Travel News & Inspiration |
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Greetings!
I have just returned from a fabulous 10 day Safari in Botswana, where I was totally unplugged, and yet completely plugged in to the earth. Every time I visit this Garden of Eden I find myself in awe of the scenery, the wildlife and especially the local people. This time a young chap called Daps stood out.
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Daps (on the right) was the poler of my mokoro - a dug out canoe, who's knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Okavango Delta was impressive. Turns out, he's been plying these waterways ever since he was 6 years old, when -every Sunday afternoon- he would load up the mokoro with 4 friends and navigate the hippo and croc infested waters to the nearest town to attend school. And on Fridays he would 'mokoro' home again for the weekend. This continued all through primary school. |
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Being the youngest of 5, his parents couldn't afford to send him to high school and so he went to work, eventually finding employment as a poler and sharing his obvious passion for the Okavango Delta and his country.
His ambition is to become a Level 2 guide and to take guests on game drives. Daps already has his driver's license and is now saving up to take the guiding course.
Of course I want to support Daps in reaching his goal a little sooner, and so TRΛVELBOECKER ΛDVENTURES will be subsidizing his tuition fee, which is around US$1,100. Hopefully I can keep you posted on his progress!
Click below to experience a mokoro ride with Daps:
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Botswana is famous for offering the purest and highest quality safari in Africa. It's also known for being the most expensive, but that’s not strictly speaking true. Botswana is the safari destination which offers the greatest price range throughout the year. You may struggle to get any change out of US$1,000 per person per night during the June-October dry season, yet rates can drop by 40% during the November-May green season.
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But is the green season in Botswana any good? The short answer is a strong yes! |
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Being dominated by the Kalahari Desert, rainfall here never amounts to much, but the scattered showers do have a significant impact on the flora and the dispersal of wildlife, so we need to plan carefully.
I personally had 3 clear and hot days, followed by a week with showers and cooler temps, and I can tell you that the wildlife experiences were phenomenal during my entire safari. Like when this elephant decided the grass was greener around my tent! He came closer and closer, and I just sat very still – in awe of his presence.
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For me the magic months are March, when you’ll get good value, and April/May, when the heat and showers of the summer should be long past, and the African fall begins to make itself known.
The wildlife viewing may not be quite as strong as during the unbeatable dry season because the grasses are long and water is widely available to wildlife, but it’s still better than many other safari areas during their strongest season. Plus, it’s a photographer’s delight because the skies are crisp, the bush is full of flowers and baby animals, and the birding is phenomenal. It’s was so lovely to experience the place at such a benevolent time of year.
This period also coincides with late summer in Cape Town, which was just voted one of the top 10 best cities to visit by Condé Nast - again! I can tell you first-hand that the combination with Botswana is irresistible.
I stayed in two lovely hotels – one in the city, in my old neighbourhood, and one at the foot of Table Mountain with the most fabulous gardens, and it would be hard to pick my favourite amongst them.
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But this combo is the world’s worst kept secret, so if you fancy a very last-minute safari or a fabulous Mother's Day in the bush next year, then please let me know as soon as possible. |
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Our latest travel inspirations |
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Allow me to whet your appetite with some new adventures from our just-released portfolio of Small Group Journeys for 2023 and 2024.
From safaris in Africa to cultural journeys in the Middle East to active adventures in Latin America, get ready to explore your favorite destination.
Join a group of no more than 18 guests accompanied by a resident Tour Director and handpicked local guides, and finish each memorable day in accommodations chosen for their hospitality and style.
Every itinerary is designed and supported by our expert partners in each country.
With demand for travel soaring, departure dates are sure to fill up quickly, so let's schedule a Discovery Call soon to start planning your next trip.
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Botswana Safari in Style
10 days from $8,695
Single Supplement from $2,195
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Explore extraordinary game regions, view stunning Victoria Falls and stay in classic luxury tents and lavish tree houses.
