Towering Baobabs, Palm fringed swamps, delicate salt pans, arid deserts, flood plains and endless grasslands – this is a glimpse of the natural wonders of Botswana, one of the premier wildlife destinations in Africa.

The size of France but with a population less than that of Paris, Botswana is a land that welcomes visitors with warmth and friendliness and a desire to share her beauty and uniqueness.

The Okavango Delta is the emerald jewel of Botswana. This inland flood plain is situated in the north-west corner of the country and is a watery haven for an astounding array of animals and birds.  Sitatunga and Lechwe are rare antelope which are both adapted to a semi aquatic habitat and spend a lot of time in the shallow waters. The threatened Wattled Crane and Slaty Egret as well as many other rare birds can be found in the woodlands, grasslands and papyrus beds that line the maze of channels and lagoons that ebb and flow in the Delta. Grassy Islands float gently on the current and palm trees sway in the light breeze. Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility by taking to the water in a mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe – and view life from a different perspective.

Chobe National Park is renowned for its large herds of Elephant and buffalo as well as Sable Antelope and Lion. In the dry, winter months, large numbers of animals congregate along the banks of the Zambezi River whilst in the summer months, the plains of the Savute Marsh teem with a constant flow of plains game and predators abound including the endangered Wild Dog.

Moving away from the water, the vast expanse of the Central Kalahari beckons. Unending space, grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see, shimmering pans, sand dunes and at night, a galaxy of stars that cast a gentle glow across the land – this is the magic of the Kalahari. Relax into the ancient rhythms of the land and learn it’s mysteries from the San, people who have inhabited this space for hundreds of years.

In the eastern corner of Botswana lies another jewel and one of its best kept secrets – the Tuli Block. The Shashi River on the Zimbabwe side and the Limpopo River on the South African, form a green belt around the block. At the heart of the Tuli Block is Mashatu Game Reserve in an area of incredible natural beauty. Giant Baobabs and Leatherwood trees dominate and magnificent fig trees form a canopy over the meandering rivers and streams. Lion and Hyaena battle for supremacy and Elephant herds follow ancient paths. This is Africa at its finest.

Gaborone, situated close to the South African border is the capital of Botswana and the economic hub. Maun is the “tourist” capital of Botswana and lies on the edge of the Okavango Delta. With direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, it is the gateway to many of the wilderness areas which are only accessible by light aircraft. Luxury lodges and guided mobile tented safaris offer an alternative to 4×4 camping safaris and will take you into areas of pristine wilderness that few are fortunate enough to visit. Botswana is top of the list for safari, birding and photography enthusiasts.