Tourism News in Botswana, Africa Uncovered

by Mark Preston
(Leeds, England)

Botswana is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Africa, although relatively small compared to neighbouring South Africa or Zambia; Botswana is a land rich with culture, history and wildlife. Botswana is a real success story in Africa, from humble beginnings today more and more travellers are enjoying luxury holidays, honeymoons and safaris to this unique and charming corner of the continent.

The country is dominated by the largest sand basin in the world, the Kalahari Desert which stretches from northern South Africa across Namibia and Botswana and into the DRC. Unlike the stereotype many of us might be guilty of applying to a ‘desert’ landscape, the Kalahari actually features extensive vegetation and a number of localised ecosystems which provide the ideal habitat for a vast array of species including several of the most iconic large mammals in Africa.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve represents but a tiny a fraction of the wider Kalahari region but to give some idea of its sheer scale this reserve actually figures as the largest of its kind in the world. Today the area is home to the remaining descendants of the San Bushmen who for 30,000 years had lived a simple nomadic existence until the arrival of Western Europeans in the 19th Century.

To the North West of the country near the border with Namibia, this modest nation boasts another record breaking natural landmark; the embryonic Okavango Delta. This colossal waterway is the world’s largest inland delta and is nicknamed for good reason as the river that never reaches the sea. Every year 11 cubic kilometres of water are irrigated across an area larger than the Bahamas when seasonal flooding and run off from the Angolan Highlands transforms the region into a rich and vibrant marshland.

Understandably, as a significant water source countless animal species are attracted to the Okavango including Africa’s famous ‘big five’ featuring lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos and elephants. A unique feature of the lions in the delta is that unlike their counterparts in other areas of Africa they have grown to like water and can be seen swimming regularly. The Moremi Game Reserve was established to the east of the Okavango as a means of conserving the vast wildlife that frequented the region.

East of Moremi leading off the delta and up towards the serpentine Zambezi, the Chobe National Park is another of Botswana’s major attractions which extends through flood plains swamps and woodlands which supports a rich community of wildlife. The park can be generally dissected into four regions, the Chobe Riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, Savuté and Linyanti; the latter of which along with the small concessions of Kwando and Selinda provide some of the most intimate but rewarding game viewing in Southern Africa.

The Chobe River defines the northern border of the park before it flows into the Zambezi and a river cruise along this waterway affords travellers a unique perspective of the wildlife that rely upon it a regular source of water as well as the aquatic and semi-aquatic species that navigate the channels including hippos and crocodiles.
The spectacular Victoria Falls are only a short flight or drive away from the Botswana border and many tourists who visit the country elect to supplement their trip with an excursion to see the world’s largest waterfall and perhaps even a tour around the Lower Zambezi area.

Though temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year perhaps the best time to visit Botswana is during the winter period, being in the Southern Hemisphere this window is generally considered as May through to August. Less rain thins out the vegetation and animals can be spotted more readily as they congregate around perennial water sources.

This peak season attracts many tourists, coinciding with the European, Northern American and many African school holidays so if you are in search of a more intimate experience travelling just either side of the peak time promises less crowds married with ample game viewing.

Mark is an associate of The Turquoise Holiday Company, specialists in honeymoons and luxury tailor made holidays.