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Southern Africa & Rail Safari
13 days from $14,995
Single Supplement from $4,195
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Experience timeless elegance on the glamorous Rovos Rail, spot wildlife in Chobe and the lush Okavango Delta, following a wide-ranging itinerary that includes Cape Town and the magnificent Victoria Falls.
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Kenya & Tanzania Family Safari
12 days from $11,995
Kids under 17 save $500
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On this family-friendly adventure in East Africa, witness abundant wildlife - from baby elephants to the big cats - roaming vast, sun-drenched panoramas; and stay in comfortable, spacious lodges in the region’s greatest parks and reserves.
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The Great Migration Safari
14 days from $17,295
Single Supplement from $3,995
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Witness nature at its best on this luxury safari, spotting vast herds on your game drives through the region’s most abundant parks and private reserves, and staying in our best boutique camps and luxury lodges.
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Egypt & the Nile
10 days from $8,395
Single Supplement from $2,595
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Bask in the timeless majesty of ancient Egypt on an immersive journey through the land of the pharaohs, exploring its archaeological treasures with an expert Egyptologist, and cruise along the Nile aboard stylish ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.’
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Jordan & Israel: Ancient Wonders
14 days from $13,295
Single Supplement from $5,495
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Journey through two ancient lands, encountering historic sites, sacred to three world faiths as you behold magnificent Petra, overnight in Wadi Rum and discover Israel, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
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Petra to the Pyramids & a Nile Yacht Cruise
13 days from $12,295
Single Supplement from $3,995
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Experience the best of Jordan and Egypt on a journey from Petra and Wadi Rum, to Luxor and Cairo, exploring the region’s most iconic sites and relaxing in elegant accommodations, like the bespoke ‘Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau,’ for a 3-night cruise along the Nile.
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Splendors of Morocco
12 days from $9,495
Single Supplement from $3,595
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Discover exotic Morocco, from the walled city of Fez to the bustling medina in Marrakech, viewing local Berber life in the rugged High Atlas Mountains and staying at our exclusive Desert Tented Camp among the towering dunes of the Sahara.
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Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu
12 days from $14,495
Single Supplement from $7,995
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Discover natural and man-made wonders, from Ecuador to Peru, on a journey that includes a four-night cruise in the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, an exclusive visit to a village in the Sacred Valley and a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring “Lost City” of the Incas.
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Patagonia: The Last Wilderness
10 days from $10,495
Single Supplement from $2,795
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Marvel at the stunning spectacle of the pristine Patagonian wilderness as you stroll among Magellan penguins, explore rugged Torres del Paine National Park and view the astonishing Perito Moreno Glacier on an exhilarating adventure to the end of the earth.
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Have one of these journeys inspired your Wanderlust? Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg of our repertoire. Speaking of which, there are currently some very attractive offers on expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Canadian Arctic, and this would be a good time to cross that off your wish list :)
Getting started: With the best travel experiences being booked up well in advance, please do get in touch as soon as you start thinking about your next trip.
If you've travelled with us before then you know how it works - just give me a call or answer this email. I will dig out your previous trips and take it from there.
And if this is your first time, then please don't feel you have to have it all researched in advance. Just let me know a little bit about yourselves and what you might want to experience. I will pick it up from there and come back with some inspirational journeys to match your wish list, time frame and budget.
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Testimonial:
Hi Christine, I had a wonderful time in South Africa. The flights were very good and comfortable and all went smooth there and back.
The hotels were fantastic, comfortable, safe and lovely location and view.
All in all a well organized trip resulting in a great stay. Thank you 🙏 M.C.
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I'll leave you with this wish - let's celebrate our planet as if every day were Earth Day.
Yours in Travel,
Christine Boecker
Founder & Luxury Safari Specialist
TRΛVELBOECKER ΛDVENTURES
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“Most outstanding Bespoke Adventure Travel Agent & Distinction Award for Wildlife Conservation Initiatives 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022” |
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TRΛVELBOECKER ΛDVENTURES
Sustainable Journeys ~ Unforgettable Memories!
Vancouver BC CANADA
Ph: 1.604.338.9211 | 1.877.739.3653
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