Botswana
Botswana
Introduction
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana
The country has a population of 2.1 million people, with an official language of English and a currency of the Botswana pula. The total area is 751,730 square kilometres (292,650 sq mi). The economy of Botswana has been ranked as one of the most stable and prosperous in Africa for many years. Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by Namibia to the west and South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the east and Zambia to the north. Much of Botswana's economy is derived from tourism, with the country having some of the greatest wildlife areas in the world. The Okavango Delta is one of the major wilderness conservation areas in Africa known for its exceptional population of large mammals. Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World heritage Site that contains over 4500 rock paintings and stone tools.
Botswana is known for its wildlife-viewing opportunities as well as for its tourism infrastructure and rich cultural heritage.
The Okavango Delta is home to elephants, hippo, crocodiles and birds including storks, heron and pelicans. Chobe National Park has large herds of elephants which migrate from nearby Angola each year between July and November. Moremi Game Reserve is home to lions as well as cheetahs while Kasane attracts tourists seeking Victoria Falls on their way towards Zimbabwe or Zambia.
The economy of Botswana is one of the world's fastest growing economies. Botswana has some of Africa's largest diamond reserves and is home to some of the most secure investments on earth.
The Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) has been set up as a body under National Tourism Policy with a clear mandate:
To promote tourism development in Botswana through research and information gathering;
To promote Botswana as an attractive destination;
To provide assistance to local communities who are involved in tourism development initiatives;
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders, located in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. This oasis of lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife is made up of an intricate network of floodplains, marshes, and grasslands. Formed by the seasonal flooding of the Okavango River, it is the largest inland delta in the world, spanning approximately 15,000 square kilometers.
The Delta boasts an impressive range of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, swamps and savannahs. These different landscapes provide habitats for many different species, from elephants and giraffes to lions, leopards and cheetahs. There are also more than 400 species of birds as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians and fish. The wealth of biodiversity has made the Delta a hotspot for nature enthusiasts, with its waters, reedbeds, floodplains and woodlands providing a safe haven for both wildlife and people. Beyond the wildlife, the Okavango Delta is also home to an array of human cultures and traditions. This includes the Tswana, who have lived in the region for hundreds of years and still practice their traditional craft of mokoro canoe traversing. The Botswana government has also set aside community-managed areas, promoting sustainable utilization of natural resources and allowing local people to benefit from ecotourism.
The Okavango Delta is an ecologically important area for Africa and its wildlife. Its significance has earned it the recognition of being one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been on the Ramsar List since 1974, indicating its status as a wetland of international importance. The Okavango Delta is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse natural treasures. There’s something special to experience at every turn, whether it be the grace of an elephant, the sight of a lion on the hunt, or the vibrant sunsets that illuminate the wetlands. As an oasis of life in an otherwise arid landscape, the Okavango Delta will continue to captivate and inspire wildlife lovers, naturalists, and travelers for years to come.
We provide a number of options for exploring and experiencing the Delta. Contact us today to schedule your Okavango experience, from self-drive to exclusive safaris. www.whynotafricatours.com
Moremi Game Reserve
More than a century after explorer David Livingstone described this place as "country full of rivers," the environment and wildlife in the Moremi area were threatened. Moremi Game Reserve was established in 1963 as a result of the bravery of the indigenous Batawana people, making Moremi the Okavango Delta's oldest and first protected reserve. The reserve is named after Batawana tribal members Chief Moremi III and his wife as a token of thanks. Moremi Game Reserve is now one of the most diverse reserves, with surprises around every corner, even for the most seasoned Africa visitors.
The Moremi Game Reserve preserves the Okavango Delta's middle and eastern sections. The contrasts created by combining drier landscapes and waterways are breathtaking. Consider views of savannah game and birdlife along rivers, or elephants and hippos swimming in lagoons. The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, often referred to as a "Garden of Eden," offers year-round great game watching as well as spectacular landscapes of grassland, floodplains, lagoons, deep woodlands (where leopards and wild dogs hide), and winding rivers.
Your Moremi adventure will always begin in Maun, Botswana's "tourism capital" and a relatively small (55.000 inhabitants) Kalahari town. You can fly there from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kasane, or Victoria Falls. Domestic travel from Gaborone to Maun is also available (daily). Flights from Kasane to Maun and back are available twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) and are perfect for visitors to the Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park.
For your next amazing Moremi Game Reserve excursion, go to www.whynotafricatours.com
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park in Botswana is a unique wildlife experience. The park covers an area of about 10,000 sq km and is renowned for its abundant elephant population, estimated at around 120,000. Chobe also sustains many other species of wildlife, from lion, leopard, and buffalo to a wide range of antelope such as impala, kudu, and gemsbok, plus plenty of birds, reptiles, and other smaller animals.
Apart from elephants, the highlight of the park is the Chobe River which forms the northern boundary of the park. Filled with hippopotamus, crocodiles, and all sorts of water birds, it’s the perfect way to witness the diversity of the park and its inhabitants. Boat rides are available which show off the area and all it has to offer. Visitors of Chobe National Park also have the opportunity to take game drives. During game drives, visitors travel in an open-top safari vehicle and explore the park in search of its inhabitants. Game drives can last for several hours, allowing plenty of time to observe and marvel at all the animals. In addition to game drives, Chobe also offers walking safaris and night drives. Walking safaris, as the name implies, take visitors on a slow and adventurous walk through the bush. Night drives are a great way to see nocturnal animals and to experience the park in a whole new light.
If all that exploration leaves visitors in need of a break, they can opt for some rest and relaxation at one of the many lodges, campsites, and guesthouses that are scattered through the bush. All of these offer a great environment to soak in all the park has to offer.
Overall, Chobe National Park offers an exciting and memorable experience. From its diverse wildlife to its great accommodations, there is something to suit everyone. A visit to Chobe National Park promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
We offer a number of ways to see Chobe, including small group safaris or private guided tours. Speak with us about making your trip to Chobe a memorable one. www.whynotafricatours.com
Savuti Game Reserve
When to Visit Botswana
Botswana is a bucket list destination for many intrepid travelers. When planning a trip to Botswana, there are a few key aspects to consider in order to maximize your time there.
Firstly, it is important to have a good understanding of the climate in Botswana. As the country is situated within the tropics, the temperature can range from warm to scorching hot, depending on the time of year. The rainy season typically runs from about October to April, meaning that these months receive the most torrential downpours. If you want to avoid the wet weather, the best times to visit are from May to August as this is the dry season.
Secondly, you should think about when the wildlife is most active, as this will give you a very different safari experience. Typically, the best months for seeing the herds of antelopes and zebras are during the dry season (May to August). During the wet season, there tends to be fewer opportunities for wildlife watching as the animals migrate further away.
Thirdly, you should also factor in the peak tourist months. Bulk of the travelers tend to fly in between June and August, making this the busiest time in terms of availability of flights and hotel accommodations. Prices, too, tend to go up in the summer months, so if you can avoid these months, you could save a substantial amount of money.
Finally, it is also beneficial to keep in mind the relevant cultural events and holidays. Depending on the time of year, there are various festivals and activities which draw people from all walks of life, offering a different side to Botswana. The Botswana International Jazz Festival, for example, is held annually in April and is a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and music of the country.
Conclusion
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