Botswana Travel Guide

The combination of walking safaris (not always available in other places) and ridden ones (4x4 or boat) allow you for a taste of both close encounters with single animals in the bush, and the impressive abundance of herds.

I've only been to two parks, and both have been in Botswana (Mokolodi and Chobe). You won't see big cats in either, but you will see elephants and more in Chobe. But in terms of what you can get around Gaborone, short of driving a few hours and dropping a big wad of cash at some bigger, more famous parks, you can't get better than Mokolodi. Botswana is safe, it's inexpensive, and it's not crowded with too many tourists. You'll be in a smaller park, but you may be all alone... we had only four people on our rhino visit, including the two of us. Last time, on a cheetah visit, it was just me and two others. Excellent!

Botswana has managed to preserve its wildlife - unlike so many other african nations.

Botswana offers an extensive variety of game and bird species. The country’s habitat is however not very diverse. The bush experience is however maintained with rustic camping sites and well integrated lodges, etc.

My impression is the delta is hit or miss. It will either be the most amazing safari in africa or a real disappointment. It all depends on the wildlife that is on the islands you visit for your nature walks.

Botswana has some very beautiful areas, such as Makgadikgadi, Chobe, Moremi and Okavango Delta, with loads of wildlife. However, it's close proximity to South Africa makes it a busy place. Many campsites in National Parks need to be booked more than a year in advance. This pre-arrangement doesn't give the country a real 'bush-vibe', although some gems, such as Makgadikgadi still feel very much like the real deal.

In my oppinion Botswana offers some of the best wildlife viewing and birdwatching in Africa, combined with friendly people, knowledgable guides and comfortable accommodation in various price classes.