Botswana

With over 70 percent of its territory occupied by the Kalahari desert, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, and a nature lovers paradise. Chobe and Moremi National Park in the Okavango Delta offer some of the world’s best birding and wildlife safari opportunities. Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve also offers good game viewing and some of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness in southern Africa. Originally inhabited by homo sapiens nearly 200,000 years ago, around 85% of the current population is made up of the Tswana ethnic group, who are descendants of the Bantu-speaking tribes that migrated to this region of Africa around 600 AD. Botswana also has the world’s largest bushman population.

Colonized by the British in 1885 and declared a protectorate under the name Bechuanaland, Botswana only became an independent republic on 30th September, 1966. Since then, it has consistently had democratic elections and has been ranked as one of the least corrupt African nations since around 1998. The economy is dominated by mining, cattle and tourism, which alone accounts for nearly 12% of Botswana’s GDP.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a swampy inland grassland where the Okavango River, empties out into a tectonic trough in the Kalahari desert. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from African elephants to lions, blue wildebeest, springbok, greater kudu, steenbok, sable antelope, impala, plains zebra, South African giraffe, African wild dog, crocodiles, hippos, cheetahs, leopards, over 400 bird species and 70 fish species.

Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta

Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve covers more than 4,871 square kilometres of pristine wilderness. The varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest and supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, and nearly 550 bird species. A range of luxury lodges offer visitors an unforgettable safari experience.

Khwai Community Area, Okavango Delta

The Khwai area of the Okavango lies along the unfenced northern boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. It offers the same wildlife experience as the Moremi Game Reserve with the added advantage of being a private concession which gives visitors the ability to do walking safaris and night drives. The community has a population of 400 people who are primarily of BaBukakhwe or River Bushmen descent.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is world-renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. The Chobe River section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game, including a large population of lions that prey on them. Visitors can look forward to safaris in vehicles as well as motorboats and luxury houseboats.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Game Drive, Okavango Delta & Chobe National Park

Set out on either a half day or full day game drive in Botswana’s famous wildlife reserves in the Okavango Delta and Chobe, and get up close and personal with elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, blue wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, antelope, crocodiles, hippos and hundreds of bird species.

Walking Safaris, Okavanga Delta & Chobe National Park

Explore the world-famous wildlife reserves in the Okavango Delta and Chobe on foot with an experienced guide. Learn about the unique characteristics of the various types of wildlife found in the bush and the techniques used by local communities.

Mokoro Excursion, Okavango Delta & Chobe National Park

Glide through the channels of the Okavango Delta, brushing past reeds which are home to an amazing variety of wildlife from birds and fish to elephants, on a mokoro, a canoe like vessel originally crafted from hollowed out tree trunks (now crafted from fibre-glass).

Balloon Safari, Okavango Delta & Chobe National Park

Get a spectacular view of the vast, untouched wilderness of the grassland savanna of Chobe, and the winding channels of the Okavango Delta, with an early morning hot air balloon ride. Hear the sounds of wildlife below you and observe all the activity as you soar above the landscape.

Accommodations

Great places to stay

Sanctuary Baines Camp, Okavango Delta

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is located on a vast private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Named after the 19th century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, the camp has six suites set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer expansive views of the Boro River and a lagoon teeming with wildlife.

Kadizora Camp, Okavango Delta

Kadizora Camp is situated in the remote northern part of the Okavango Delta over-looking a panoramic seasonal floodplain. The camp has 9 luxury tents and 4 standard tents, and is the only camp in the Delta to offer hot air ballooning. Other activities offered include vehicle and walking safaris, boating and Mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions.

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Moremi

Situated on Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, wildlife and wilderness are as abundant as adrenaline and relaxation at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. The Camp’s sophisticated 10 bush pavilions have natural hues and materials and bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and folding glass doors ensuring you won’t ever miss the thrill of viewing wildlife.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge, Chobe River Front

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious retreat located on the edge of Chobe National Park, where some 80,000 elephants roam. The Lodge’s fourteen suites all command panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplain below. The public area includes a lounge, library, dining room, swimming pool and spa with a treetop treatment room.

Elephant Valley Lodge, Chobe

Elephant Valley Lodge consists of twenty meru-style tents ensuring an authentic safari experience. The tents are spread through the forest or along the edge of the valley, so you can always hear the sounds of wildlife. The main lodge area is large and under thatch, with outdoor dining on the deck or in the boma. For those who need some more unwinding, the swimming pool with comfortable sun loungers is ideal.

Belmond Khwai River Lodge

Nestled on the edge of a Leadwood forest, Belmond Khwai River Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Moremi Reserve, which is known for its exceptional range of big game. All luxury tents are housed on raised wooden platforms, offering magnificent views of the African landscape. Sounds of wildlife surround you as you relax or enjoy a private dinner on your large private deck.

Travel tips

Botswana is extremely hot in the summers.

Botswana

Destinations

Activities

Accommodations

Travel tips

Map

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