Linyanti National Park
The Linyanti and upper Savuti areas are among the most beautiful in Botswana offering exceptional game viewing with large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant. Because this area is a private game reserve, the vehicle concentrations are low offering on of the best wilderness experiences in Africa.

Chobe National Park
Home to some 80,000 elephants, one of the largest concentrations in Africa – Chobe is the place to be if you love elephants! Chobe can be enjoyed by houseboat cruise or staying at one of the few lodges located within the National Park.

Okavango Delta
Covering between 6,000 and 15,000 sq km of the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta a vast inland river delta that is affected by seasonal flooding drawing in lions, leopards, hyenas and more. A pristine wilderness experience and the jewel of Botswana!

Kalahari Desert
This large basin like plain is home to springbok, oryx, wildebeest, kudu and steenboks, as well as desert specialties such as meerkat, bat-eared and cape foxes. All three African big cats can be found here – cheetah, leopard and the famous black-maned Kalahari lions.

Makgadikgadi Pans
One of the largest salt flats in the world, the pans itself is only accessible during the dry season of March to October when the glaring white surface spreads so far that you can see the curvature of the earth. Between August to November wildebeest and zebra migrate slowly towards the Boteti River in anticipation of the rains.

The very best time for wildlife viewing in Botswana is between June and October, when the water levels are lower and birds, mammals and big game congregate around the water holes and channels to drink.

Outside of this season, there are many good reasons to visit including the calving season of newborn animals during November and December, and for “twitchers” between January and March when the Okavango Delta comes alive with over 400 species of birds.

The in-between periods of April/May or November is often recommended as it is outside of the “high” and more expensive season.

Just thinking about this beautiful country makes me smile. From its wonderful people to its serene environments and sheer beauty, it is a safari lover’s dream.

Our Botswana journey started in Chobe National Park, where our accommodation was true ‘glamping’ complete with a comfortable double bed, flush toilet, and hot bucket shower…oh, and did I mention a butler! Safaris in Chobe are done by land and boat with the wildlife viewing certainly living up to expectations as over 200 elephants congregated in one area to play in the water.

From Chobe we took a light aircraft down to the Okavango Delta – one of the most pristine and remote safari destinations one could ever hope for. With a focus on high quality, low volume tourism, you will not see masses of people, with the camps and lodges accommodating only around 30 guests. Travelling in December was not only great value but also a good time to see incredible birdlife and plenty of young animals. Think cute fluffy cheetah cubs, baby elephants and baby hyenas – simply adorable!

Our days were spent doing morning and afternoon safaris, with downtime spent relaxing at the camps, enjoying a swim while wildlife wandered past. The meals were simply superb and hearty with the staff taking note of what foods and drinks we particularly enjoyed. Upon arriving at the second camp I was greeted with “welcome Mrs Bennetto, pink gin is waiting for you in your room”!

On the light aircraft flights over the delta it was an incredible sight to see zebras and elephants from the air – almost as if they were farewelling us from their little slice of paradise.

Davina Bennetto, Sales Executive

Currency Botswanan Pula (BWP)

Language Setswana is the national language of Botswana, while English is the official language.

Why we love it Botswana has a fantastic contrast of arid to semi-arid desert covering much of the country – the Kalahari, and the incredible watery lagoons and labyrinths of the Okavango Delta which is in itself is one of the top highlights of any visit to Africa. With a focus on high quality low volume tourism it is truly a pristine safari destination which combines well with a visit to Victoria Falls, Zambia, Namibia or South Africa.

Weather Summer is from November to the end of March and is also the rainy season. The dry winter season begins in May and ends in August when virtually no rainfalls occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm.

Social customs & quirks Botswana was originally a protectorate of the British crown, known as Bechuanaland, and became independent in 1966 after which diamonds were discovered. The majority of peoples in Botswana are either of Khoisan or Bantu descent, which include other tribes within these. The San or “Bushmen” people for example, under the Khoisan group, are well documented and believed to be the race to which any person can trace their genetic heritage. While on safari you will find many of the staff at camp are local Botswanan and extremely proud to be sharing your experience of their country with you.

Festivals & events For nine days each April the Matisong Festival takes place in many venues around Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. There’s theatre, traditional music and dance, marimba bands, choirs and a range of more western-influenced styles of dance and music.

Health* Please contact your General Practitioner for advice regarding the recommended vaccination programme for travellers to this region. The only compulsory health requirement is a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if coming from, or travelling through, an infected area.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.