Botswana
Experience Amazing with our Botswana Safaris
Botswana - a must see for any African safari - is located in the centre of southern Africa. Famously know for the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert, the landlocked country offers a host of wild animals and breathtaking landscapes.
Botswana gained its independence from the British in September 1966; its people have developed a deep, patriotic love for their country. It’s therefore not surprising that with one of the lowest perceived corruption rankings in Africa since 1998, Botswana has grown to become a world renowned tourism destination.
Contributing to this popularity is that the population of just over 2 million people share their beautiful home with 130,000 elephants. That’s more than any other African country and about a third of all elephants in Africa.
The best time to visit Botswana is in the dry season from May to September, with most people visiting between July and October. It must be noted that due to the seasonal flooding of the Okavango Delta, some national parks have their own peak times.
A highlight many tourist come to watch is the migration of animals in the rainy season, from the Okavango Delta to the vastly vegetated pans of the Kalahari.
Driving In Botswana
Traffic in Botswana sticks to the left side of the road; speed limits and other driving violations are taken very seriously: fines are payable on the spot in most circumstances (many police vehicles carry wireless speed points for convenience, too).
The general speed limit on the highway is normally 120kph. Through villages - often situated right next to the highway - lower speeds are required and indicated. In towns, 60kph is the maximum speed, although often the dense traffic results in slower travel there.
The highways themselves are mostly well maintained, but the great number of cattle and wild animals on and around the road require a cautionary eye, especially at night. In national parks, the road usually turns into gravel, or even a single jeep track - both of which can be incredibly bumpy. Account for longer driving times when you plan your trip, so that you can take it easy and avoid losing accessories or important car parts.
Language In Botswana
The national language in Botswana is English, often very well spoken by all people due to the British influence in the country.
Visas for Botswana
US and British citizens do not need a VISA to visit Botswana
A note on Game in Botswana
As mentioned before, Botswana has a stunning variety of wildlife that is especially numerous in the national parks. Besides being careful when driving due to animals crossing, many campsites in Botswana are unfenced. This means that wild animals are free to wander into your camp and explore whatever you have left unsecured.
Be sure not to provoke the wildlife: do not feed them, and do not leave any food outside. The local park rangers usually have a few good tips available for travellers.
Safari Options for Botswana
The most common type of safari in Botswana is the mobile camp safari. Operated with a professional guide and open safari vehicle, the staff drive ahead to set up camp before guests arrive. This method has been used since the early days of tourism, before permanent camps or lodges were established.
Mobile camp safaris are able to access areas usually not feasible for permanent accommodation facilities due to seasonal flooding. For a more luxurious experience, travellers can book a fly-in safari or luxury permanent or tented camps. If adventure tickles you, self drive safaris are also possible.
Fly-In Safaris
Fly-in safaris in Botswana have become more and more popular over the last few years. Favourites are light aircraft, such as the Cessna Carven, Cessna C210 or the Kodiak Quest.
Fly-in safaris enable guests to travel from camp to camp relatively quickly, with flights taking 30 to 85 minutes. This reduced travel time brings greater comfort and the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Botswana’s unique geography.
Luxury camps will normally have access to airstrips. The aviation industry in Botswana is well prepared to offer charter services as well as scheduled routes to many of the luxury camps around the Okavango delta, or at least from main airports in Botswana to small airports close to your chosen accommodation.
For the ultimate high-end travel, luxury fly-in safaris take splendour to the next level.
Guided Safaris
Guided mobile camp safaris are a very enjoyable and cost-effective way to visit Botswana and enjoy the wildlife. The professional guide delights guests with his intricate knowledge of indigenous fauna and flora, while trained and experienced back-up teams ensure safety and smooth running of the safari.
Tents, meals and safari showers are usually all included in these packages, that can often be adapted to your wishes.
Guided Group Safaris
If you’re looking for something easy and effortless, with the chance of meeting new people, a guided group safari may just be the thing for you.
With fixed departures and relatable group sizes, all you need to do is choose a date and join the adventure.
Guided Private Safaris
If you don’t feel like sharing the experience with strangers, and value one-to-one contact with your guide, choose a private guided safari instead. With a guide and support team just for you and your travel partners, this midrange to luxury option is convenient, safe and perfect for families.
Self-Drive Safaris
Due to the condition of the roads in national parks (or, more precisely, lack thereof), a self-drive safari in Botswana is more often a bold exploration than a relaxed holiday. With maps that often aren’t to scale, unmarked tracks and seasonal flooding affecting routes, it will be an experience to remember - for the fearless traveller.
However, with the great number of wild animals next to roads, in parks and even in the camps, it may be an adventure worth your while.
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