Botswana Travel Guide

Botswana: awe inspiring landscapes, thrills of jeep safari and relaxation on the river.

When I first arrived in Botswana I was blown away by just how all-encompassing the deep blue sky was; it enveloped me. I felt as if I had stepped out of a plane and in to the Garden of Eden. It really was picture perfect. This natural beauty combined with the pulse racing thrills of jeep safaris and the tranquil early morning mokoro trips really made it a holiday to remember. There was plenty of wildlife to see and the game drives were made all the merrier with scenic stops for a sun down gin & tonic. A must is taking a cessnar flight over the Okavango Delta to really appreciate this vast expanse from a different perspective. I stayed at Camp Moremi and Kwai River Lodge, both lovely accommodations with attentative staff and delicious food. If you are thinking about a safari, Botswana really does offer a diverse experience in the wilderness.

The most beautiful country I never thought I'd visit!

My mother and I had dreamed of going to the Seychelles for years and, after winning a charity auction for a trip to South Africa, we decided to go. When we were booking our trip, we decided that since we were taking such a long journey from the west coast of the U.S., we should make the most of our trip and also visit Botswana. As it turns out, I may have dreamed of going to the Seychelles, but I now dream about going back to Botswana--it is a beautiful, magical place.

Unlike other countries in Africa for safari trips, tourism in Botswana is somewhat more exclusive, albeit growing. Our camps were luxurious and small, with the staff outnumbering the guests--in some cases by 5:1. We used Wilderness Safaris for our two camps in Botswana and the accomodations were exquisite for being in the bush; the staff knowledgeable, friendly, and professional; and the food was top-notch. We visited both the Savuti Channel and Okavango Delta, both of which were amazing. The Delta was absolutely awe-inspiring, and after having 2 weeks of land-based safaris through South Africa and the Savuti Channel, it was thrilling to have a safari on the water (including one afternoon in a traditional Makoro). We saw a wide variety of game, even spent an entire hour just watching a Cheetah. There was rarely another vehicle in sight, unlike in Kenya or other popular places where if you spot rare game, you suddenly are surrounded by 10 more jeeps filled with spectators. The birds in Botswana were amazing--it's where I fell in love with the Malachite Kingfisher.

I travel quite a bit and rarely do I find a place that I yearn to visit time and time again. Botswana is one of the places. Magic, beautiful, dreamy. Visit if you have the chance.

Botswana still feels very untouched and not as touristy as some other places in Africa.

Huge country with a low density of tourists. Camps have extremely friendly and helpful staff who do their utmost to make sure you enjoy your safari.

Atmosphere, wildlife up close, able guides - Chobe has it all!

The Safari Defined

Texas-sized Botswana forms the wedge-shaped heart of southern Africa, resting like a pocketed jewel amidst South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

It's peaceful, prosperous, and splendidly beautiful. Over thirty percent of Botswana's territory -- more than any other nation on earth -- has been set apart as protected parkland, guarded against poaching by a military that fortunately has little else to do. And it's here where you'll find nothing less than the planet's most superb safari opportunities.

The government encourages high-cost but low-impact tourism, avoiding the commercialization of places like Kenya and Tanzania, where vanloads of package tourists converge on animals and battle for the best view.

This is the closest you'll find to the Africa you imagined as a child -- wild and untouched.

Botswana is a beautiful place just teeming with wildlife and birds.

While in Botswana I saw the big five animals and watched a cheetah stalk and chase its prey. Lions were just lying by the road and took no notice of us as we shot numerous photos. We watched elephants cross the river in the morning and return in the evening. I think we saw all of the animals at one time or another. We were there for 14 days but our accommodations were tents that were moved from location to location. Camping gave us the opportunity to get into areas unfrequented by other tourists. There were 8 in our group and we had 3 vehicles that were wide open so we could get the best shots of the animals.
Our vehicles went off in different directions each day but if an unusual siting occurred our guide used a radio to tell the other guides.

We didn't see other tourists since we were not staying in lodges. We were all by ourselves. Our food was wonderful and I still marvel at how they were able to cook such delicious meals. The weather was perfect. Cold in the morning and evening but very warm during the day so we came back into camp after lunch to shower and such and went back out at 3pm. We had very primative camps but that made it fun. I highly recommend Botswana. It is an amazing place and the people were very friendly.

A Spectacular, personal and close nature experience that touches the soul!

This was a first visit to Botswanna and lasted a glorious 18 days! Much thought into which season resulted in August being chosen as the least risky in terms of mud and making ones way over tough roads - the result was excellent with no travelling hassles. The Savuti River came down from Angola for the first time in years and this supplemented the experience in the Chobe!

We travelled in two 4 x 4 vehicles and it is excellent to be in a team of at least two for mutual support because you are generally miles and miles from any form of support. Research well and go self contained and ready for any eventuality.

Wildlife including birds are plentiful and the experience is from the barren dessert ot the Okovango Delta with all the water species. No game fences exist and on crossing the border from South Africa we encountered a Cheetha on the tar road and outside an nature reserve area! Elephant are everywhere! The campsites are not fenced and nature surrounds you at all times. We had elephant, jackal, hyena and even kudu wandering through our campsites at various locations that really brought the SAFARI TO YOU!

A flight over the Okavango is a must - withjout that it is impossible to appreciate the vastness of the delta and to really acomprehend the splendour! Boat trips on the swamps and rivers are a must to really get close to the water environment and the birds.

The spectacular Kubu Island is a must see! The majestic Baobabs that tare clsutered on a small island surrounded by a dry pan is so unreal and otherworldy that it really takes your breath away!

As a final statement - take more time and spend more time per venue than you think necessary! Travelling takes time on the dirt roads and you need time at each stop to enjoy the splendid sights! DO NOT RUSH!

A Magical Location for a Wild Bush Safari

We stayed in a couple of "posh tent" lodges in the middle of the park. It was very exciting because we flew in on a light aircraft and were picked up by a 4x4 to take us to the lodge. Both lodges we stayed in were fantastic and very atmospheric - we got woken up at 3am one night by an elephant eating the tree outside out tent!

The guides were all very professional and had great knowledge of the area and the wildlife. We liked the concept of setting up a table in a clearing and stopping for tea and cakes for the morning and a cocktail for sunset.

Due to the time of the year the big animals were a little patchy - we could go for 30-60 mins and only see antelope - we did see everything we wanted to see with the exception of a leopard (notoriously shy).

We loved it and are currently saving up to go again!

In my review of Chobe National Park you will see why I rate Botswana so highly as a Safari destination. Overall, the people are remarkably friendly and proud of their country, its history and leaders. Even through areas of extreme poverty, there was a consistent expression of pride. The scenic beauty, isolation, and unspoiled expanses of land are worth the trip.