The Okavango, for incredible safaris
To the north and south, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas. Crossed by large herds of mammals and numerous predators, it also harbors an exceptional fauna, which migrates with the seasons and the river's floods. In order to protect this unique ecosystem, this vast wilderness area has been divided into private concessions where lodges of very limited capacity have been set up, enabling travellers to enjoy unique and exclusive experiences. However, in addition to the choice of season, the location of the lodge is an important factor to consider when booking, depending on the type of activities you wish to experience. Flooded for much of the year, especially from April onwards, the northern concessions favor water-based activities, such as mokoro rides, where you can observe the birdlife and mammals that drink from the delta's inlets. However, some of these resorts, generally located close to the islands, are also dedicated to land-based activities, such as game-driving. Accompanied by experienced guides in 4 x 4 vehicles, you can explore the dry plains of the delta in search of herbivores and predators. But here too, depending on the location of the lodge, the wildlife seen will not be exactly the same. For game-driving, the southern part of the delta is recommended, as it floods more irregularly than the north. However, some concessions are filled with water during the rainy season, when aquatic activities are favored. Game-drive enthusiasts will therefore prefer concessions in the dry zone as a mammal-watching ground. The eastern part of the delta, divided into private reserves often managed in partnership with local people, offers a varied landscape of mopane forests, dry plains and floodplains. Some concessions, such as NG33 and NG34, are important dry-season migration corridors. As for self-drivers, they will need to find out which route to take if they wish to visit the delta, as the private concessions to the north and south do not allow access. Only certain routes to the east can be used by self-drivers.
Moremi, the most beautiful reserve in the country
To the west of the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve is undoubtedly one of southern Africa's most beautiful wild sanctuaries, home to a high concentration of predators and herbivores. In fact, it is one of the country's oldest protected areas, established in 1963 by the widow of Chief Moremi to combat uncontrolled hunting. Today, the reserve covers around 30% of the delta, including Mopane Tong and the large island of Chief's Island. As a public reserve, it is open to mobile safaris and self-drivers. There are therefore two types of accommodation on site: bush camps and lodges. However, Chief's Island is managed as a private concession, and boasts some of the most expensive lodges in the delta! The reason is quite simple: this is where you have the best chance of encountering the big five and all the delta's wildlife. For mobile safaris, the South Gate, Xakanaxa, Khwai and North Gate areas are equally rich in wildlife. This option, offering unforgettable immersion in the wilderness, is offered by tour operators who set up comfortable camps on reserved sites as the tour progresses. Self-drivers who have mastered the art of bush camping must reserve their sites with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks booking offices in Maun or Gaborone. It's also advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak periods, as spaces are limited and in great demand. To travel in the reserve, you'll need to be entirely self-sufficient, as there are no supply points for food, drink or fuel. As a precaution, travellers should take a supply of mineral water, as water is only available in camps with sanitary facilities. Like the parks, the reserve is subject to numerous rules that must be respected. In addition to the entrance fee per day, per person and per vehicle, traffic within the reserve is only allowed during daylight hours, and at set times depending on the season. Speed is also limited to 40 km/h on sandy tracks, and off-piste driving is prohibited.
Chobe, the elephant sanctuary
Crossed by the eponymous river, this region in north-east Botswana is, along with Moremi, one of the country's safari hotspots. In addition to its lush landscapes, it is home to a rich variety of wildlife that comes to drink, even in the dry season. In fact, it is home to Africa's largest elephant population! The park, which is easily reached from Kasane, is divided into four sections, each offering a different bush experience. Along with the River Front, Savute is the most popular section with travellers, renowned for its numerous predators and large concentrations of bull elephants. In the rainy season, the great migrations of zebra and wildebeest, which move by the thousands towards the Makgadikgadi pans, offer breathtaking spectacles to game-drivers lucky enough to come across them. In addition to luxury lodges, this section has numerous campsites dedicated to tour operators, but only one public campsite, which is frequented in high season. As for the River Front region, it offers splendid game-drives along the river or in the riparian forests. You'll come across numerous elephants, lions, hyenas and large numbers of antelopes such as cob and black hippo. Self-drivers will find a public campsite at Ihaha, located to the west of this section, and numerous sites reserved for tour operators. In the north-west of the national park, the Linyanti section boasts several luxury lodges and a small campsite for self-drivers. Organized game-drives are rich in wildlife sightings. From June to December, the section is spectacularly animated by the great migrations of zebra, buffalo and elephant. Finally, the Nogatsaa section, located in the center of the park, is the least known to visitors, being the least accessible and the least developed. However, it offers an isolated experience from the game-drive, in the heart of singular landscapes and wildlife just as present as in the other sections.
The Kalahari, game-drive in arid land
The Kalahari semi-desert, which extends over a large part of Botswana's territory, offers a totally different safari experience to Moremi and Chobe, but one that nevertheless complements one or more stays in Botswana. In the heart of this unique region of vast arid plains, wildlife is surprisingly abundant, despite the scarcity of surface water. It has adapted to this arid environment and differs from that of the delta. Elephants and buffalo, which live near waterholes, are completely absent. Here, we're in the playground of oryx and springbok. The more patient may be lucky enough to spot leopards, cheetahs and lions. The latter, more massive than those of the Okavango, are the pride of the Kalahari, with their ochre fur and beautiful black manes! More easily accessible, Ghanzi and the Central Kalahari Reserve are ideal viewing grounds. Around Ghanzi, several settlements have been set up on farms, formerly used for livestock farming, which have been converted into private reserves with luxurious lodges for tourist game-drives. In the Central Kalahari Reserve, only camping sites with shower and toilet facilities are available. As in Chobe and Moremi, you'll need to book in advance. For greater comfort, private concessions offer quality accommodation on the edge of the park. Less well known to tourists, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park offers an experience comparable to the Kalahari Reserve. However, there are no trails, and only a few campsites offer rustic accommodation. Best discovered on the South African side of the border.
Self-drive, for total freedom
Whether you're a couple or a group, a self-drive trip is an interesting alternative for adventurers who want to be independent and enjoy African wildlife to the full. In total autonomy, they can explore the bush at their leisure in a 4 x 4, prepare their own meals, shower in the open air and sleep in the heart of the wilderness. Although this type of travel may sound like a dream to many of us, it nevertheless requires a great deal of preparation beforehand, as well as a good command of driving a 4 x 4 on sandy tracks. From equipment to food, water and fuel supplies, you need to plan your trip as much as possible, because once you're on the road, you'll be in the middle of untouched nature with no one to help you. Experienced self-drivers prefer to travel in convoys, so that they can rescue one of the vehicles in case of trouble. More and more tour operators are offering to assist travelers in their preparations and in the event of a problem, so that adventurers can leave with peace of mind. They can also take care of reservations at reserves and camps, saving time for self-drivers. Independent travelers sometimes opt for a trip alternating between self-drive, public camp and lodges with private reserves. On the one hand, this allows them to experience the adventure of self-drive in complete autonomy, and on the other, to enjoy the comfort of a lodge in the heart of the wilderness and its quality safaris, supervised by professionals. For experienced self-drive travelers, we also recommend reading Veronica Roodt's The Shell Tourist Travel and Field Guide of Botswana. Although this guide provides a wealth of information for independent travellers, it is unlikely to be sufficient. It is therefore highly recommended to prepare your trip by visiting the national parks office in Gaborone or Maun for more detailed information. This will also be the opportunity to book campsites, if you don't use a tour operator.
