Why Botswana should be at the top of your travel bucket-list in the new year.
With breath-taking landscapes that are home to unique ecosystems, sunsets that will take your breath away, and genuinely friendly and professional hospitality, Botswana is the ultimate safari destination in Africa. A jewel in Southern Africa’s tourism crown, Botswana offers diverse natural fauna and flora, historical sites and cultural interactions, as well as different, fun modes of getting around from your safari accommodation.
Here are eight reasons why we think Botswana should be at the top of your travel bucket-list:
1. Extraordinary wildlife
The Botswanan government and various tourism partners have committed to nature conservation and the protection of endangered species across the country’s wilderness areas.
The African Wild Dog © Motswiri Camp
It is a stronghold of the African wild dog, holding up to 30% of the world’s population, with Moremi Game Reserve being especially renowned for good sightings of The African Painted Dog.
2. Birding haven
With over 500 bird species, including many regularly occurring species, Botswana offers some brilliant birding opportunities.
Pied kingfisher © Liquid Giraffe
From the Lesser and Greater Flamingos strutting across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan to the Lilac-Breasted Rollers showing off their trademark pastel coloured feathers, Botswana is a veritable birder’s paradise.
3. Uncrowded safaris
Botswana offers crowd-free game viewing as it is one of the least populated countries in Africa and is also strict about maintaining its reputation as a high quality, low volume safari destination.
A lazy lion relaxes in the shade © Natural Selection
With minimal human presence, that beautiful wildlife shot you’ve been dreaming of won’t be marred by another game vehicle in the background.
4. Mesmerizing landscapes
Botswana offers such contrasting landscapes. In one country, you get to experience the vast Kalahari Desert, watery Delta punctuated by palm-fringed islands, mighty rivers like the Chobe, and the shimmering salt pans.
Jacana Camp by Wilderness Safaris in the Okavango Delta © Dana Allen
Where else in Africa can you get such contrasting protected environments, all within easy reach by light aircraft?
5. Spectacular sunsets
As the sun sets over the waterways and bushland of Botswana, the sky shifts from a soft blue to stunning reds and oranges creating a fiery-looking horizon.
An iconic Botswana sunset at Kanana Camp © Ker & Downey
The savannahs become silhouetted by palms and thorny trees as day turns to night, and electric storms strike down at several points of a 360-degree view.
6. Various transport options
There are multiple ways to get around in Botswana. Take to the warm sky in a colourful hot air balloon, walk in the footsteps of elephants, meander through the bush in a 4×4 game vehicle or traverse the Delta waterways in a mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe).
A guided bush walk in the Okavanga Delta © Footsteps Across the Delta by Ker & Downey
Every mode of transport will show you something new!
7. Friendly people
The phrase ‘service with a smile’ might well have originated in Botswana. Whether you’re speaking with the lodge staff or owners of small roadside kiosks, the Batswana are a warm and friendly people.
Smiles abound in Botswana © Motswiri Camp
Tourism in Botswana is sustainable in terms of both nature conservation and job creation so its inhabitants welcome new faces to their country.
8. Outstanding accommodation
Most safari lodges and camps throughout Botswana offer fully inclusive stays which include transfers, accommodation in either luxury ensuite tents on platforms or wooden chalets, all meals and drinks, activities and laundry as well as park and concession fees.
Rustic and comfortable safari camp in the Okavango Delta © Footsteps Across the Delta by Ker & Downey
Some offer air-conditioned tents and mini-bars; others offer more intimate bush Delta experiences with paraffin lamps and solar power.
Let us help plan your dream safari to Botswana.
