Welcome to the landlocked gem of southern Africa, Botswana! This captivating country is bordered by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia, and boasts a land area slightly larger than France or slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Texas, spanning 582,000 square kilometers.
Nature enthusiasts rejoice as nearly two-thirds of Botswana is enveloped by the tropics. This makes it one of the premier destinations for wildlife and wilderness experiences on the entire African continent. A remarkable 38% of the country’s total land area is dedicated to parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas, ensuring the preservation of its natural treasures.
The iconic Kalahari Desert dominates Botswana’s landscape, stretching across vast arid to semi-arid regions of Southern Africa and extending into parts of Namibia and South Africa. Covering up to 70% of the country, this captivating desert contributes to Botswana’s sparsely populated areas. However, it’s worth noting that the eastern region of Botswana is home to the majority of its 2.2 million inhabitants.
Botswana beckons with its untamed wilderness, rich biodiversity, and the warmth of its people. From the expansive plains of the Kalahari to the teeming wildlife in its protected areas, this country offers a captivating tapestry of natural wonders waiting to be explored and appreciated.
Prepare to be enchanted by one of the world’s most exclusive wilderness destinations—the Okavango Delta. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary location offers unparalleled experiences in a serene inland delta that is truly unmatched anywhere else on our planet. Journey to the heart of Africa and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Okavango Delta, where vast wetlands intertwine with expansive drylands, creating a landscape like no other.
Nestled deep within the Kalahari Basin, the Okavango Delta boasts the distinction of being the largest intact inland delta worldwide. Its lifeblood, the Okavango River, known as the “jewel” of the Kalahari, originates in the Angolan Highlands to the north. As the river winds its way through the Delta, visitors are treated to a mesmerizing journey, gliding past islands adorned with palms and papyrus, meandering through dense woodlands, and encountering a diverse array of captivating wildlife.
The Okavango Delta can be divided into three distinct geographic regions:
The Panhandle: This is the northernmost section of the Delta, where the Okavango River enters Botswana. It is characterized by wide waterways and lush vegetation, creating a haven for aquatic species and providing a gateway to the wonders that lie within.
The Delta: This central region showcases the iconic labyrinth of water channels, lagoons, and islands that define the Okavango Delta. Here, visitors can explore the pristine wetlands, navigate the intricate network of waterways on traditional mokoro canoes, and witness the remarkable interactions between wildlife and their natural habitat.
Drylands: As you venture further from the water-rich areas, you will encounter the enchanting drylands of the Okavango Delta. This area presents a striking contrast to the watery expanse, featuring vast plains, open grasslands, and sparse vegetation. It is home to an array of wildlife adapted to the arid conditions, making for unique and captivating encounters.
A visit to the Okavango Delta is a voyage into a world of unrivaled natural splendor. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the harmony of its ecosystems, this pristine wilderness invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey through the untamed beauty of Africa.
The Panhandle begins in Mohembo, where the Okavango River enters Botswana from Namibia, and it extends roughly 80 kilometers to the southeast. The river, which is contained between two parallel fissures in the crust of the Earth, is large and deep, and it regularly inundated nearby wetlands. Fishing, bird watching, and touring the vibrant settlements along the Panhandle’s western edges—which are encircled by papyrus beds and substantial stands of phoenix palms—are among the region’s top tourist attractions.
At Seronga, when the river overflows the fan-shaped delta, the environment is revitalized and a spectacular patchwork of channels, lagoons, pools, flooded grasslands, and thousands of islands is created.
When it’s dry, the Okavango Delta can range in size from 15,000 square kilometers to an incredible 22,000 square kilometers. Reeds, true fan palms, acacia, sycamore figs, sausage trees, rain trees, and African mangosteen are among the dominant plant species.
At the lower portions of the Delta, seasonal marshes and flooded grasslands replace perennial swamps. The third vegetation zone of real drylands may be seen to the southeast. The Matsebi Ridge, Chief’s Island, and the Moremi Tongue are the three important landmasses in this area. In this region, which is peppered with salt ponds, the major vegetation includes Mophane, acacia, and scrub bush. During the dry winter months, many mammals relocate to this area.
Whether safaris, mokoro rides, quad riding, fishing, or 4×4 off-road adventures are more your style, you’ll have a great time in Botswana. Experience Botswana, the best-kept wildlife secret in Africa, with its breathtaking beauty, unfathomable vastness, remoteness, and worldliness. Travelers can choose from a variety of lodging alternatives in Botswana, including high-end hotels, opulent lodges, safari camps, and inexpensive guesthouses and campgrounds.
People have migrated into Botswana from all over the world throughout its history, and there have also been internal migrations. The Batswana eventually became the most numerous and powerful group. Numerous Tswana tribes were created as a result of their pattern of division and migration, and they eventually took control of the majority of the nation.
The ethnic group of individuals who speak Setswana and adhere to Sotho-Tswana culture is referred to as “Batswana.” All citizens of the Republic of Botswana, regardless of their ancestry, are referred to as Batswana in today’s common usage. “Motswana” is the singular form, denoting a nation’s citizen. The word “Tswana” is often used as an adjective, as in “Tswana culture” or “Tswana state.”
Linyanti Bush Camp is situated on the banks of Linyanti Marsh in a private reserve which borders the western boundary of Chobe in the Chobe Enclave. The marshes are the only water source for miles around and attract water-adapted and desert-adapted wildlife, as well as large numbers of birds.
An African Bush Camps’ family-focused camp situated in a private wilderness concession in the Chobe Enclave. The Chobe Enclave is home to large herds of elephants, giving you the perfect opportunity to encounter these giants up close. Â
Linyanti Expeditions is an intimate expeditions camp situated in a private concession, bordering the Chobe National Park. Linyanti Expeditions exudes a bygone era and is ideal for safari-goers looking for an authentic African experience. Â
Set within the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge of the Khwai River. This river is all that separates the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and the concession, with hippos, elephants and even lions crossing over from time to time.
Experience the epitome of luxury safari living at Khwai Lediba, nestled on the banks of the Khwai River within Botswana’s Khwai Concession. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Moremi National Park, the oldest protected area in the Okavango Delta, where untamed wildlife roams freely amidst stunning landscapes.
Space is the new luxury and Migration Expeditions offers just that – the unbelievable calm that comes from gazing at the horizon and having space to yourself. Migration Expeditions is African Bush Camps first property situated in Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana. Nxai Pan is one of Makgadikgadi natural salt pans and is located on the northern border of the national park.
To create an itinerary just for you based on your travel wishes, get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts.
