Botswana: A Land of Enchanting Contrasts

By Evelyn Morris
12 June 2024

Botswana, a landlocked country in the heart of Africa, defies expectations. Despite its size, roughly the size of France or Texas, it remains one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, with just 2.3 million people calling its vast 600,370 square kilometres home. Here, wildlife far outnumber humans!

Travel to Botswana and be mesmerized by the Okavango Delta, a jewel-toned oasis where crystal-clear waterways snake through lush grasslands teeming with life. Venture east and witness a dramatic shift – the parched expanses of the Makgadikgadi salt pans shimmer under the relentless sun, remnants of an ancient sea. To the west, the Kalahari Desert stretches out in a sea of sand, a resilient wilderness whispering tales of time. Impressively, 45% of Botswana is protected land, with 25% designated as National Parks and Reserves.

Botswana is a land of contrasts, where water carves life-giving ribbons through arid plains and ancient salt pans whisper secrets of a bygone era. Read on as we delve into the diverse beauty of this amazing country, showcasing just a glimpse of what awaits travellers venturing to Botswana.

Maun: Your Gateway to Adventure

Maun, a laid-back town bordering the fringes of the Okavango Delta, serves as the springboard for most Botswana adventures. Imagine a frontier town with a modern twist. Light aircraft take off daily on safaris from Maun’s bustling airport, whisking travellers from all over the world to luxurious camps nestled deep within the Delta.

But Maun offers more than just a jumping-off point. If you are there long enough, stroll through the vibrant local markets, where colourful textiles and handcrafted souvenirs tempt you with a piece of Botswana’s cultural tapestry. Or visit Elephant Havens, a non-profit organization that hand-rears orphaned or rescued or abandoned baby elephants with the eventual goal of releasing the orphans back into the wild.

Chobe National Park: Where Giants Roam

Chobe National Park is a wonderland teeming with Africa’s iconic wildlife. With Botswana boasting the largest elephant population in the world, Chobe offers breathtaking encounters with these gentle giants. However, Chobe isn’t just about elephants. Expect to see prides of lions lazing in the sun, graceful giraffes reaching for leaves, and a dazzling array of birdlife flitting through the trees. Take a boat safari down the Chobe River for a unique perspective on the park’s inhabitants.

Where rivers intertwine like veins, Chobe National Park reigns supreme. The mighty Zambezi, Linyanti, Chobe, and Cuando rivers weave through its vast expanse, creating a haven for safari aficionados. Here, amidst the abundance of water, elephants reign supreme. Witness the grand spectacle of the elephant migration, an annual pilgrimage from July to November.

The Savuti Area, a rugged counterpart within Chobe National Park, boasts a starkly different landscape. Here, the seasonal flow of the Savuti channel dictates life’s rhythm, offering prime hunting grounds for predators. Easily accessible from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Chobe beckons travellers with its allure.

Okavango Delta: A Wetland Paradise

No other place quite like the Okavango Delta exists on Earth. Truly unique, this oasis is fed by a lush river delta on the very edge of the Kalahari Desert, creating a shimmering oasis nestled inside a desert, a haven for many kinds of wildlife.

Remarkably, the delta feeds into land, not the sea! The Delta is a watering hole for some of the world’s most rare mammals – both black and white rhinos, cheetahs, and the African wild dog.

The delta is spread across more than 11,000 square kilometres, made up of crystal-clear waterways, each snaking through lush grasslands, teeming with an unparalleled diversity of wildlife, ranging from the perennially wet regions to the periodically submerged plains.

This awe-inspiring oasis unveils a dramatic transformation each year, as floodwaters breathe life into the vast Kalahari Desert. Floodwaters from Angola pour into the delta, forming lagoons and waterways that teem with fish, birds, and animals like hippos and crocodiles.

During peak floods, the delta’s size swells to over 16,000 square kilometres, shrinking as the dry season approaches. Typically this annual cycle attracts wildlife back to the delta’s edge as surrounding areas dry out, making it a prime wildlife viewing location from May to October. However these months can vary depending on rains in Angola.

One of the most exciting ways to explore the Delta is by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, although now often made of fiber glass. Glide silently past elegant birds perched on papyrus reeds and see for yourself why this area is considered in high regard by wildlife photographers.

