Botswana, pure desert still much to explore

The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country with approximately 1.7 million inhabitants, neighbors South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is the same size as France. In its northwest is the famous Okavango Delta, a unique inland delta that attracts a variety of wildlife, not only in the delta itself, but also in the adjacent parks.

Traveling through the wilderness of Botswana will be guaranteed for adventure and pure African wildlife. It is the policy of the Botswana government to preserve this habitat and it does so by keeping safaris as an exclusive event. Access to parks, camping fees, etc., is expensive. And that’s just the beginning. Therefore, you will not see the herds of tourists and safari vehicles as you may have seen in Tanzania or Kenya. And while park facilities have been improved in the last two years, they are minimal. You will travel deep into the jungle, being away from any form of civilization and therefore you must bring a refrigerator, stove or shower. Entering on your own requires planning your adventure in advance, renting the right equipment and vehicle, reserving the sites and parks.

Booking trips with local operators has the advantage of being able to camp outside the public campgrounds, which are usually fully booked before you know it. Some safari companies are members of HATAB and / or BOGA (Botswana Guides Association). With a safari company listed on HATAB and BOGA, you will be camping in areas that are not open to the public, really in the middle of nowhere. Under the “take nothing, leave nothing” rule, these members can set up camp, spend the night (s) and when you leave, the place must show only your footprints as evidence that you stayed there.

Also traveling with a BOGA company, you are sure to be on the trail with local safari guides who were born and raised in Batswana. They know the territory very well, they are authorized by the DWNP (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) and frequently trained in medical rescue. Although “requested” animal sightings can never be guaranteed, guides know where to find the wild dog, leopard, or a specific bee-eater.

Botswana is the place where you can be sure to see as much and diverse wildlife as you would expect in Africa. But also in the true African habitat. The Okavango Delta is a bird watcher’s paradise, both in and out of the water. The Moremi Game Reserve in the delta is still officially the best game reserve in Africa and has a lot to show for it. Almost all species converge here: hippos, elephants, water antelopes, zebras, impalas, raptors, crocodiles, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, baboons, honey badgers, lions, leopards, giraffes. Whatever it is, it will be there. Although, it will be difficult to find rhinos on Moremi’s tongue. For those, you might consider the Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe, a very nice park, perfect between Johannesburg and Maun if you are traveling by car from South Africa.

And these are just some of the things you can find in the Okavango, there is much more to see, in the water, in the water, at night. Consider spending a night camping on one of the many islands and taking a walk in the woods … well, go there!