Belmond Announces Exclusive Safari with Acclaimed Author Alexander McCall Smith

  • February 29, 2016
Belmond Announces Exclusive Safari with Acclaimed Author Alexander McCall Smith
This unforgettable journey encompasses Belmond's three luxury lodges in northern Botswana, each located in a completely different ecosystem, guaranteeing a small group of guests a diverse experience of Botswana's great unspoilt wilderness. This is an unmissable opportunity to get to know one of the world's best-loved novelists while exploring the spectacular setting of much of his work.

The six-night itinerary begins at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge in the heart of Chobe National Park. Perched on the banks of the Savute Channel – known as the elephant capital of the world – the lodge boasts an elevated view of the river, where herds of elephants and lion prides up to 40 strong roam the plains.

Next stop is Belmond Khwai River Lodge. Overlooking vast floodplains in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, it is known to be a year round destination for viewing wildlife, predators and plainsgame. The lodge also offers the opportunity to experience a thrilling night drive, to follow nocturnal predators on the hunt, hippo feeding frenzies and possibly to spot magnificent nocturnal birds such as the Giant Eagle Owl.

Guests end their adventure at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in the magnificent Okavango Delta, which featured in McCall Smith's much-loved novel, The Double Comfort Safari Club, and the children's tale Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion. Recently reopened following an almost total rebuild, the lodge offers Africa's most water-focused safari experience, with activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises and mekoro safaris. The journey also includes a thrilling open-sided helicopter ride over the wilderness, during which guests can snap spectacular photos of Botswana's incredible landscape.

Throughout the safari, McCall Smith shares memories of his beloved Botswana and chats with fellow travelers about the inspiration for his books, including two new No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels, Precious and Grace and The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine. He comments: “I am delighted to be accompanying readers of the books on another African safari. The previous safaris that we have undertaken at these marvelous safari lodges have given readers from all over the world an opportunity to meet one another in Mma Ramotswe's own country. Friendships have been formed and adventures have been experienced that have given me and my accompanying readers the greatest possible pleasure.”

“Journey to the Heart of Botswana with Alexander McCall Smith” is priced from $7,985* per person, based on two people sharing. For details or to make a booking, guests can visit belmond.com/safaris or email jody.pieterse@belmond.com. More information on Alexander McCall Smith can be found at www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk.

*Price includes six nights' accommodation in a luxury tent (two nights at each lodge) including all meals, drinks (excluding imported champagne and South African Reserve Wines), two daily game viewing activities, return scheduled light aircraft inter-lodge flights from Maun, national park fees, laundry services and emergency evacuation insurance. Price based on a minimum of eight full-paying guests.