BOTSWANA HOLIDAYS

Game Reserves and National Parks

Botswana is known for its conservation efforts and strict safari regulations. Its national parks provide a safe haven for many of Africa’s endangered animals, including cheetahs, brown hyenas, cape vultures, wattled cranes, the wild dog, Pel’s fishing owl and several other bird species. Botswana boasts several well-kept reserves that work to protect the animals and ecosystem of the country. The Chobe Natioanl Reserve is the most popular safari location and is home to elephants, buffalo and lions. The Moremi Game Reserve, which covers one third of the Delta, is home to the big five and contains Africa’s largest population of red lechwe (antelope). Being one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, Botswana takes large measures to ensure that its wilderness is protected.

Landscape

Botswana is made up primarily of vast, flat plains with the Kalahari sands covering about 84 per cent of the country. However, the country encases one of the world’s great natural wonders and largest intact delta – the Okavango. Like the land-locked country, it’s mesmerising how one patch of land, nestled in a massive expanse of desert, can be so rich and full of life. Here, at this wildlife oasis, wildebeests, zebras, crocodiles, frogs black and white rhinoceros, African wild dogs, cheetahs and birds gather around the papyrus-feathered, crystal-clear waterways. Just south of the Okavango, is Central Kalahari – the largest game reserve in the word. Combined these geographical regions epitomise the beauty and grandeur of the African wilderness.

A Diamond in the Rough

Just over 50 years ago, Botswana underwent a major change when it was discovered that the country was sitting on a bed of diamonds. The nation soon became the world’s largest producer of the gem and the resulting economic boom turned it into a middle-income country and one of Africa’s most prosperous. Consequently, the high demand for diamonds and burgeoning mining industry has threatened the beloved land and wildlife – especially in the Delta, where water reserves are limited.

Culture

While Botswana is known for its astonishingly rich wildlife and expansive stretches of untamed wilderness, its people and rich culture are just as alluring. A visit to one of the local villages treats travellers to a first-hand experience of time-honoured customs and traditions. The Kalahari Bushmen are the last of a dying breed who are trying to maintain their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. For several thousands of years, the Bushmen roamed the land freely. Now, due to political issues and modernisation, there is believed to be only 100,000 Bushmen left on the entire continent. A visit with the Bushmen is a must. To experience an untamed and unspoilt Africa, Botswana is the place to visit.