What It’s Like to Grow Up in the Okavango Delta: A Safari Guide’s Story
- Craig Howes
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Why the Okavango Delta Safari Is Unlike Anywhere Else
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Known as "Africa’s Last Eden," it offers a unique ecosystem of floodplains, forests, islands, and waterways.
“When you meet someone like Lasty, you realise that the true luxury of safari isn’t just the lodge — it’s the people.” Craig Howes
Wildlife moves freely here—no fences, no boundaries—creating dynamic safari conditions and extraordinary biodiversity. A safari here offers intimate encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.
“We’ve learned to live with the animals. And in a way, the animals have learned to live with us too.” Lasty Mazaera
Life Among Lions: Lasty’s Story from the Bush
Lasty Mazaera grew up in the village of Puduhudu, situated within a national park. As a young boy, he learned animal behavior through real-life encounters, not textbooks. At 13, he once chased away a lion to protect his family's cattle.
“At 13, I chased a lion away to protect our horses. I wasn’t scared — I understood the lion.”Lasty Mazaera
For Lasty, being a guide is not just a job—it’s a calling rooted in culture and survival. His deep understanding of wildlife creates safer, more meaningful safaris for guests.
“To me, guiding isn’t just a job. I was born into it. I’ve been living with animals since I was a child.” Lasty Mazaera
“The Okavango Delta is paradise. Whoever comes here leaves with a smile — or even tears of joy.” Lasty Mazaera
African Safari Mag Podcast: Local Stories from the Wild
In addition to this blog, we’ve featured Lasty’s story as a special episode on the African Safari Mag Podcast — a series dedicated to authentic African voices, local safari stories, and untold perspectives from across the continent.
“Being out here with Lasty didn’t just feel like a safari — it felt like reconnecting with something ancient, something real.” Craig Howes
In this episode, Lasty Mazaera shares what it’s like to grow up in the heart of the Okavango Delta, his experiences with wildlife from childhood, and what guides his passion for responsible tourism today.
“You see someone’s soul when you experience nature with them. That’s what happened out here.” Craig Howes
If you’re looking for real African stories, behind-the-scenes moments from the bush, and conversations that bring the soul of safari to life, this series is for you.
Atzaró Okavango: A Safari Lodge That Gives Back
Atzaró Okavango is built sustainably with canvas and timber to leave no lasting footprint. Ninety percent of the staff come from nearby villages like Ditsipi. The lodge has built a well for clean drinking water, reducing human-wildlife conflict. Local mokoro guides (dugout canoe polers) are given employment and training. Plans for a vegetable garden will support local food production and lodge supply.
See the best 15 Luxury Safari Lodges in Botswana
The Human Side of Safari: Why Storytelling Matters
Modern travelers seek more than luxury; they desire connection and authenticity. Hearing Lasty’s story fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for Botswana’s people. Storytelling helps potential guests feel part of something meaningful and lasting.
“I came here to film a story. What I left with was a feeling — like I’d touched Eden.” Craig Howes
Guides like Lasty embody the spirit of the land, offering insights no brochure ever could. Embedding personal stories into marketing builds trust and drives conversions.
Read more about a Luxury Okavango Delta Safari
Watch the Interview: Lasty’s Full Story on Video
We captured this incredible conversation on film to help you experience it for yourself. Click below to watch the full interview and see what it’s really like to grow up in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Plan Your Okavango Safari Experience
The Okavango Delta isn’t just a safari destination—it’s a living, breathing example of harmony between people and nature. Through Lasty’s story, we get a rare glimpse into that world—a place where lions aren’t just photo ops but childhood memories, and where luxury travel meets deep-rooted sustainability.
Ready to plan your Okavango Delta safari? Fill out our guest enquiry form and one of our expert Safari Concierge travel consultants will help you plan your dream trip.
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