Penduka Safaris - the legacy of mobiles
Alex Johnston
When you talk about Safaris in Botswana - you have to start with the mobiles. It was where it all began - the trepid guides that took on the endless wilderness to experience the raw beauty. So I was delighted when Penduka approached me to assist them with some marketing. They have been synonymous with adventure and reliability for over 60 years and epitomise the essence of mobiles with experience and reliability.
In September 2024, I had the privilege of joining Penduka Safaris on a 2 night stay in the Moremi. This safari was led by owner Willem Barnard, and we met our fellow safari goers in Maun and made our way into the Moremi in our safari vehicle. Mobile Safaris are not just about the destination, but more about the journey in between - and this first drive was an opportunity to get to know each other, to disconnect with our lives and the world and embrace whatever was in store for us. There is the option to fly in or out, but what is an adventure without a little bit of heat, dust and some bumps in the road, an way to appreciate the remoteness and wildness of where we were heading.
After a few hours, we arrived at the Moremi Game Reserve, and by afternoon, we found ourselves at our private campsite, tucked away within a serene grove of trees. The experience was marked by a deep respect for the park’s regulations, each rule meticulously tailored to safeguard both the wilderness and its visitors. Guided by a strong sense of sensitivity and mindfulness, we navigated the landscape, ensuring that our presence was alongside the other safari operators and lodges sharing this pristine area. This commitment to conservation not only enhanced our adventure but fostered a deeper appreciation for the balance of the ecosystem we were exploring.
The team made us feel at home, comfortable, and safe. After our long, dusty trip, we tried the bucket showers and enjoyed the simplicity of camp life. A tasty dinner and drinks by the fire ended our day, and we eagerly anticipated the night ahead. Morning came quickly with fresh coffee, and I was a little disappointed that the night noises and excitement around camp hadn’t interrupted my good sleep.
The morning drive held much promise, and we enthusiastically set off to explore the Xakanixa area with memorable sightings of both leopard and lion. On our return to camp, we were treated to a hearty brunch followed by a relaxing snooze. Later, we made our way to the boat station to embark on a cruise through the winding channels and tranquility of the Delta. We watched as elephants gracefully moved through the rivers, playfully tangled with water lilies. We were fortunate enough to spot a couple of sitatunga, those elusive swamp-dwelling antelopes, as well as some cheeky otters playing amongst the papyrus.
We returned to the vehicle and took a slow meander around beautiful lagoons and through the giant Mopane forests on our way back to camp, we were eager to enjoy our last sundowner together. Our final supper provided us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate as we finished off the meal with a wonderfully crafted birthday cake for one of our group members. It was truly an amazing feat to bake such a perfect cake in a bush oven, ingeniously made out of a hole in the ground!
As the Scops owl called out into the night, we found ourselves in deep conversation, digging into Willem’s extensive knowledge of Botswana, its fascinating geology, rich history, and anything else that happened to come to mind. In the morning, as we savored our breakfast, I took the time to watch the Penduka team as they quietly and diligently started to break camp. They worked methodically, collapsing bucket showers, collecting lanterns, and folding screens. Penduka’s finely tuned operation is the result of years of dedicated experience. Careful consideration is taken before each trip to ensure that everything is adequately supplied – from essential items like water and fuel to the food we consume and even the ice in your G&T, all meticulously prepared for a seamless adventure.
The typical Mobile safari offers travellers the opportunity to move around the vast expanse of Botswana, immersing themselves in the diverse and stunning landscapes that lie between the various camps. With a minimum requirement of 4 nights and accommodating at least 4 people, Penduka Safaris can assist in creating truly bespoke safari experiences tailored to the individual. This option is especially ideal for families and groups of friends travelling together, as it provides a completely private and exclusive adventure.
