Botswana

A conservation success story

This landlocked country in the southern part of the continent is considered an African success story; socially and politically stable and economically prosperous. Botswana’s commitment to its wild spaces is also commendable, with nearly 40% of the land mass either a national park or private concession. The country has a low population density meaning many areas have extremely low human impact and animals are free to roam across vast reserves. Botswana is infamous as a safari destination; it boasts huge concentrations of big game, well-watered greenlands, unique desert safari environments and jaw-dropping luxury lodges. Visitors to Botswana’s game parks can be assured that they will not be competing for space with large numbers of vehicles, instead safaris in the country are purposefully high-end, exclusive and environmentally conscious. 

Botswana’s crown jewel is the Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta with meandering waterways, lagoons and riparian forests. The Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern side of the Delta, is teeming with animal and birdlife, making it an enviable game viewing destination. The lush oasis is home to over 400 species of bird and game such a buffalo, elephants, lion and zebra. Safari along with waterways viewing spectacular sceneries in Okavango's iconic ‘Mokoro’, a dugout canoe. Other safari destinations include Chobe National Park, most famous for its vast elephant herds and to the west, the Linyanti, the collective name for the Linyanti itself, Selinda, and Kwando.

Dramatic contrasting scenery

In contrast to the delta are the arid plains of the Kalahari Desert which cover much of Botswana. Less visited than the north, the Makgadikgadi Salt-Pans and Central Kalahari Game Reserve offer unique and different experiences to the typical safari areas; visitors can witness amazing desert-adapted species such as the black-maned lion and meet the Zu/'hoasi people who patrol the desert. Both the lush oasis of the delta and the bone-dry landscape of the desert can be included in a trip to Botswana making it a spectacular destination of extremes.

Lodges and camps for the true safari connoisseur

Safaris in Botswana come at a handsome price, but with good reason. During the 1990s the government made a decision to focus on the high-end international tourism market, limiting the numbers of visitors in order to ensure low impact. This makes for highly sophisticated safaris where visitors stay in exclusive, beautiful mobile camps or astonishing, top class luxurious lodges. The country’s reputation as the leading high-end destination is uncompromising, on a safari in Botswana all your wants and needs are catered for.