crackling as the sun set. They made sure campers had hot water for bathing, spotless tents to return to, and a warm sense of welcome at every turn. Their professionalism and hospitality made the stay even more memorable.

Conservation and Impact

Wesley:

The experience was very memorable and had a great impact, not only because of the many theoretical sessions we had diving into the heart of conservation efforts and their importance but also the intention behind the guides, the camp, and what they do for the natural environment around us. It never felt pretentious, and in that moment, it meant so much more knowing the sincerity with which these discussions were had. In practice, we had moments where the love for wildlife and their well-being was ever-present, and a lesson of respect, trust, and acting in good faith became obvious.

Two examples: There is a pump that feeds water into locations to provide drinking water for the animals when there are droughts. The guides and the camp were diligent in checking these and making sure there was always water… an act of good faith. In return, there was a knowing between the guides and the animals, almost as if they made the link, and in return, a peace surrounded these areas – There is no intention better than an act of good faith.

Another day, one of the groups spotted wild dogs near their den, but they seemed spooked. Alan, after hearing this, became quite concerned and troubled. His worry and concern were evident, and at times he took the chance to see if he could find them by himself, for no reason other than their well-being. Many times, when we speak about conservation and sustainability, we speak about the dwindling resources and how, if we don’t do this or that, our luxuries will come to an end. At Kwapa, I was able to experience a different lens of conservation—one where the intention is to act in good faith, driven by nothing more than the appreciation, preservation, and admiration for all around us, be it an animal or the human animal.

Meghan:

The themes of unity within nature, the importance of tourism in these areas to promote conservation efforts, and the plain and simple fact that our well-being as humans is directly connected to the well-being of our planet, were recurring and their significance every day clearer. Daily lectures focused on different topics such as the physical geography of the delta and how that has created this haven for biodiversity, about the tainted reputation of the wild dog and its struggle for equal protection in conservation and about the local tribes that share the land and their connection to the wildlife in a historical and contemporary context.

All of these talks, in combination with the guides consistently seizing on opportunities during walks and drives to connect our experience in the Okavango Delta to the bigger picture of wildlife conservation, left us feeling a deep connection to nature and natural systems and a drive to continue to educate ourselves and pass this experience forward however possible. That is the beauty of this group dynamic: we have teachers, marketing professionals, and business executives who all leave the experience feeling undeniably linked to the natural world and accepting the responsibility to protect it by incorporating this knowledge, curiosity, and respect into our daily lives and work.

Our conclusion on the Private Wilderness Experience 2024

This journey through the Okavango Delta was unforgettable for both of us, proving that this wilderness adventure caters to everyone—from seasoned safari enthusiasts to curious first-timers. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, expert guidance, and meaningful conservation efforts made this trip stand out as a life-changing experience.

Are you ready to experience the magic of Botswana for yourself?

Then join us next year on another unforgettable journey into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Spaces are limited - so reserve your place today and immerse yourself in one of the world's most extraordinary ecosystems with a group full of nature enthusiasts.

Click here to find out more about the Private Wilderness Experience in Botswana and reserve your place for 2025!