Image | Pixabay
One of the great safari destinations in Africa is Botswana because of the huge wildlife that inhabits here. Rhinos and aquatic antelopes run free in this African country, as well as big cats and endangered African dogs. However, if there is a reason why Botwana is world famous it is because more elephants can be found here than anywhere else on the continent.
If to the fauna that inhabits them we add that it is the land of the Okavango delta and the Kalahari desert, where one of the largest concentrations of rock art in the world is located, we conclude that Botswana is one of the countries most impressive on the planet. We discover all that Botswana has to offer, in the next post.
Gaborone
The main reason to visit Botswana is safaris but Gaborone is always interesting to see. Despite being the largest city in the country, it is striking that it is one of the least populated capitals in Africa and a very discreet place. It is a city full of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, government buildings, and interesting museums. As for the gastronomic offer, in Gaborone it is very varied. The most daring have a must here with the mopane worms.
Okavango Delta
Image | Pixabay
The region, described as the "Kalahari diamond", is an oasis that contrasts with the general aridity of the country and one of the few inland delta systems in the world that lacks an outlet to the sea. Its landscapes and its wild wealth are best appreciated from the air, although the heart of the delta can be reached by jeep.
Groups of pachyderms that roam the immensity of its territory, herds of buffalo running in its crystal clear waters, or giraffes walking among the acacias are unique visions of a small universe that for six months of the year is flooded with water. This is the main reason the Okavango Delta is so well preserved.
Kalahari desert
This desert stretches across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa in the shadow of its neighbor Namib. It is known as the red desert for the color of its sand and despite its extreme conditions, lions, meerkats, rodents, giraffes and antelopes, among other species, live in the Kalahari. Where the climate is more humid, further north, the rains give way to shrubby savanna and dry kiaat forest.
A very interesting area of the Kalahari desert is an area of about ten square kilometers where more than 4.500 cave paintings are preserved made by the San community. Some are 24.000 years old and were created as an offering to the gods.
The San people
Image | Pixabay
Speaking of the San people, their presence dates back 20.000 years in time in southern Africa. One of the most interesting experiences to have in Botswana is spending time with the original inhabitants of southern Africa. The one considered by many travelers as the capital of Botswana in the Kalahari, Ghanzi, has art centers and shops of San artisans, very interesting.
Chobe National Park
One of the densest wild animal populations on the continent is concentrated here. The experience of sailing at sunset on the calm waters of the Chobe River, which divides Botswana from Namibia, with flocks of birds soaring through the sky and herds of elephants prowling around is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Botswana.
Chobe is famous for the abundant presence of elephants, especially on winter afternoons when they go to drink, of which up to 2.000 specimens have been seen in a few hours. Also for its birds, of which more than 400 different species have been cataloged. However, hippos, crocodiles, otters, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras also live in this National Park. There are also large specimens of lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena.
Interesting Facts
- How to get there: Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa to enter Botswana, we recommend that visitors inform themselves in this regard before starting the trip.
- Language: English and Setswana.
- Currency: Pula. The US dollar and the euro are the easiest currencies to exchange, they are accepted in banks, exchange houses and authorized hotels. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shops and safari companies in the country accept credit cards.
- Time to visit: The best time to visit Botswana is from April to October.
- Safety: Botswana is a safe country to live or visit but you should always take the normal precautions that you should take elsewhere.