Botswana, famed for diamond mining, tourism and wild fascinating landscapes heaving with breathtaking wildlife, is the African country many people dream of. Landlocked in Southern Africa and bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the country is one of rich cultures, countless splendour, peace, tranquillity and the warm hospitality of its fine people.
The former British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana finally gained independence in 1966 and hasn’t looked back since. Today the vast majority of the vibrant 1.9 million population of the country, dominated by the extensive Kalahari Desert, reside in the urban areas of the eastern hardveld. Although predominantly desert, the country is sourced by the water of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, allowing for habitats ranging from grassland to sand dunes, woodlands to lagoons and hot springs to arid desert regions. Consequently, Botswana is home to almost all species of southern African mammal within the numerous wildlife parks and reserves.
Being blessed with the extensive fauna and flora, safaris are high on the agenda in this captivating country, however, there are also many other interesting places to explore. Worthy of a day or two of exploration are the capital Gaborone, Francistown on the eastern Zimbabwean border, the traditional village of Nata and the northern towns of Maun and Kasane sitting at opposite ends of the Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta regions.
Travelling around Botswana is generally a stress free event, with coaches, minibuses (combis), and overland tours readily available to suit all travelers’ needs. Local buses and combis travel regularly between major towns, usually on specified circular routes, and are a cheap way to get around. These fill up quickly, so best to arrive at the station early and be prepared to stand for a good distance until a seat becomes available. Perhaps the most convenient, and most popular, form of travel is on an overland tour that will stop off at all the major tourist sites. For travel within the towns, taxis are on hand, however, with a low crime rate, walking is a great way to explore new places.
The climate of Botswana is as diverse as its wildlife, with extreme conditions and temperatures throughout the year. The summer months of November to March, although being the wet season, tend to be hot and humid, often surpassing 40°C. The best months to plan a trip are during the winter, April through to October. Throughout these months, days are dry with crisp blue skies, warm afternoons and cooler nights. At this time, the country truly comes to life and the vast quantities of wildlife meet at the natural waterholes and dams, providing the enthralling spectacle that travelers come to experience.
Okavango Delta - Arguably Botswana’s biggest draw and rightly so, the Delta is a breathtaking watery paradise. Gaze in awe at the array of flora and fauna whilst gliding through the canals of water on a traditional “mokoro”.
Chobe National Park - Second only to the Okavango Delta as a tourist haven, this spectacular national park is home to the largest concentration of wildlife, both within the country and the African continent.
Chobe River - Relax on a late afternoon/sunset river cruise, taking in the wonders of the animal kingdom, including countless lazing hippos and unthinkable herds of playful elephants.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve - Slap in the middle of the country is the worlds 2nd biggest game reserve, which is in fact larger than Lesotho and Swaziland together, boasting sand dunes, bushveld, woods and mophane forests.
Moremi Game Reserve - Superb wildlife reserve sprawling across 3000 sq km of the Okavango Delta, blessed with a range of habitats and wealth of wildlife. Great place to spend a few nights within the peaceful confines of nature.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - In the southern Kalahari region, on the border of Botswana and South Africa, is an extensive area of unspoilt countryside. Visit the park and its beauty on a 4x4 safari.
Savauti Marshes - 4000-year-old collection of rock art in the Gobabis Hills famed for its vast zebra migrations.
Linyanti Marshes - Resembling the Okavango Delta, these marshes, at the Botswana - Namibia frontier, are renowned for its large population of buffaloes and elephants.
Manyana Rock Paintings - Visit the site of ancient rock art and late Stone and Iron Age artefacts at Kolobeng Hill, 35km west of Gaborone.
Kasane Hot Springs - Natural mineral spa on the Chobe River believed to possess medicinal powers. Popular site for fishing, bird watching and cruises.
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