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BOTSWANA is one of the most sought after safari destinations in Southern Africa for good reason! Just under twice the size of Germany and having a population of only 1.6 million, it is little wonder that this is a large unspoilt wilderness, famous for its pristine wildlife areas and exceptional safaris. A large part of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert, but the safaris focus more on the unique water wonderland of the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park and Linyanti. Gaborone is the capital with 190 000 inhabitants.
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 Botswana's Okavango Delta is a fascinating wildlife and wilderness sanctuary, remarkable in that this wetland paradise is an enormous oasis within the arid Kalahari Desert. The Okavango rests between shallow fault lines at the bottom end of the Great African Rift Valley. Every year floodwater flows into the Okavango from its source in the moist African highlands over 1000 km to the north. These floodwaters flow southwards into the Kalahari Desert to create a unique wetland that naturally supports and sustains a huge diversity of wildlife. Game viewing is excellent throughout the year.
The heart of the Okavango Delta is the Moremi Game Reserve, around which there are large private reserves that are leased out to safari companies under strict guidelines and carrying capacities. These private reserves offer the very best safari experiences within pristine parkland, with privacy enjoyed in very few places in Africa these days. It is not unusual to enjoy a day's game viewing without seeing another human visitor.
The intricate waterways and reed-lined channels interspersed with game-rich islands provide the visitor with many varied activities. Safaris by boat and dugout canoe (mokoro) poled by local boatmen, are the best way to see the water areas, while game drives and night drives by vehicle are best for tracking animals. Guided walks give the visitor best feel for being in touch with nature or settle into a wildlife “hide” to enjoy game viewing and birding close up, especially during the heat of the day.
To the north of the Okavango lies the vast Chobe ecosystem, also one of the most prolific and scenic in Africa. Fed by the Chobe, Linyanti, and Kwando Rivers, the greater Chobe region hosts most of Africa's big game species in high concentrations. What is more notable, however, is its huge population of elephants - estimated to be about 45,000. However it is worth noting that being close to Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park attracts a lot of day traffic and as such can become busy and overcrowded (by African standards!). We therefore recommend if travellers visit Chobe, that they stay at one of the private concessions that adjoins the National Park - for example, Linyanti. Here you will enjoy the same quality of game-viewing but with the privacy and intimacy so important to a true African wilderness experience.
Lying between the Okavango delta and Chobe National Park are Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando private reserves with abundant wildlife, attracted by the perennial waters of the Kwando-Linyanti river. As game roams freely between these reserves and those of the Okavango delta ( there are no fences), the area is alive with predators, wild dog, cheetah, leopard and numerous lions.
Safari camps in the concessions are remote and accessible only by air – perfect safari solitude. Certain camps also offer water-based game activities. The safari camps are of a high standard, with comfortable beds, lighting, private facilities, excellent guides and good food. Your choice of camp will depend on the activities you would like, the season, the size and style of camp you choose and the degree of luxury you prefer.
More to come...
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