Botswana
One of the continent's most beautiful countries, Botswana has a rich archaeological, geological and natural history. Home to exceptionally biodiverse places, and incredible numbers of wildlife, we must admit that few places encapsulate the safari ethos and charm as well as 'The Gem of Africa' does. The Okavango Delta is the world's largest alluvial fan; a sprawling lush and glittering oasis of palm belts and grassy plains that host great herds of elephant, regular lion and cape buffalo interaction, prolific leopard populations and a growing number of wild dogs and rhinoceros. The Delta drains into the white sands of the Kalahari, the home of the San people and a wondrous expanse of arid beauty. In the Chobe area, visitors can partake in leisurely drifts down the Zambezi or the Chobe while viewing elephants descend to the water's edge to drink beneath a cloud of carmine bee-eaters. There is little wonder why some of the first wildlife films to ever depict the glory of Africa were shot in Botswana.
Seasonality :
October - November
April - May
Shoulder Season
Highlights :
A few of our favourite places in Botswana...
Okavango Delta
An Oasis of Glittering Channels
It is almost fictional, the story of the Okavango delta. As great a river as any…except for that its water never reaches the ocean. Instead, the channels disperse into a 15 000 km² labyrinth of papyrus, white sands, crystal clear channels and palm belts. An oasis-like paradise, a place like no other. It is for good reason, therefore, that the Delta has been proclaimed one of Africa’s seven wonders, and officially recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. Not only is this landscape as unique as it is beautiful, it also home to vast numbers of wildlife and colourful birds. Canoeing the channels can be an exhilarating introduction to the bubbling pods of hippo and prehistoric crocodiles dwelling in the waterways, whilst driving on safari will exhibit an endless array of fauna and flora, big and small. Often, though, it is only by air that one can grasp what an extraordinary place the Okavango really is. A woven landscape or glittering channels and green reeds, dotted by herds of elephant and buffalo in the hundreds.
Kalahari
A Semi Desert Paradise
Derived from the Tswana word kgala meaning ‘the great thirst’ or kgalagadi meaning ‘a waterless place’, the Kalahari could be mistaken as a place one should avoid in their travels. Yet in this mythical place, sizing almost 900 000 km² lies a solace of peace and quiet that only a desert or semi-arid savannah can provide. A place where wind can blow dust for hundreds of kilometres before it settles. Where life springs from the sand in every direction. Elephants, cheetahs, brown hyenas and the famed Kalahari black-maned lions are amongst the creatures that will surprise you around each thicket or behind each dune. The Kalahari is also a stronghold for populations of meerkats, aardwolves, pangolins and aardvarks, making it the go-to destination in Africa to witness these rare and wonderful creatures. There’s room for everyone in the vastness of this place: the safari-goers, the explorers, the adventure seekers and those who just want to feel the silent energy of the Kalahari, those who want to feel the desert wind on their skin and stare into an endless starry sky.
Chobe
Botswana's jewel
Botswana is renowned for its biodiversity, and Chobe is known as being its most biodiverse park, a testament to the thriving life roaming this incredible wilderness. Located in the north of Botswana, Chobe is composed of arid landscapes interspersed with marshes and rivers, a perfect habitat to hold immeasurable amounts of wildlife. And indeed, this beautiful ecosystem is home to numerous populations of elephants, buffalos, cheetahs and leopards… not to mention the famous Chobe lions that are known for their abilities to hunt elephants, a skill passed down across generations of lions. Whether it be gazing out from a luxury lodge, a safari cruise down the Chobe river or a self-drive, this park is guaranteed to create memories and encounters that few other places can rival.
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