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Botswana is one of the finest tourist destinations on the African continent. The Okavango, which originates in the uplands of Angola to the north-west, flows into and then spreads over the sandy spaces of the Kalahari to form an immense and wondrous inland delta of lagoon and labyrinthine channel, palm-fringed island and fertile floodplain.
Botswana is one of the finest tourist destinations on the African continent. The Okavango, which originates in the uplands of Angola to the north-west, flows into and then spreads over the sandy spaces of the Kalahari to form an immense and wondrous inland delta of lagoon and labyrinthine channel, palm-fringed island and fertile floodplain. A number of safari lodges and camps have been established in and around this watery wilderness. This wilderness and the nearby game-rich Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park reserves, offer the visitors the best of several worlds, appealing variously to the game-viewer and bird-watcher, the hunter and the sporting fisherman, the explorer of hidden places and the lover of Africa in its loveliest and least spoilt state.
From the calcrete floors and ancient baobabs of the Makgadikgadi Pans to the savannah grasslands of Chobe National Park and the mophane woodland of the Tuli Block, there is a wide variety of wildlife in Botswana.
However it is in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve that visitors will find unforgettable beauty. In the lush indigenous forests of the delta and its islands, and along the floodplains spawned by this great marriage of water and sand, more than 400 species of birds flourish.
On the mainland and among the islands in the delta, lions, elephants, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles congregate with a teeming variety of antelope and other smaller animals - warthog, mongoose, spotted genets, monkeys, bushbabies and tree squirrels.
Interspersed throughout Botswana are rich collections of historical and cultural heritage. Unique San rock art, geological wonders, and traditional art are additional attractions located in various parts of the country.
Experience of a tourist is further enhanced by the friendly, hospitable and warm-hearted people of Botswana.
Botswana offers a truly unique African experience untouched by the more destructive pressures of encroaching civilisation, presenting a wonderful wilderness for the enjoyment of all who seek to reach just that little bit further into Africa for a holiday of a lifetime.
PARKS AND RESERVES
Over 17% of Botswana's land area has been set-aside as national parks and game reserves. From the lush green of the Okavango Delta in the north to the red desert dunes in the south, great areas of wilderness have been carefully preserved to offer visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its very best; to feel a sense of solitude; to see an incredible variety of wildlife species and to enjoy the prolific birdlife.
Within the national parks and game reserves, areas have been set aside in which visitors may camp. Many of these areas have only the most basic of facilities or are completely undeveloped, whilst other areas have formal ablution blocks. Although the national road networks between main centres are tarred and in first class condition, many of the access tracks that lead to the parks and reserves, and many of the tracks within the protected areas, are rough and sandy, requiring the use of a 4x4 vehicle.
Access to the parks and reserves has been limited in order to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience and can feel the wilderness atmosphere. Because of this, advance bookings for campsites are essential.
Okavango Delta.
The Okavango River starts in Angola and in prehistoric times flowed towards the Atlantic Ocean. Due to a landslide in the north western part of Botswana, the river changed its course and now flows "backwards" to the interior before dispersing into various channels and rivulets and is eventually swallowed by the huge expanse of sand. One can arrange for a flight from Maun over this huge area stretching out like a hand with spread fingers and watch animals including buck and elephant grazing on the numerous islands. It is also possible to fly to the various game lodges situated deep within the Delta, using this as a base for excursions into the heart of the delta. Experience Africa at its best by using a mokoro (dugout tree trunks used as canoes) and a guide, to glide softly between papyrus plants, lilies and huge palm trees watching a fantastic variety of bird-life, hippos, crocodiles and other animals coming down to the water to quench their thirst. Transition to night is blessed with a red and golden sunset as the sun hugs the earth behind the silhouette of palm trees reflected in the peaceful waters. It is highly recommended to go on guided hikes through the park. Most lodges offer luxury accommodation although some cater for cheaper tent accommodation.
Moremi Wildlife
Reserve Situated in the north east of the Delta, this park offers the ability to discover the reserve and its wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle, a relaxing cruise with a mokoro or by motorised boat. There is a variety of wildlife including leopard, lion, buffalo, giraffes, wild dogs (although very scarce), elephant and many antelope species. The best of the park is the wide collection of more than 500 different bird-species. Luxury lodges, some with exceptionally good locations and service, and rustic campsites offer accommodation.
Chobe National Park
Home to more than 10 000 elephant, Chobe will leave every visitor astounded with the magnitude of Botswana's beauty. It covers a huge area of swamp and grasslands of more than 10 000 km2 and sitting at dawn watching herds of hundreds of elephants emerging from the nearby woodlands to drink from the Chobe River is an exhilarating experience. Join one of the various sun-downer boats to see the animal life visiting the river at sunset.
Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans
These barren landscapes with the surrounding grasslands and huge baobab trees, are meant for the visitor that seeks solitude and quietness. The pans often stretch from horizon to horizon, establishing itself as some of the biggest in the world. Visit Kubu Island to experience the eerie silent landscape.
CITIES and TOWNS
Gaborone
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana with very little to offer to the tourist except for an overnight stop to some other parts of the country. There is an interesting weaving and craft centre at Lentswe-la-Odi, just north of the town.
Maun
This outpost on the edge of the Okavango Delta forms the gateway to delta. Here one can arrange safaris into the various national parks, a flight into the delta or just relax at one of the hotels after returning from an excursion into the bush paradise. It is important to make reservations at the Botswana Parks Board for entry and accommodation in the Moremi, Savuti and Chobe National Parks, otherwise you will be turned back at the gates to the reserves.
Tsodilo Hills
Tucked away in the north-western corner of Botswana, one finds the Tsodilo Hills. Centuries ago they were mined and used by the Bushmen, who left behind some of the world's most fascinating rock art. Some 2000 paintings portraying animal life can be found scattered around the four hills. To reach these hills, 4x4 vehicles are a must from Shakawe in order to navigate through the thick soft sand and the visitor must be 100% self-sufficient as there is no water or camping facilities. One can join a safari from one of the tour operators in Maun. Some of the paintings can be seen easily and some of the more vivid paintings require a climb. Take enough water along, as it gets very hot in this area and dehydration is a definite risk.
Source: Courtesy Botswana Tourism
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