Echoes of a Giant: The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans

Where the Kalahari Desert stretches towards the horizon, the Makgadikgadi Saltpans and Nxai Pans whisper tales of a lost era. These vast salt flats are remnants of a prehistoric inland sea or superlake, Lake Makgadikgadi, estimated to have covered a staggering 80,000 to 275,000 square kilometres. Once fed by the Okavango, Zambezi, and Cuando Rivers, tectonic shifts and a changing climate transformed this inland sea into the dramatic landscape we see today.

A Photographer’s Paradise

The Makgadikgadi Pans transform into a photographer’s dream, especially during the wet season. Ephemeral waters, appearing and disappearing with the whims of the weather, create a magical mirror effect. This glistening surface reflects the vastness of the sky above, creating otherworldly images that capture the essence of this unique landscape.

However, the transformation goes far beyond the visual. This short-lived burst of water brings a surge of life to the pans. They become a haven for birdlife, teeming with ducks, geese, pelicans, and even flamingos. Notably, the Makgadikgadi Pans are one of only two breeding grounds for these long-legged birds in all of southern Africa.

Nxai Pan National Park: Stark Beauty and Historical Significance

Unlike the shimmering white expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan National Park offers a stark contrast. Here, a vast grassy plain, dotted with acacia trees and ancient baobabs, stretches across the ancient lakebed. The iconic Baines’ Baobabs, immortalized by an explorer in 1862, stand guard in the park’s south.

Declared a national park in 1970, Nxai Pan is a haven for wildlife adapted to its extremes. The green season transforms it, but the dry months reveal the true heroes – remarkably resilient creatures. Look for elusive meerkats emerging from their burrows at dawn and dusk. These resourceful survivors find shelter and food underground, but they’re not alone. The salt pans are home to a surprising cast of animals – springbok with incredible stamina, brown hyenas with powerful jaws, and even sandgrouse with special water-carrying feathers – all perfectly adapted to endure the dry months.

Unveiling the Wonders of Botswana: Planning Your Dream Safari

Has the descriptions of Botswana left you dreaming of an escape to a land teeming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes? Travel to Botswana, a Jewel of Southern Africa, is highly recommended. This haven for safari enthusiasts, photographers, videographers and birdwatchers offers something for everyone, from the lush Okavango Delta to the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

When to Travel to Botswana:

• Peak Season (May – October): Experience prime wildlife viewing during the dry winter season. Comfortable temperatures, between 7 to 27°c, and lush landscapes make this the most popular time to visit Botswana. However, expect larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
• Shoulder Season (April/May): Enjoy good value for money and encounter fewer crowds during the should. While temperatures may be slightly warmer, wildlife viewing remains excellent. Expect temperatures of 15 to 31°c.

Essential Pre-Trip Considerations:

• Malaria Precautions: Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss malaria prevention medication. Botswana is a malaria-prone region, and taking the necessary precautions is crucial for a safe and healthy adventure.
• Visa Requirements: Research visa requirements for your nationality before booking your trip. Most visitors require a visa, which can typically be obtained upon arrival in Botswana.
• UK Travellers: Those travelling on a British passport  must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages in their passport in order to enter Botswana.
• Dual Nationals: Dual nationals must enter Botswana on the same passport they used to exit the previous country according to foreign travel advice issued by the UK Government.

Checklist for Your Botswana Adventure:

• Book Your Safari: Botswana offers a variety of safari experiences, from luxurious lodges to more rustic camps. Speak to your Somak Luxury Travel reservations consultant to book your preferred safari well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Pack for the Season: Depending on the season you visit, pack comfortable clothing suitable for warm to hot temperatures. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For the winter months, consider packing a jacket for evenings when it can get cold. Most camps do offer a laundry service.
• Binoculars & Camera: Capture the magic of Botswana’s wildlife with a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens.
• Currency Exchange: The Botswana pula (P) is the official currency. While credit cards are accepted at some lodges and camps, carrying cash is recommended for smaller purchases and tipping.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable safari adventure to one of the most exciting African destinations?
Start planning your trip to Botswana today and discover the magic that awaits!