Botswana is a country that is difficult to define. A safari haven, an oasis, endless beauty: These descriptions, while true, fall short of the essence that is Botswana.
People from around the globe will travel to this landlocked country for the undeniable beauty of the flooded Okavango Delta. There is so much more to this incredible country though.
Often we sing the praises of the diverse landscapes found across South Africa yet Botswana offers just as much of a visual feast.
The Delta, the Kalahari desert, the city, the Chobe. The abundance of wildlife, birds and the largest concentration of African elephants on Earth.
The Botswanan borders have reopened and international air travel has resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Kasane International Airport and Maun International Airport.
Land borders will reopen on December 1 at Kazungula, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer and Mohembo.
Phillip G. Matante International Airport in Francistown will welcome back international air travel on December 1.
If you need a reason to visit, however, here are some of the best.
1. The Makgadikgadi Basin
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the world’s largest salt pans, spanning an area of over 30,000 km². The vastness of the pans and the harsh dryness of the desert are equally beautiful and brutal. When you’re standing on the flat, grey-white crunchy salt, they seem endless. The Basin is made up of a number of salt pans with the largest being Sua, Nwetwe and Nxai. The pans are a great opportunity for optical illusion photography, as well as to see some animal tracks up close.
The historical aspect of the pans and the area in general is another drawcard for this part of the country.
A walks with the ancient Zu’/hoasi people will bring perspective to how you live everyday life. In the metropolitan cities, we are so dependent on man-made things to survive. Cars, technology, grocery stores.
In the Kalahari, the Zu’/hoasi people depend on themselves and age-old practices for their survival. Throughout the walk, you are let in on the inner workings of how these people have survived in arid conditions for millions of years, where food and water sources seem non-existent. At the end of the walk, you are invited to observe a sacred ceremony, which is organised by Camp Kalahari. It’s an experience that is difficult to describe but something that everyone should do.
Salt pans from the sky. Picture: Imogen Searra
Palm trees line this part of the country. Picture: Imogen Searra
Where to stay: Camp Kalahari, situated near the Ntwetwe pan.
2. The Chobe River
To visit the Chobe River you will need to stay in Kasane in the north. This part of the country is incredibly interesting for many reasons. It is near to the borders of Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, so if you want to venture to other parts of southern Africa, Kasane is the best place to be. It is also the gateway to Chobe National Park where you are guaranteed to see an elephant or two hundred. The river is incredibly beautiful, with its contrasting green wetlands on the Namibian side, the dark water in the middle, and the sandbanks of Chobe National Park on the other. Elephants line the riverbanks, with the odd nile crocodile in between.
One of the many elephants we saw in Chobe along the river. Image: Elise Kirsten
Where to stay: Ngoma Safari Lodge
The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a global sensation for safari-goers. It is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. When you arrive, it’s as if every cell in your body slows down. Your soul is instantly calmer, quieter and at peace. Gliding down a river on a mokoro brings a sense of relaxation nothing else can. With 595 bird species found in the country, you’re bound to see a substantial amount here. Regardless of the time of year you visit, whether it be before, during or after flood season, your life will be changed forever.
A view from the air of a mokoro trip in progress on Botswana’s Khwai River in the Delta. Image: Michelle Hardie
Where to stay: Shinde Camp
The Delta, the dessert, the city the Chobe. Picture: Getaway Gallery
Botswana’s abundance of wildlife is one reason to visit, sure. The natural world and diversity of landscapes, though, are the reason that keeps you wanting to come back. The people you meet along the way, the wealth of knowledge from your guides, the incredibly rich history and the peacefulness of this country is bound to capture a piece of your heart forever.
