Botswana
Discover Botswana
Botswana is an intoxicating mix of wide open spaces, high densities of biodiversity and low densities of tourists, lending an air of exclusivity to your safari. The nation’s thoughtful development toward tourism and conservation have given it a well-earned reputation for top- shelf wildlife viewing, service, and posh experiences. The immense Okavango Delta impresses with its seasonal flooding and wildlife havens along the lagoons, canals, and islands. Slipping past herds of red lechwe and elephants in a traditional dugout canoe, examining a dainty painted frog poised on a lily pad, and many other marvelous explorations await.
Beyond the Delta, walk in the footsteps of famous wildlife filmmakers and legendary documentary hosts amidst the wilds of Linyanti Reserve, Savuti Marsh, and Chobe National Park. Elephant lovers will not want to miss Chobe–where some of the largest herds on the continent congregate. Here, wild dogs race across the plains and leopards stealthily move closer to their favorite prey as you quietly observe in awe accompanied by your expert guide.
The stark other-worldliness of the arid Makgadikgadi Pans National Park contrasts the lushness of the Delta and its environs. Once an inland lake, the endless horizon over the white cracked salt pan is home to a surprising array of life; from the charming meerkats to the ancient baobab trees. Sit beneath a blazing blanket of stars each evening and contemplate your place in the universe. The largeness and serenity which permeates this nation is palpable and it will fill your soul.
What we love about Botswana
Delta Diversity: There is simply nowhere else on earth that compares with the Okavango Delta. It is a dream-like environment of meandering waterways, islands dotted with palm trees, and the grunts of hippos echoing in the night. This complex web of life is packed with species large and small. Astonishing amounts of mammals, birds, and reptiles line the waterways. Search for buffalo, lion, elephant, rhino, wild dog, kudu, lechwe, brown hyena, and sable antelope on foot, by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), by motorized boat, vehicle or helicopter.
A Different Life: In the Makgadikgadi Pans or the Central Kalahari, walk along ancient footpaths with the San, the hunter-gatherer people who have existed within Botswana’s borders for over 20,000 years. Africa’s longest surviving culture is connected to the land in ways that we will never know. By oral tradition, legends are shared by campfire, secret methods of divining water from a parched landscape, and other essential survival skills are passed to the next generation. Respectfully observe these dignified people as they share their daily lives with you.
True Remoteness: If exclusivity is what you seek, look no further than the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Vast grasslands are home to desert-adapted species like rhino, elephant, and black-maned lion. You may spend the entire day without seeing another vehicle. The stunning Deception Valley shelters predators like cheetah, hyena, cheetah and wild dog. Game viewing is challenging due to the sheer size of the world’s second largest reserve, but with the impressive skills of your highly-trained guide, the viewing rewards are great.
Best Time To Visit
Botswana enjoys a long dry season between May and October where wildlife viewing peaks due to short grass and animals congregating around water sources. Expect extreme desert temperatures with cold mornings (40s F/ 10-12 C) and hot temperatures (high 90s F/ mid-30s C) during the day. The rest of the year is the ‘green’ season with warmer temperatures and increased likelihood of rain. We can help you plan the best time of year to visit Botswana!
