Famous for its spectacular inland delta, and game viewing, Botswana lies landlocked in the heart of Southern Africa amid South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The sparse population of this flat, peaceful land is doubly blessed with an exquisite subtropical wilderness surrounded by one of the most beautiful deserts on earth: The Kalahari Desert. Backed by a stable, democratic government, it is a true Eden in Africa.

Republic of Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland); Capital: Gabarone; Independence 30 September 1966
Time GMT + 2 hours; Population 1,639,833 (July 2006 est.); Area 600,370 km2; Currency PULA (P)
Language English (official) and Setswana
The Okavango River flows into the Okavango Delta. This northern basin is a rich, fertile region. The central and southern regions are arid sandveld and scrub savannah, with several salt pans. In the north-east lies Makgadikgadi, the largest salt pan in the world. The vegetation is generally dry, though seasonal rain greens it up, particularly around Makgadikgadi and Okavango Delta.

Climate

Summer: November to April
Winter: May to October
In summer, days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 38 degrees and night temperatures drop to around 20 – 25 degrees. The afternoons can be very humid. The rainy season begins late in October/November and ends in March. The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225 mm. During winter, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20 degrees and can drop to as low as 5 degrees at night. Please note that exceptionally cold spells can occur (although this is the exception rather than the rule), so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, just in case!

When to go & what to bring

Botswana is an all year round wildlife destination. However, there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of:
1. Best birding months are November to March, when the Okavango Delta is brimming with migratory birds.
2. Best botanical months are December to May, when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
Botswana’s popularity as a destination is gaining in leaps and bounds to the extent that seasonal differences are not as marked as in previous years. Traditionally, however, peak season is from July to October and middle season from May to June. Booking well in advance is advised.

Generally casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. Important items to remember: fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary even in summer), comfortable walking shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent. Swimsuit as most of the lodges have swimming pools, dull/neutral colours are most suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.

Attractions and National Parks

In the past, hunting and gathering methods were practiced by tribesmen, but were controlled by strict traditional conservation plans, which enabled Botswana to preserve its vast and diverse species of wildlife and natural resources. Now 17 % of Botswana is protected and has been given over to National Parks and Game Reserves:

Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The largest reserve in Botswana, measuring 51 800 km2. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was created in 1961 and was set aside as a region where the San (Bushman) could live their traditional way of life. This reserve is only slightly smaller than Belgium and the Netherlands combined and it is not likely that you will come across the San whilst staying there. Lodges offering quad biking, game drives and walks with Bushman as well as stargazing being a popular activity and well worth the visit.

Chobe National Park
Home to the largest elephant herds in the world, the world renowned Chobe National Park measures 11 00 km2 and incorporates two principal wildlife areas: the riverfront and the Savute. The riverfront stretches along the banks of the Chobe River from Kasane through to Serondela to Ngoma Bridge. The river roads offer excellent game viewing and spectacular scenery and sunsets. The savute is the vast central body of the reserve, incorporating the Mababe Depression. The immensity of the depression is stunning, whether seen in the dry season, when it can appear almost desert-like and barren beyond belief, or after the rain on a crystal clear day across the vivid green of new grass.

Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Region
This pristine wilderness area of Botswana is reputed to be Africa’s most beautiful reserve. There are a wide range of habitats in Moremi – from the riparian woodlands, floodplains, reed beds and the permanent wetland of the Okavango Delta, through towering stands of Mopane forests to the dry savannah woodlands. Such a wide variety of habitats implies a wide variety of wildlife and at any time of the year, game is prolific (although what is seen obviously varied with the seasons). The mosaic of land and water comprising the Okavango Delta is a birder’s haven, especially from November to March when the area is brimming with migratory birds.
Other activities possible in this area are fishing, photography and guided nature walks on the islands of the Delta, which lie outside the boundaries of the reserve.

Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve
The great grass plains of Makgadikgadi and the associated pan complexes of Sowa, Ntwetwe and Nxai are scenically stunning – the first time visitor is invariably struck by the wide vistas and the immensity of sky and horizon. Originally part of an ancient lake bed, the terrain is characteristically dotted with shallow depressions enclosing islands of stunted acacia trees. Here, you watch the shadows lengthen as the sun sinks; listen to the cry of the jackal as the shroud of darkness settles, to know that you have touched the soul of Africa.

Accommodation in Botwana

Mowana lodge
Lodge Features
• 9 Hole Golf Course
• Swimming pool
• Pool bar
• Restaurant & Bar
• Boma Terrace
• Curio Shop
• A variety of interesting activities and excursions

Okavango Delta camp

Set amongst the shady trees on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta, overlooking a large perennial lagoon, Baines’ Camp is the perfect combination of luxury, privacy and nature. Each spacious thatched suite is individually decorated and is equipped with mosquito nets, hair-dryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe, mini bar, in-room emergency intercom and en-suites facilities. Each suite also includes a fully mobile four-poster bed which offers guests the opportunity of spending the night under the African skies. Panoramic views and vistas of the permanent water lagoon can be enjoyed not only from the privacy of your own suite but also from the infinity pool or from the spacious lounge and dining area. Baines’ Camp offers a variety of activities including day and night game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles, walking safaris with an armed professional guide, motorised boat trips and mokoro (subject to water levels). Elephant interaction is also available. Baines’ Camp is situated within a natural resource management area and operates as a community project ensuring that the benefits of eco-tourism are channelled back into the local community creating an awareness and commitment to conservation.

Chobe Safari lodge
Accommodation:
Safari Rooms
The latest additions to Chobe Safari Logde are our 32 safari rooms. Individually decorated, they offer every comfort. The Safari Rooms have superb views directly over the Chobe River and have stunning open plan bathrooms with deep baths, all are equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, direct dial telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. Rondavels The thatched rondavels are independently positioned, with ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. River Rooms The luxurious twin-bed river rooms are air-conditioned and offer the convenience of phone, TV and large en-suite bathrooms. Family rooms include two twin bedrooms. Camping The famous Chobe Safari Lodge campsite has a first-rate ablution area and facilities along the banks of the river.

Guest Room
Muchenje Lodge
Muchenje apparently means "Jackalberry tree" in Lozi. The lodge, built in 1996, tops the ridge above the Chobe River near Buffalo Ridge, commanding a panoramic view of the Chobe and Caprivi. Located just south of the Chobe National Park in Chobe Forest Reserve, it is able to offer game activities in the park and on the river. Given the enormous population of elephant (40000+), the Chobe is wall-to-wall jumbo, and consequently the riverine forest is in a rather sorry state. Besides outstanding sightings of kudu, we had our first ever view of a herd of roan antelope. And of course, there are the famous Chobe sunsets. Our morning game walk was memorable for learning about the signals emitted by mopane trees to warn trees downwind, how they form tannin to protect themselves against browsing game, and why kudu browse mopane in a line-abreast into the wind. The exact nature of the signals is not yet known. How amazing is Nature....

Matetsi water lodge
Guest Room
On the lush banks of the spectacular Zambezi lies Matetsi Water Lodge - a sophisticated harmony of teak, slate and thatch reflecting the themes of ancient Zimbabwe and the river sweeping past.
• Game drives
• Night drives
• Victoria Falls
• Canoeing
• Boating
On 15 kilometres of private Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi Game Lodges is located in a 50 000-hectare/124 000-acre wildlife concession in northwestern Zimbabwe, just 40 kilometres upstream/25 miles from Victoria Falls. The concession is unfenced, allowing for the free movement of animals between Botswana's Chobe National Park and Matetsi. Although estimates vary it is thought that between 30 - 50 000 elephants live in this region.