BEST OF BOTSWANA

Botswana is recommended as one of the best travel destinations in Africa and is considered a haven for wildlife and safari enthusiasts. With the breath-taking landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, the diverse ecosystems of the Chobe National Park, and the abundant wildlife surrounding the Okavango Delta, this beautiful country will provide you with the ultimate African experience.Below I have listed five unique and unforgettable experiences to add on your bucket list when visiting the vast and untamed wilderness of Botswana.

Mokoro through the Okavango Delta and discover its unique flora & fauna.

Botswana’s vast Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most remarkable and pristine wilderness areas to visit. Journey through the Delta waterways in a mokoro and take in the beautiful surroundings in the most peaceful way possible. This will allow you to truly connect with nature, see the incredible birdlife and discover smaller species you wouldn’t typically see, including the little, brightly coloured Painted reed frog. During the day, these frogs climb up stems of grass and reeds to silently bask in the African sun. As the sun sets over the Okavango delta, the end of the day is announced by the simultaneous calls of males serenading nearby females. Most of the premier camps and lodges offer mokoro safari experiences, including the beautiful Xigera Camp operated by Wilderness Safaris.

Experience the great zebra migration over the Makgadikgadi pans.

Although not as well-known as the great wildebeest migration over the Serengeti plains, the world’s second-largest, yet little known zebra migration occurs annually in Botswana. Each year, these zebras journey between northern Botswana, the Makgadikgadi National Park and the Kalahari Desert making it the most extended single movement of animals that has been recorded. They move with the seasons and the rainfall, covering vast tracts of land in search of available food and water resources. Natural Selection’s camps are situated on the edge of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi salt pans, making it an ideal location to fully experience the annual zebra migration.

Meet the largest population of elephants in northern Botswana.

Botswana is home to the world’s largest African elephant population, with most of the elephants roaming in the country’s northern region. Chobe National Park is a spectacular wildlife destination and is a major epicentre of wildlife safaris in the country. The main attraction of Chobe National Park is its’ elephant population currently estimated at around 120 000 individuals. Bordering the Chobe National Park lies the Linyanti region, which is also known for the abundance in elephants, and it’s home to the endangered African wild dogs. This area is however more secluded and remote, favoured by travelers seeking an intimate safari experience away from the main tourist’s routes. African Bush Camps offer spectacular accommodation which is situated on the banks of Linyanti Marsh.

Spend a night under the African skies.

Situated deep in the heart of the Khwai Private Reserve, Natural Selection offers guests the magical experience of spending a night of luxury under the starlit skies. The Skybeds are elevated high above the African bush overlooking a nearby watering hole and surrounding grasslands. The watering hole is often visited by a big herd of elephants, including predators such as lions and leopards. With only three Skybeds, this camp only accommodates six people at a time, thus making it the perfect opportunity for an intimate and romantic African experience. Snuggle up in a warm cosy bed, clear your thoughts and slowly drift away with the sounds of Africa all around you.

Encounter the breathtaking landscapes of the Kalahari Desert.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the most remote and largest protected conservation areas in Botswana and one of the largest in the world. The Kalahari landscape is characterised by salt pans stretching across the horizons, ancient river valleys, semi-arid grassland, and unimaginable vastness. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is considered one of the world’s most uninhabited regions, which is also home to the San people. This reserve offers excellent wildlife and birdlife viewing opportunities including the legendary Kalahari black-maned lion. Kalahari Plains, operated by Wilderness Safaris, lies in a remote part of the reserve and offers stunning accommodation for travellers. The Kalahari desert is genuinely one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.

You can also read/download this article in pdf format

Gallery