When you think of Africa, you think of safari. But which country is the safari country par excellence? One of the top shelf countries for safari definitely is Botswana, a beautifully diverse country. Just think of the vastness of the Kalahari or the unique Okavango Delta. Add to that the large numbers of animal species that live in this country and you have the perfect combination for an unforgettable African adventure. Botswana has not yet been overrun by tourism yet. Here you will experience the ultimate bush feeling! Not convinced yet? Let us show you!
Pay a visit to the Okavango Delta
An absolute must-see is the Okavango Delta. This is the largest inland water system in the world. The source starts in Angola and eventually the river flows through Namibia, into Botswana and where all branches form. When the rain in Angola starts in October, it takes about two months before the water reaches Botswana. Only after 9 months does the water reach the ends of the Delta arms. It is therefore a very sensitive area, but the presence of the Delta has made this area a beautiful oasis.
The best way to discover the Okavango Delta is by using a mokoro. This is a traditional canoe, with a ranger standing in the back and pushing the mokoro with a long stick. In this way you can sail deeper into the Delta. From here you can start various walks around the island. It is possible to approach a variety of animals on foot, such as rhinos, buffaloes and birds. Of course you will receive safety instructions before you go for a walk. It is also possible to explore the Okavango Delta in a Landrover.
Watch the sunset on the water
It is wonderful to sit by the water’s edge and watch the birds flying in and out. With a bit of luck you can even see elephants passing by or buffalo coming to drink. There is plenty to look at. If you want to do something more active, you could ask your ranger to teach you how to handle a mokoro. It is a bit of a search for the balance and difficult to understand how to steer, but it is super fun to do.
In addition to walking tours in the Delta, you can also do a sunset cruise in the mokoro. You glide almost silently on the clear water. This is relaxing. The channels are sometimes very narrow and in some places you can even see clear elephant trails that have arisen between the papyrus. In a nice spot, provided there are no hippos, you can enjoy a sunset from the mokoro. A perfect way to end a day in the Delta.
Spotting Leopards and other majestic animals
There is also a possibility that you might see a leopard! Be the lucky one that watches them catch an impala and pull it up the tree so that his meal is safe from other predators. Occasionally when the leopard is done eating his pray in the tree, he will drop the corps. At that moment, you might see a hyena emerge from the bushes! Hyenas are real opportunists. If they realize that there may be something to get, they can easily stay around all day. A piece of meat that just falls down is exactly what the hyena is waiting for.
Walhalla for bird spotters
Botswana is a paradise for bird lovers. More than 450 species of birds are found here. For spotting birds and other wildlife, of course, it is advisable to bring good binoculars. You will really benefit from this, because even if animals are fairly close, you can see beautiful details with the binoculars. One of the stunning birds is the crimson bee-eater. These birds breed in the riparian valleys along the channels of the Chobe River. Thousands of these bright red flutterers together is a great sight. See the photo below.
Still not convinced? Check out our Botswana page and maybe then you will be!
