BOTSWANA TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Admire the elephants in Chobe National Park
Founded in 1968, Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first nature reserve. It is home to a huge number of elephants that can be seen especially in the northern part of the national park on the banks of the Chobe River. During the dry season, the river may have up to hundreds of elephants drinking at a time. The park is also home to other wildlife such as buffalo, giraffes, lions and various monkeys. The best area for bird watching is the Savutin marshland, where you can see up to 400 species of birds during the rainy season.
You can explore the park on your own by renting an SUV. Safari trips to the area are organized by car and boat, accompanied by expert guides.
Accommodation takes place in campsites, where you will find a variety of luxury options in particular. Cheaper accommodation is also available, but mainly in the form of camping. If you are visiting the park during the rainy season, anti-malarial drugs and mosquito nets should be packed.
Amazed in the Kalahari Desert
The name Kalahari comes from the Tsawa language and literally means “great thirst”. About 52,000 square kilometers of Kalahari is located in Botswana and in the middle is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the most remote and largest protected area in southern Africa according to countryaah.
Despite the drought, the Kalahari Desert has life. Its trees, shrubs and hay as well as animals have adapted to survive in an area where water and food are scarce. Among other things, fish lions, four-fingered mongooses and spear antelopes live there.
The desert area is also the holy area of Tsodilo Hills with over 4,000 rock paintings. Signs of settlement have been found in the area 100,000 years ago. Tsodilo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kalahari can be explored on various safaris. It is also possible to explore the area independently by renting a car. Before a trip to the desert, it is a good idea to explore the area in advance and book food and water for unexpected coincidences. It is also a good idea to check the car’s spare parts in advance. It is also good to repeat basic maintenance skills as well as first aid skills. Traveling alone in the desert is not recommended.
There are a few campsites in the area, some of which have cottage accommodation and some of which you can stay in your own tent. When camping in Kalahari, it is worth stretching a bit to go to bed, as the night starry sky is breathtakingly beautiful.
Okavango is the largest estuary in the world
The Okavango River does not descend into the sea but forms the largest estuary in the world in the northwestern part of Botswana which is short for BWA by abbreviationfinder. The estuary is constantly changing: old riverbeds and islands are disappearing as new ones are formed. The life of the estuary intensifies during the rainy season.
The estuary is a popular destination due to its diversity. It is home to more than a thousand species of plants and more than a hundred species of mammals. The estuary is also a dream destination for the bird bongar, as about 460 bird species are found in the estuary. For example, 38 different hawks live in the area. The estuary is also the largest fishing area in Botswana.
There are plenty of individualized safari trips to the estuary, but it is also possible to explore the area on a smaller budget. The nights are spent in campsites with well-equipped cottages and luxury tents.
The easiest way to get to Okavango Nature Park is from the city of Mau, which is the tourist center of Botswana. You can rent a car from the city or choose from any of the safari organizers.
The Okavango Delta was added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014.
The capital is Gaborone
Located in the southeastern part of the country, Gaborone is a center of cultural fusion. African, Indian, Chinese and European influences are visible in the streetscape of the growing city.
For many, Gaborone is just a quick stop before moving on to other destinations in the country. In the city’s shopping malls you can complete safari equipment and learn about the country’s history at the National Museum. The city also has many music events, representing both local and music from around the world.
Growing in Francistown
Francistown is one of Botswana’s oldest cities, established during the first gold rush in Africa in the 19th century. There are still old abandoned mines around the city. The history of the area can also be explored at the Supa-Ngwao Museum of Culture and History, which also has an extensive art exhibition.
Francistown is constantly growing and evolving. New shopping malls and residential areas are being built and the range of services is growing. For many tourists, the city is a stopover before heading to nature attractions.
Francistown has an international airport with flights to Johannesburg, South Africa.
THE BEST OF BOTSWANA
Experience these in Botswana
- Safari in the Kalahari
- Boat trip on the traditional Mokoro in the Okavango estuary
- View Tsodilo’s cave paintings
- Bongaa elephants in Chobe National Park
DISADVANTAGES OF BOTSWANA
- No direct flights from Finland
- Poor public transport
- High risk of malaria