Okavango Delta
Made up of lagoons, channels and islands, the Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest wetland ecosystems, teeming with wildlife. Starting…
Botswana – it’s far more than bushmen and big cats. Take in everything this African country offers with a bespoke itinerary that includes horseback and hot air balloon excursions.
Botswana safaris are undoubtedly the ultimate luxury safari experience in Africa. Botswana holds about 25 per cent of Africa’s elephants and is one of the only countries where you can still find vast herds.
Many of Botswana’s lodges have raised themselves to a level of sophistication that is the envy of hotels around the world, whilst maintaining a sense of adventure and remoteness. Botswana’s unique combination of wilderness landscapes and its variety of game make a Botswana safari a holiday that you will not forget.
You need time to enjoy your Botswana safari. Do not rush the experience. Botswana is a big country and getting around is largely done by scheduled light aircraft. As flights are frequent and easy, combining two or three areas of the country on one safari holiday is not only possible but highly recommended by our Botswana safari experts.
The most famous areas for wildlife are in the north – the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve, Linyanti, Selinda and Chobe National Park. These areas are home to masses of big game, as well as some of Africa’s finest safari camps.
The south is largely desert and thus a fabulous contrast to the watery north. See the San Bushmen of the Central Kalahari and experience the vast emptiness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remains of one of the world’s largest super lakes. Here the desert isn’t always dry – when the rains arrive the area bursts into life and see the second largest zebra and wildebeest migration in the world. Ask our Botswana safari experts for more details as to when is the best time to experience this migration.
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A hot time of year, with thunderstorms periodically clearing the air. The peak of the wet season brings lush grass and the chance to spot newborn animals and birds.
It remains hot and wet throughout the country, with the Central Kalahari turning into lush grasslands. Fruit sweetens and many different species scour the trees for a tasty meal.
The high temperatures continue but the rains start to abate as the rainy season draws to a close.
Temperatures start to drop, and days become drier. Antelope are breeding at this time, and are visible trying to flaunt themselves to their respective females.
The start of the dry season. A good time of year to travel with pleasant temperatures, before the peak season.
The winter brings warm days but chillier nights, so it is worth bringing a jacket. There is very little rainfall now, so wildlife is easier to spot around watering holes.
The driest and coolest month across the country, with almost no rainfall at all. The waters of the Okavango rise as the rains finally filter down from the mountains of Angola. The aridity means that there are fewer mosquitoes at this time of year.
Temperatures rise again, meaning less chilly nights and hot days, still with very little rainfall. A great time to spot wildlife in the Okavango delta as the waters reach peak levels.
Continued rising temperatures and clear blue skies make for hot days and pleasantly warm evenings. Much of the country becomes dry and dusty as it has now been many months since any significant rains. Wildlife can be spotted easily around receding watering holes.
The hottest month with some temperatures close to 40C, and the first signs of rain approaching. Water levels fall in the Okavango delta, causing catfish to migrate upstream, feeding on smaller fish along the way.
The heat continues, as the rainy season begins. Greenery starts to return to the plains, and it is possible to spot some newborns.
The rains return in full swing, with regular thunderstorms providing some relief from the heat. Grass carpets many of the landscapes, providing plenty of food for the young.
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Not all camps in Botswana accept young children, but an increasing number now have family rooms and more flexible child policies. As the safari experience in Botswana is exceptionally wild and camps are largely unfenced, we would always recommend that you stay at a camp that is used to hosting families. Game drives are the staple of a safari Botswana and younger children may struggle with the length of these; therefore, camps with more activities for kids are also recommended.
Away from the Okavango Delta, there are great options in the Kalahari Desert and Magkadigkadi Pans, where fewer big animals and more activities make for a very different experience.
Nothing is ever guaranteed in nature, but the chances are that on a week-long safari in the Okavango Delta you will see four of the Big Five. Elephants, buffaloes and lions are spotted by all but the unluckiest in the Okavango Delta. Leopards are elusive across Africa, but with a bit of luck and patience, there is a good chance of spotting one in the delta.
It used to be that your chances of seeing a rhino in Botswana were nonexistent. However, thanks to a successful reintroduction program, sightings have started to become more common over the past few years. In spite of this, the secrecy surrounding rhinos’ numbers and locations means that it is almost impossible to make any predictions. All we can say is that your chances of seeing a rhino now are far better than a decade ago.
A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe that is propelled by poling, in a similar way to an English punt. Due to this, they are limited to the shallower parts of the Okavango Delta, but they are an excellent way to explore thanks to their shallow draft and lack of a noisy motor. Many camps offer mokoro trips, although this is usually dependent on water levels.
Most camps in the Okavango Delta can only be accessed by air, meaning you will fly in on a light aircraft or even helicopter. However, there are some options in the southern part of the delta that can be accessed by road from Maun – these are good options for those who have a fear of small planes. Similarly, there are also mobile safaris available that combine walking, boats and 4×4 vehicles.
Elsewhere in Botswana, such as Chobe National Park or the Kalahari, camps can typically be accessed by air or land. However, the size of Botswana means that flying is almost always recommended.
The floodwaters from Angola start to return in May and remain fairly full to July/August. However, the course of the flood can be affected by shifting tectonic plates, meaning that flood levels vary across the delta from year to year.
Cotton layers such as T-shirts, a light fleece, shorts and a pair of long trousers are the key items. The temperature can vary quite a bit from the early morning game drive to the heat of the day. Sun screen, a hat and a swimming costume are the other necessities. It is best to avoid bright colours for a safari. Footwear should include a pair of sandals or flip flops and some walking shoes (trainers would usually be fine).
Bear in mind that you will be navigating through the waterways between islands, some of which are actually floating themselves. The vegetation is characterised by tall papyrus plants, which can obscure your view, so it is unwise to expect to see all of the Big Five whilst staying at a water-based lodge.
The birdlife is magnificent and as you glide along in a mokoro canoe, your guide will be able to point out some of the smaller amphibious creatures that make the delta their home. Most lodges in the delta will offer a guided walk on the islands, and you can expect to see everything from antelope and warthog through to lions and elephants.
At lodges that offer game drives, the chances of seeing wildlife are often better. However, these are more commonly located on the fringes of the delta. For the perfect delta experience, we always recommend combing a water-focussed camp with a land-focussed one.
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