Home to one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, the Okavango Delta, as well as renowned national parks and abundant wildlife, Botswana is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations.
Custodian of extraordinary, wildlife-packed destinations like the Chobe National Park, the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Transfrontier Park, this easy-going, friendly country blends exceptional big game viewing with world-class accommodation, rich cultural interactions and hassle-free logistics.
The perfect destination for discerning safari travellers and wildlife aficionados, Botswana offers some of the best safari and wildlife experiences in the world – and there are a plethora of options to choose from.
Safari and wildlife experiences aplenty
The Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe are Botswana’s most popular parks because they provide a year-round water supply, and Moremi and Chobe are home to almost all the species of southern African mammals, including more than 100,000 elephants.
Venture into the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans National Parks to see mega-herds of wildebeest, zebra and other mammals that migrate here annually in search of permanent water and stable food supplies. Soak up the breathtaking montage of lily-covered wetlands, sparkling floodplains, open grassland and dappled forests of Moremi, which is tucked in one of the most accessible corners of the Okavango and is home to a myriad of game all year round.
The stage where lions compete with packs of cackling hyena clans for food and territory, Savuti is a safari aficionado’s paradise.
Situated in a remote section of Chobe, Savuti has earned its world-renowned reputation for raw, dramatic game viewing due to its horizonless landscapes, abundant wildlife and a full cast of predators.
Head north into the arid landscapes of the Kalahari National Park and experience the full extent of Botswana’s diversity. This windswept region features vast, rolling dunes and salt pans that are home to a unique population of desert-adapted plants and animals, including black-maned Kalahari lions and large herds of desert-roaming elephants.
Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from five-star hotels, luxury safari camps and lodges, to budget guesthouses, backpackers and camping grounds, with customised and tailor-made safaris and experiences for every budget.
Top spots to stay on a visit to Botswana
Zarafa Camp
Located in the Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, Zarafa Camp is an intimate and luxurious tented camp that promises an unforgettable safari experience.
Sumptuous guest tents offer exceptional views of the lagoon, which attracts buffaloes and elephants by the hundreds. Spacious bedrooms are decorated in warm African tones with a comfortable lounge, cosy gas fireplace and an old World War 2 crank phone for drink orders.
Luxurious en-suite bathrooms boast alfresco showers, copper Victorian ball-and-claw baths and separate toilets, and each tent leads to the private plunge pool and full-body outdoor shower with spectacular views of the untouched Botswana wilderness.
Inspired by 1920s exploration and exotic East African style, the opulent Dhow Suites are separate from the main camp, catering for four to six guests with a private chef and dedicated staff.
Two exquisite suites of palatial proportions open onto expansive verandahs with private pools and exquisite views across the lagoon.
Under an impressive canopy of African ebony trees, the main lounge houses a well-stocked library and elegant dining area where guests can savour delicious local cuisine. Enjoy a massage in the privacy of your suite or keep fit on the outdoor “jungle gym”.
Adventures include twice-daily game drives (including night drives) in open 4×4 safari vehicles, short, guided walks and the opportunity to get up close to wildlife in the camp’s sunken hide situated at the water’s edge.
Mombo Camp
Surrounded by enormous concentrations of game in the heart of the water-drenched wonderland of the Okavango Delta, Mombo Camp is located in the private Mombo Concession within the Moremi Game Reserve.
Built under large, shady trees, Mombo has nine luxurious tented suites that are raised almost two metres off the ground and connected by charming wooden walkways, allowing animals to wander freely beneath the camp and enhancing the breathtaking views of the Delta.
Spacious canvas tents boast wooden floors and king-sized beds cocooned in mosquito netting, as well large private verandahs, while en-suite bathrooms with double showers and vanities have an additional outdoor shower for back-to-basic close-ups with nature.
Kick back and relax in the elegant lounge, library or authentic bush bar, and soak up the views of lily-filled waterways and floodplains teeming with wildlife. Cool down in one of two plunge pools, work out in the fully equipped gym, or unwind with an indulgent massage on your private deck.
Savour an exotic fusion of local and international cuisine with hearty bush breakfasts, afternoon picnics amidst the waterways of the Delta, and romantic candlelit dinners in the traditional outdoor boma.
Head out into the wild on exciting day and night game drives, track the famous leopard Legadema or her daughter Pula near the camp, or follow seasoned rhino monitor Poster Malongwa in search of Africa’s most endangered species.
This Friday feels is in my favourite place ON EARTH….Okavango Delta Botswana and in particular, @wearewilderness Mombo Camp. Mombo means The Place of Plenty’ and plenty there is! The plains on Chiefs Island are teaming with game, which of course in turn attracts the big cats! I feel very fortunate to have spent considerable time at this beautiful camp as once is never enough!!
Baines’ Camp
Set in a private concession for sheer exclusivity, Baines’ Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari lodge on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta. Resting beneath shady trees overlooking a large, perennial lagoon just off the Boro River, this five-star camp oozes Out of Africa appeal.
Beautifully appointed suites on elevated platforms feature wooden decks that provide breathtaking views over the Boro River and the Delta.
The luxurious suites feature bedrooms with mobile four-poster beds that can be pulled onto the deck to sleep under the stars. Lovely en-suite bathrooms provide creature comforts, including a bath and shower. An oversized deck is ideal for alfresco-style dining under the stars, with incredible views over the lagoon and a sparkling swimming pool with thatched salas is the perfect place to cool off after a game drive. Grab a refreshing drink from the bar and head to the main viewing deck, which is superb for game viewing and bird watching.
Guided game drives are conducted in open-top 4×4 vehicles in the early mornings and late afternoons. Combine exhilarating night drives with an afternoon activity such as walking or mokoro (canoe) safaris, conducted in the pristine area of the private concession, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience and go walking in the bush with the semi-habituated elephants.
Linyanti Bush Camp
Overlooking the lush wetlands of the Linyanti Marsh, Linyanti Bush Camp is an intimate and exclusive safari retreat in Botswana’s legendary Chobe Enclave. Perfectly positioned to offer stunning views of the marsh, the only water source for many kilometres, attracting a plethora of game and birdlife, this superb bush camp is an unrivalled haven for an authentic and wild safari experience.
Ideal for honeymooners or wildlife lovers who want a measure of privacy, Linyanti has just six luxurious Meru-style tents with every creature comfort.
Embracing spellbinding views over the Linyanti landscape, each tent has Afro-chic décor and features a comfortable lounge with writing desk, large, inviting beds dressed in crisp linen, and lovely en-suite bathrooms with modern facilities.
Raised decks are designed to elevate the safari experience, while open-sided canvas tents comprising a library, bar, and lounge with comfortable sofas invite the untamed wilderness in. A small private plunge pool is the perfect place to cool off as you watch the ever-changing view of the Linyanti floodplains with its constant movement of wildlife.
Enjoy year-round game drives, guided walking safaris, bird watching and mokoro (canoe) excursions in season, and exhilarating night game drives for a glimpse into Botswana’s natural nocturnal world.
For the complete article: http://www.thesouthafrican.com/travel/botswana-wildlife-safari-tourism/
