Botswana
Botswana
Overview
Botswana is a stunning country, landlocked in Southern Africa. This beautiful country is surrounded by incredible vistas from the giant Kalhari desert to the lush and green Okavango Delta. This contrast is unique, allowing visitors to experience a unique blend of dry and wetlands.
This amazing country is sparsely populated with over a third of its lands belonging to wildlife, making it a top safari destination in Africa. This large area of land occupies some of the most impressive wildlife in all of Africa. With animals such as the Cape Buffalo, the black-maned lion, the endangered wild dogs and so much more. Tourists from all over the world visit Botswana to see its abundance of wildlife and occupy its many luxurious camps and lodges.
The country is very diverse with over 20 languages spoken, such as English, Setswana, Afrikaans, Kalanga, Kgalagadi, and many more. Botswana's diversity lends itself to many traditions and cultures, one of which is the Maitisong festival in Gabarone, the capital city, a festival that celebrates diversity in traditions through music and arts. Another event that speaks to the diversity is the 1000 desert race in the Kalahari desert, an intense desert race spanning the length and breadth of the Kalahari desert.
Botswana has a long history of origins and suffering. It is believed to be the birthplace of modern humans, where about 200,000 years ago modern humans emerged with evidence of stone tools, bones, paintings, and fauna remains. The oldest group of humans known as Khoi and San are indigenous to this land and they speak complex click languages. In 1885 the British colonized Botswana as part of a strategic plan against the many European countries that were colonizing Africa.
Highlights
- Visit the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's top Safari attractions.
- Traverse the many waterways on a mokoro (dug-out canoe) during a safari.
- Immerse in the many traditions and cultures.
- Learn the history of popular destinations.
- See the African big 5, and many other animals.
- Marvel at the stunning scenery.
Why Go?
The Okavango Delta is a remarkable game reserve that you have to explore when visiting Botswana. This incredible reserve hosts a plethora of impressive wildlife. With over 530 bird species and stunning giant mammals, such as the elephant, rhino, Buffalos and so many more. During the dry season, this reserve welcomes over 260,000 mammals which congregate at the many waterholes and waterways. The many waterways diverge from the Okavango river as they spill into the Savannahs and grasslands, creating picturesque deltas. You can enjoy a safari on a motorboat or a traditional dug-out canoe known as the mokoro.
Occupying a quarter of the Okavango Delta is the Moremi game reserve. This incredible reserve has the most diverse set of animals and habitat populations anywhere in Botswana. With remarkable lagoons, Islands, floodplains, and forests, this reserve's landscapes will leave you breathless. On the northeast of the Moremi game reserve, lies the stunning Chobe National Park. Like the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park is lush green with many waterways due to the influence of the Chobe river that flows across the park. Visiting during the dry season makes for an unforgettable moment as large numbers of animals inhabit various water hotspots. Enjoying your time out on a boat cruise is phenomenal as you get to witness the sight of impressive animals along the edges and within the water of the many waterways. The huge selection of accommodation also includes popular houseboat stays.
Enjoy quad biking safaris across huge desert areas of the Kalahari. The Kalahari desert was once a huge inland lake until it dried up due to environmental changes. Another great land influenced by this lake is Makgadikgadi, the largest salt pan in the world. It covers 30,000 km2 of land. They mostly appear as shimmering as the sun's rays reflect off the salty rocks, however during the rainy season the pan comes alive as birds and mammals inhabit the area.
When to Go?
The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry months between May to October. During this time the vegetation is at its lowest and many animals gather at waterholes and waterways, creating a large concentration of diverse animals in the same areas. For a lower risk of coming into contact with Malaria visit between June to August.
Where to Go?
Botswana is an incredible safari destination with many amazing places to enjoy safaris such as the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and many more. There is also the famous Gaberone, the Capital of Botswana, with its many transport links, with many connecting to other parts, business hotels, conference centers, high-end hotels, universities, government buildings, and more. There's so much to do and learn in this city and it's particularly great for learning the traditions and cultures of Botswana.
Visit Gabane, a shockingly industrious village with a number of small glasswork manufacturers. This village is perfect for collecting souvenirs as there are many artisans and potters in the area selling impressive artwork. Another reason to visit is the incredible hiking trails found in the region.
Northwest of the Kalahari is the Tsodilo Hills, the contrast between these hills to the flatness of the surrounding area creates an incredible sight. The area is a UNESCO world heritage site, as the many caves found in these hills have over 4000 ancient cave paintings spread across 200 locations.
For more information on which areas to visit during your stay in Botswana, feel free to contact us and one of our expert travel agents will be in contact.
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