Botswana, a country larger in size than France, but with just over 1 million inhabitants. 75% of the land is made up of Kalahari sands. The central region is dominated by the great Kalahari Desert where in contrast the northern region is a wildlife haven. Starting in the North West corner, the lazy Okavango River enters the country, flowing in a south easterly direction. Each summer, (October through to April) flood waters pour down from the highlands of Angola and flows into a great network of narrow waterways, lagoons and lake lets of the Okavango Delta. The water courses through this huge expanse of floodplain and dissipates in the sands of the Kalahari. Large numbers of crocodile, hippo, and buffalo can be found as well as animals like the Sitatunga and Chobe bushbuck who have adapted to these conditions. Guests at the numerous lodges are rewarded with fantastic sightings of these animals where they are transported through these channels by Mokoro’s (traditional dug-out canoes).
Adjoining the Delta is the Moremi wildlife reserve. It covers more than 600sq miles of grassy floodplains in the North Eastern corner of the Delta. Waterways wind through this dominant savannah where large herds of impala, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest are found. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs are fairly abundant through this region. The birdlife is spectacular. The numerous lodges offer exclusivity and cater for just a handful of guests at one time. Access to the lodges is often only by means of aircraft or boat.
Further to the north east lie the Savuti and Linyanti Channels. These two rivers form part of the greater Chobe river system and are rich in wildlife.
It is said that this particular part of Botswana has the highest concentration of lion and hyena in all of Africa. The relationship between these two greats of the animal kingdom has been the subject of much research and a visit to the area is almost guaranteed to have numerous sightings of these animals.
Situated in the north eastern corner of Botswana is the Chobe National Park. The Chobe river is a major tributary of the Zambezi river and the great floodplains of the Chobe are home to over 35 000 elephants, the largest concentration in all of Africa. In addition, large numbers of buffalo and general game can be found. Over 80 species of bird can be found in this ecosystem. Game viewing is done by boat and open jeep and some of the most spectacular sunsets are witnessed over these floodplains. Botswana, wildlife paradise like nowhere on earth!
