Botswana
One of Africa’s best kept secrets, Botswana, is a revered game viewing destination. This landlocked country is dominated by the stark and dramatic landscapes of the vast Kalahari Desert and plays host to the mystical Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – the last remnants of a lake, once the largest in Africa.
Botswana has set the standard for nature conservancy and mitigation of rhino poaching with more than 25 percent of the land area set aside for parks and reserves. It is blessed with some of Africa’s most beautiful reserves, an astounding array of wildlife and is shaded with rich textures and contrasts. From the crystal-clear waters, meandering lagoons and swamps of the Okavango Delta to the Chobe National Park home to the highest concentration of African elephants.
The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta on earth and its grassy plains boast an exquisite oasis for wildlife. This is a feast for the eyes. During the seasonal floods guests can paddle the waterways in traditional mokoro canoes while viewing nature’s bounty. Much of Botswana is remote and remains accessible to only a small number of visitors, thus making the country an ideal wilderness experience.
Okavango Delta – where wildlife and birds can be viewed from close quarters in a mokoro (dug-out canoe), vehicle or on foot.
The Linyanti and Savuti areas – featuring the annual Summer migration of zebra and other grazing antelope.
Chobe National Park – a superb wildlife reserve with the largest elephant and buffalo populations in Africa.
Chobe River – offering amazing angling (Tiger Fish), birding, sunset cruises & house boat cruises.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – the largest reserve in Botswana with the northern ‘Deception Valley’ being the favourite destination.
Makgadikgadi Pans – these Salt Pans are dotted with one-time islands and ancient Baobab trees.
Tuli Block – a fascinating study of ancient archaeological sites, geology, ecology and history coupled with exceptional game viewing.
Birding – a birding paradise of migratory and resident species, in addition to raptors and aquatic dwellers.
Cultural History – The San People (Bushmen) still live their ancient way of life in various parts of this country and their rock art is widespread. These rock paintings can be seen in certain areas, including Tsodilo Hills which has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site, featuring 3 500 paintings.
CREDIT: MARTIN HARVEY
GOOD TO KNOW
BOTSWANA AREA
600 370km²
POPULATION
2,37 million
Capital of BOTSWANA
Gaborone
Capital of BOTSWANA
Gaborone
Currency
Pula
Climate
Hot summers with afternoon rains from October to April. Dry and cooler weather occurs between May and September
People
Botswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, Kgalagadi 4%, European 1%
Official language
English
Time
GMT + 2hours
“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”
John Hemingway