Thought you could only safari on land? Think again…

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world’s largest wetlands, and a top destination for mokoro safaris. Image by Xigera Safari Lodge

In the spirit of World Wetlands Day we’re celebrating two of our favorite spots: Ecuador’s Amazon and Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest wetlands in the world. As the annual flood waters spread southward from Angola, they fill the Okavango Delta with pools and lagoons and twisting waterways, creating islands that shelter a myriad of wildlife species. It’s one of the most breathtaking places to view wildlife on earth.

The Amazon River Basin is home to the largest rainforest on Earth. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, visitors can experience a combination of jungle trails rich with bird and animal life, indigenous settlements where shamanism remains an integral part of the tribal culture, and jungle eco-lodges such as La Selva EcoLodge in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and Sacha Lodge which has a perfect rainforest ambience. Both give guests the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the natural environment and its inhabitants.

The Yasuní Biosphere Reserve is believed by many to be home to the most diverse set of species on the Earth. Here you will find: 800 species of fish, 350 species of reptiles, more than 300 species of mammals, thousands of species of plants and trees, 70,000 species of insects, and an estimated 1,600 species of birds.

Which one of the world’s greatest wetlands are you going to explore next?

A savannah elephant roams the Okavango Delta. Image courtesy of Xigera Safari Lodge

In Stories: Experience the Magic of Mokoro Safaris

Many Extraordinary Journeys southern Africa safari itineraries feature mokoro rides as a unique, water-based add-on activity that offers game viewing from a fresh perspective. Based on the questions we receive from travelers, it’s clear that most folks have no idea what a mokoro is. Though the word is foreign, the concept will not be unfamiliar to those who have experienced canoeing or kayaking, or even a gondola ride. Here’s what a mokoro safari entails and why it’s pure magic. So, where are you traveling this year? Read the blog to find out…

Accommodation Spotlight: Sacha Lodge

The stunning Sacha Lodge overlooks Pilchicocha Lake in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Sacha Lodge—overlooking Pilchicocha Lake—was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. High thatched roofs, private shaded terraces, and built with traditional materials, each of the 26 guest rooms are nestled and well concealed into the lush surroundings (the perfect spot for a immersive jungle shower experience).

Overlook the jungle from hammocks spot wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from the cabins. Enjoy both the canopy walk and the kapok tower.

Itinerary: An Ultra-Luxurious Safari in Botswana

A leopard in a tree—a very common sight in the Okavango. Image by Little Kwara

Conservation and luxury go hand-in-hand in this classic Okavango Delta itinerary. Botswana is one of Africa’s most exciting safari destinations, especially exploring the Delta means experiencing one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities range from sunrise hot air balloon rides and helicopter flights above the meandering channels to incredible game viewing both on land and water. This includes some of the highest concentrations of elephants, big cats, and endangered wild dogs in Africa—and maybe even a black rhino, if you’re lucky.

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