Botswana Travel

When people go on safari in Botswana they expect to find untamed nature and unspoiled landscapes. They are not disappointed. Often described as an African success story, the country is well off by regional standards, partly on account of its diamond mines.  As a result the government encourages high-cost, low-volume tourism, meaning travellers can expect a relatively exclusive game-viewing experience when they go on safari.

And what a country to go on safari in! The Okavango Delta remains the country’s main tourist destination, which is not surprising when one considers the amount of wildlife to be seen here. It is the largest of its kind in Africa and an important source of life for the whole country. Its waterways spread out like fingers to the dry areas of the Kalahari Desert in the south and the whole system is clearly visible from space on satellite images. It is a unique ecosystem which has been recognized by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site.

Most visitors head for Chobe National Park, which has some of highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including around 120,000 elephants. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October, although bird watching is best done between November and March. The park is spectacular at any time of year and a visit here can be combined with seeing Victoria Falls.

Another draw card is the Moremi Game Reserve, which is like an oasis of life in the otherwise harsh Kalahari. Game is profuse, with lions, leopards and cheetahs being a common sight. It’s a watery world of lagoons and channels, and the accommodation here is excellent.

Any trip to Botswana should also include a visit to the amazing landscapes of the Kalahari Desert with its large golden sand dunes, acacia trees and open plains of grass. This is the home of the indigenous San people, also known as Bushmen, who have lived in the area for 30.000 years and are skilled hunters.

Botswana has so much to offer safari enthusiasts that it should not be overlooked – but don’t take our word for it, go and see it yourself!