Botswana
Botswana is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, and makes for an incredible getaway without safari congestion. It is a country of amazing contrasts, from the desert landscapes of the Kalahari in the south to the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta, which are teeming with game.
Undoubtedly, Botswana has the richest, and perhaps, the highest quality safari in Africa, with most of the northern parts of the country having been dedicated to wildlife areas. By introducing a model of high value, low impact tourism, they have been able to develop the most authentic wilderness experiences to be found.
Botswana’s diverse and beautiful culture and wildlife highlights include:
Central Kalahari
The Central Kalahari Reserve is the second largest wildlife reserve in the world. When the summer rains fall, plains species flock to the flat grasslands in the northern reaches of the sanctuary. These include large herds of springbok and gemsbok, as well as wildebeest, hartebeest, eland, and giraffe. The Central Kalahari is also home to the ancient San Bushmen. Having the opportunity to interact with these interesting people is a definite highlight for a visitor to the area.
If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.
– John Hemingway
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is certainly one of the most unique wilderness areas found in Africa. It is formed by floodwaters that flow from the Angolan highlands more than 700 miles away, and then drain into one of the only inland deltas in the world. It ranks as one of the best game viewing spots to be found in Southern Africa.