InTouch Travel

Botswana, an independent nation the size of Texas with a population of about two million, is the largest country in southern Africa. Three-quarters of the land is covered by the Kalahari desert. It's the setting for the popular mystery series by Alexander McCall Smith, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Peter and Salome invite you to stay with them as friends, in their guest house, at a spot where the four countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. Experts on the region, they have written a travel book about Botswana and two books about African mammals. They are both are photographers and have had photographs of theirs appear in magazines, calendars, postcards and books.

They live with their nine year old daughter, Skye (home-schooled by Salome), and Salome’s retired mother, Marda, several dogs and a delightful pony in an unconventional home surrounded by sprawling gardens with massive mahogany trees. From their swimming pool, there's a stunning view of the floodplain of the Chobe-Zambezi river system that attracts waterfowl and game. An electrical fence protects the garden from the wild animals that roam the plains: impala, waterbuck, warthogs, baboons and hippos are “resident species,” while large herds of elephant and buffalo are seasonal visitors. The Comleys regularly hear lions, leopards, jackals and hyenas calling at night.

Peter & Salome write:

We're not going to “take you on a safari.” Rather, you're coming to visit us as friends. That said, a visit to the world-famous Chobe National Park is a must. We would also like to take our visitors on the river – perhaps for a memorable sunset cruise. Meals would be taken at home or at a restaurant that is frequented by local people rather than tourists. If you decide to spend a third night with us, we suggest a day-visit to Victoria Falls, which is only an hour’s drive from our house.

There are hotels nearby, but we suggest you book a room at the Comley's own guest house for your InTouch experience.

CHOBE INTERNATIONAL PARK

We'll meet you at the border or the airport and bring you home to settle in. We could do an afternoon drive to Lesoma Valley, which is a great game area outside the park and close to our house and then come back for supper at home or go out to the Old Bank Restaurant – if you like Indian food.

The next morning we'll take an early drive into the game park, followed by a brunch in town. Then a siesta or time to laze around the pool. Mid-afternoon we'll have high tea at home, followed by a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. For dinner we'll go into Kasane for a meal with the locals at the Old House. Their specialties are our famous Botswana steak, pizza and authentic Chinese dishes prepared by Boan—a delightful Chinese lass. Her German husband, Oliver, does the pizzas and the steaks to perfection.

The following day we would take a leisurely breakfast under our giant mahogany trees at home before taking you to the border or the airport for your onward journey.

VICTORIA FALLS

If you would like to extend and stay with us an extra night we’d take you up to Victoria Falls after breakfast. Apart from seeing the Falls themselves there are numerous activities that we can book for you: from sedate flights over the Falls by helicopter or fixed-wing plane to adrenaline-pumping bungee jumps from the bridge. We'll have lunch at the Victoria Falls Hotel and return home in the evening. Perhaps an outdoor barbecue at the Chobe Safari Lodge or a dinner at home to round off a memorable day.

This morning we suggest a leisurely breakfast/brunch at “Gallery Africana” and then we will drop you off for your onward travel.

“Tom and I got home and reluctantly cleaned the last of the Kalahari sand off our boots. At night I'm still dreaming we were in camp. We have had some great adventures, but none as enjoyable, rich, and memorable as our time with you in Botswana. Your warm hospitality, your knowledge, and mostly your generosity of spirit made a deep, lasting imprint on our hearts. We thank you more than words can express.”

— Helen & Tom, US.

“Dear Salome, Peter and Skye, I just wanted to take a moment to say we fondly look back upon our trip with you and acknowledge your wonderful message which is uplifting indeed. It was the highlight of the year and of our lives.....and we are so grateful for this and for what you gave us.”

— Jean & David, US

“Dear Peter and Salome, Been back a week and I can still hear the lions roaring. We had a fantastic trip - it was all that was expected and more - a unique wilderness experience indeed…Thanks for making it possible. Regards”

— Jovita, RSA

“Hi Peter, Salome and Skye, Many many thanks for what we thought was the best safari of all time… The photos were magnificent - the leopard on video and still were fantastic - will clip some photos after Christmas. We look forward to the next safari installment. All our love,”

— Carolyn & Nigel J. Dent, UK.

“Dear Salome, Peter and Skye, Already more than one month is past since we made our unforgettable journey with you. We hope all of you are well and still enjoy the beauties of life in Africa. The amazing impression we had still have not faded and we often dream of Etosha-Pan with its animals and the overwhelming landscapes in Damaraland and the Namib...”

— Rita & Heinz Kellenberger, Switzerland

Itinerary 2:

Itinerary 3: