Botswana

One of the world’s largest inland deltas, the Okavango provides an ebb and flow of life for abundant wildlife, in one of Africa’s greatest spectacles. It is here, and in neighboring reserves such as the Linyanti and Selinda, that you experience an amazing semi-aquatic safari, drifting through gin-clear waterways. Huge herds of elephants and buffalo, packs of wild dogs, cats, abundant birdlife, and some water-orientated game such as Lechwe and Sitatunga abound.

Why we love it

In stark contrast to the lush bush and game-filled plains of the main safari areas, the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi provide the complete antithesis. The size of Switzerland, these vast salt pans offer an overwhelming sense of solitude and space. A unique cleansing experience after a safari.

Throw in the cultural interaction with the San bushmen, and you have all the ingredients for a wonderfully varied time away. Due to the remoteness of many of the camps, light aircraft is the common mode of transport, adding a further element to your game experience, and the chance to see this unique ecosystem from the air.

There is a range of superb camps and lodges, varying in luxury depending on your interests, from the comfortable to the downright opulent, with private plunge pools and bathrooms with fabulous views. Some come with the added luxury of being on a private concession allowing for that added element of exclusivity, whilst others are in the wonderful national parks.

Good to know

• Country: Botswana
• Visa requirements: No visas are required for British or North American passport holders.
• Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip. No specific shots are required to enter. But we do recommend you visit a travel health clinic prior to departure to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
• Languages spoken: The locals speak Setswana. But English is widely spoken everywhere.
• Currency used: Botswana Pula & USD
• Time Zone: 2 hrs +GMT

Useful Information

How to get around: Due to the remoteness of many of the camps, most travelers fly in private or shared small charter planes, giving you a great opportunity to see game from the air. If doing a mobile safari, then you will often be driven from area to area by your guide. We do not recommend self-driving.

How to get there: You will most likely fly into Johannesburg (one of Africa’s major hubs) and then onto Maun, Botswana. There are regular direct international flights to South Africa from London Heathrow and some of the major US hubs, such as Atlanta and New York.

Is it for you? Botswana is for those that are after a pure safari experience. It is ideal for honeymooners, older families, adventure types, and horse riders.

When is best? Botswana can be a year-round destination and has its advantages/disadvantages depending on how you look at it. The best months for safari are generally between April – October, when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain. The wildlife viewing gets increasingly better the later you go, as the bush continues to dry up, forcing much of the game around the water sources. But be warned, October can be very hot. The months from November – March can be hot and steamy, broken up with occasional heavy afternoon thunderstorms. The bush is very lush and green, excellent for birders, and lots of animals drop their young. It is often a more affordable time of year to visit.

What should I combine it with? Botswana is a great destination on its own. Alternatively, if you want to extend your safari experience, then it combines well with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – particularly for those that would like to incorporate Victoria Falls. In addition, there are now direct flights from Botswana to Cape Town. For those looking to add some relaxation at the end, then it combines well with Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Lake Malawi with flights going via Johannesburg.