Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, and the north of the country in particular is home to huge tracts of wilderness and high concentrations of Africa’s wild animals. A visit during the dry season (April to October) will ensure that you get the best chance to get close to a huge range of wildlife. Five key experiences to try and include are:
Cruising on the Chobe River
The Chobe is one of the best places to see large numbers of elephants: some 50-70,000 traverse the region –they gather here during the dry season. If you cruise down the river, you’re almost certain to catch these majestic animals cooling off by the river as they bathe, drink and play.
Big-game viewing in the Linyanti region
This vast region is divided into the communal Chobe Enclave and three huge private concessions – the Selinda, Linyanti and Kwando. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are some of the key species you can view in the area.
Mekoroing in the Okavango Delta
The mekoro is a traditional ‘dug out’ used by generations to navigate the channels of the Okavango Delta– what better way to explore the area than the mode of transport used by its people? The area is fantastic for game-viewing and you may be lucky to come across elephant herds drinking, red lechwe running across the flood plains or even a leopard sleeping on the branch of a tree, but a mekoro excursion is actually more about the tranquillity and beauty of the environment, the wonderful birdlife (over 400 species to see) and trying to spot specialist species such as the shy and aquatic sitatunga antelope.
Meerkat viewing in the Makgadikgadi Saltpans
The Makgadikgadi pans are among the largest saltpans in the world, covering an area almost the size of Portugal. Saltpans are vast, flat expanses of land covered in salt and other minerals – an otherworldly sight. The Makgadikgadi pans are what remains of Lake Makgadikgadi, which dried up several thousand years ago. In the grassland that surrounds these pans, it is possible to get ‘up close and personal’ with the meerkats of the Kalahari. This experience requires patience, but it is well worth it in order to watch these playful creatures.
Walking with the San Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert
The native inhabitants of southern Africa are sometimes known as the Bushmen, and those who live in the Kalahari Desert are the San Bushmen, who have learned to survive in this harsh, dry climate. A handful of properties can take you on walks with the locals as they hunt and gather – a rare insight into this ancient way of life.
Botswana is an excellent choice for safari; it’s a politically and financially stable nation with a fast-growing economy and friendly inhabitants. English is the official language, making communication easy for western travellers, and with wildlife thriving there are plenty of opportunities for a thrilling safari adventure.
Have you ever been to Botswana? What was your best experience?
Vivienne Egan writes for Safari Consultants – http://www.safari-
