Botswana

Botswana - an oasis in the desert

Located in the heart of southern Africa, Botswana is completely landlocked, sharing its borders with Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Unlike many of its African peers, however, it has attained an enviable record of economic and political stability, which stretches all the way back to independence in 1966. Fortuitously, it discovered diamonds shortly afterwards and half a century later it is now the world’s largest diamond producer, helping to propel it into the ranks of middle-income nations. Having established a degree of economic security, the government adopted a remarkably prescient and innovative approach to its other major resource, the environment. Rather than following the high volume tourism policies emanating from East Africa at the time, Botswana focused on limiting the number of visitors in order to best preserve its rich natural heritage. The opportunity cost was unavoidably higher prices, but the policy succeeded in engendering an exclusivity that has become its hallmark. Not only has this created an unique network of safari destinations devoid of the torrent of vehicles associated with East Africa, the reduced pressure on the environment has also allowed the country’s wilderness areas to flourish. The result is a combination of some of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife viewing in some of its most pristine habitats, without the crowds.

Botswana as a Destination

With a population of just 2 million people, half of whom reside in the capital Gaborone, Botswana has an unusually low population density which has allowed It to devote huge swathes of land to its wildlife, roaming between the game reserves and national parks which comprise some 40% of the country’s total area. Although most guests still opt for luxury, tented, fly-in traditional safaris, there has been a recent trend towards more adventurous safari pursuits. Horse safaris, canoe trails, fat-biking, quad-biking and both extreme and conventional walking safaris are all available if you know where to look. Botswana is also home to some of Africa’s best mobile safari companies which provide an alternative option to staying in lodges. The national parks have campsites available for self-drives, but the roads in the parks can be difficult, so some 4×4 driving experience is recommended. Keen photographers will be in their element and several operators run specialist photographic safari workshops. It is also a popular destination for honeymooners. Families may need to be slightly more selective ­– although a handful of lodges have specialist activities for children, the vast majority have a minimum age requirement of seven and some will require you to book a private vehicle. Finally, for those looking for some respite from the wildlife, there is a range of cultural sights and activities to enjoy which extend far beyond the well-publicised San bushmen experiences.

Places in Botswana

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Adventure Safaris

Adventure comes in many forms, depending upon the individual, and southern Africa offers a multitude of options from walking safaris, canoe trails, quad biking on the Pans and Dunes and of course Victoria Falls which, as well as being one of the seven natural wonders of the world, allows adrenaline junkies an option of activities in one of the most …

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Honeymoon

You simply don’t get more romantic than an African Honeymoon. Luxury accommodation, safari exclusivity and intimacy, stunning sunsets (and the requisite sundowners) and an experience of a lifetime. Southern Africa can offer your clients a safari of their choosing with days as action packed or as relaxing as they choose but always guaranteed to be the trip of a lifetime.

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DIY Self Drive

Southern Africa lends itself beautifully to the self-drive option. For those with a desire to create their own adventure by hiring a 4×4 vehicle, we can offer a great itinerary that encompasses the best of Southern Africa whether it be camping or lodge to lodge. Each country has its own forte for self-drives and those must-see places. Take a course …

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Fly-in Safaris

As a continent, Africa is vast, with each country destination that we offer being of substantial size in itself and with areas that are either inaccessible by road or so far from anywhere else that driving eats in to that precious safari time. This is where fly-in safaris come in to their own. These itineraries offer visitors a chance to …

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Photographic Safaris

With the continuing increase of more affordable digital cameras, lodges and travel companies are becoming more and more photography friendly. Gone are the days of guests having to privately hire their own guides and vehicles, instead, some companies are offering dedicated photographic vehicles and scheduled photographic departures and with the vast array of dramatic scenery and countless wildlife opportunities on …

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Kids & Family

We have the expertise to advise on holidays for the whole family. We take into consideration the family size and ages of family members and find the right destinations for them. How about the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana where the sheer space and freedom creates excitement for all ages. Nothing beats sleeping out on the Pans in the fresh air, …

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Camping and Glamping

Think of those original explorers navigating their way through the unknown, think of Livingstone sleeping under the stars. This is the experience you can offer your guests who are thinking of a mobile safari. The choices are endless so it’s always good to have someone on the ground who can work out what suits your clients budget and safari desires. …

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