A Conversation with David Luck, Boundless Journeys’ Botswana Guide

Guests of Boundless Journeys trips often rave about how our guides really set our trips apart from our competitors. This interview is part of a series designed to showcase the amazing people that make traveling with Boundless Journeys so special. 

ere, guide David Luck shares his thoughts on what appeals to him about our Botswana safaris.

Can you please tell us a bit about yourself, and how you found your way into the world of guiding? 

I was born in 1961 in South Africa; my parents emigrated to Zambia where my dad was working in the Copper Mines. He was also the Chairman of the Wildlife Society of Zambia (Copper Belt Region) for many years and this was where the guiding seed was planted. My dad invited many guest speakers to give talks at our regional HQ and many of them, including Richard Attenborough and Gerald Durrell, stayed at our house. My first guiding job was in Zimbabwe in 1986.

 How has growing up exploring the natural beauty of southern Africa affected the life you are living? 

As a youngster, I became fascinated with the natural world and how and where even the smallest of creatures lived. My dad taught me to respect all creatures and the world they lived in, which in turn taught me to respect the world that we, as humans, live in. I lived in the Concrete Jungle for a few years, and I was desperate to ‘get back out there’, so in 1996 I resumed my guiding career living in the bush in very close proximity to nature. With my deep love of nature, I share this passion with anyone who is with me. In our fast changing world we all need the wilderness, and we urgently need to preserve what wilderness we have left. We need to share this urgency and create a global awareness.

Our Botswana safaris are meant to take a deep dive into the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and culture of northern Botswana. Can you share a few highlights of this safari? 

I just love the itinerary of this safari, mainly because we explore different regions of northern Botswana. Starting off in the world famous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, we explore the fertile grasslands for desert adapted fauna and flora. From the charismatic Meerkats to the herds of wildebeests and zebra this area is spectacular for wildlife. A chance to experience the ancient craft of the Ju/’hoansi bushmen (San people) whilst on a walk is an absolute must.

After a few days here we move into the Okavango Delta and explore this incredible oasis in the middle of the Kalahari sands. Game drives in 4×4 vehicles, walks, boating and exploring in replicas of wooden dugout canoes called ‘Mekoro’ in the local language are the activities to do. The annual flooding of the Delta usually happens around May and this life blood feeds this incredible system and creates an aquatic paradise worthy of exploration. A plethora of wildlife including all the predators (Lion, leopard, wild dogs and cheetah) and herbivores like kudu, impala, red lechwe, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, African buffalo and elephant are found. Besides the wildlife experience, a cultural element is essential for a safari. Getting to know our friendly and charming staff in all the camps and having an evening of traditional song and dance followed by traditional food, is an absolute highlight for me and my guests!

Is there a unique or memorable experiences you can recall from a recent safari? 

Yes. absolutely. In the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of my guests had a Meerkat climb onto her shoulders and perch on her head to survey the surrounding landscape!! My guest was absolutely blown away. She had always wanted to see these enigmatic creatures. In the Delta we had two awesome experiences in two seperate camps (Pelo Camp and Sable Alley). The first was seeing a cheetah dash out right in front of our vehicle and chase a herd of lechwe antelope. It was an unsuccessful hunt but just being there at the right time in the right place made for a thrilling experience!! At the second camp I heard that there was a leopard mother and two cubs in the area. On the first afternoon we found them close to camp and they were very relaxed. The cubs were quite grown up (about a year old) and were almost the same size as their mother. We saw them every day while we were there. A very special time spent with these incredible cats!!

How does the Boundless Journeys’ experience compare with those who choose to see the country without a professional safari guide?

Traveling with your own professional safari guide makes a huge difference to the overall outcome and success of one’s safari. There is the ‘continuity’ aspect whilst having a PSG accompany you throughout. Having the company of a PSG with you enhances your experience with their additional advanced knowledge base and travel expertise. One develops a magical rapport with guests, and this in itself makes for an unforgettable experience and encourages potential future safaris together.

Finally, where is next on your travel bucket list? 

Most certainly—exploring Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica all in one trip!

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