Okavango Delta
The very unique Okavango Delta lies in the northwestern part of Botswana. The annual flood of fresh water that gathers in the Okavango Delta from Angola’s western highlands flows inland and slowly spreads for more than 15,000 square km over the Kalahari desert forming a maze of lagoons and channels. The thousands of islands that are formed sustain several diverse ecosystems, also home to vast numbers of game species and a myriad of birds, while the crystal clear waters support a varied array of aquatic life.
The Okavango Delta attracts large numbers of wildlife and birdlife – from the rare (sitatunga and wild dog) to the more familiar (various antelope, elephant, giraffe). The large number of antelope sustains a healthy population of predators.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is the second largest in Botswana (11,700 square km) and named after the Chobe River which forms the northern boundary of the park. The river has its origins in Angola, where it is known as the Kuando. After entering Botswana, the Kuando River becomes the Linyanti and only near Ngoma Gate it becomes the Chobe. The Chobe river meets with the Zambezi River near Kazangula at the border of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Chobe river serves as the main water source for the wildlife and birdlife in the area. This has made game viewing by boat a highlight and a 'must-do' on any Botswana itinerary. An added advantage at Chobe is the neighbouring Zimbabwe and Zambia's main attraction, the Victoria Falls, lies just over the northern border with Botswana, merely an hour's drive away. The falls, so rugged in their beauty and brilliance, are one of the wonders of the world.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a wide National Park in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana and it covers an area of 52,800 square km making. It is the second largest game reserve in the world. The park is home to wildlife such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu and red hartebeest. An abundance of rodents and reptiles are found here. These in combination with the antelope species support a wide variety of carnivores such as leopard, brown and spotted hyena, lion and cheetah, as well as black-backed jackal, caracal, bat-eared fox and the endangered Cape fox.
Some of the more unique mammals found in Kgalagadi is the pangolin, honey badger, wilddogs (on rare occasions) and Woosnam's rat. Not to be missed is the suricate, or meerkat with it's wonderfully intricate social family structures and hyper-active behavior.
The CKGR has always been a refuge for the San Bushmen – the inhabitants of the Kalahari for the past 30,000 years. They lived in nomadic hunter-gatherer family groups only taking what they needed to survive – which is an art form in the Kalahari.
Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills is a spiritual outdoor art gallery, showcasing more than 4,000 ancient San Bushmen rock paintings. There are around 400 sites depicting hunting scenes, ritual dances and typical safari animals. Some rock art dates back more than 20,000 years and archaeologists have ascertained that people lived in this area as far back as 100,000 years ago. The San Bushmen believe this sacred area is the site of the first creation of man and a resting place for spirits of the dead. Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can expect to hike the three main hills, with the assistance of local guides. There is a basic campsite and a small but informative museum on site.
Tuli Block
The Tuli Block is a wildlife rich area in eastern Botswana that borders South Africa and Zimbabwe at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. It was once an area of private farms, but a few decades ago it made more economic sense to transform the land into a wildlife sanctuary. Now the Tuli Block encompasses several reserves, including Mashatu Game Reserve and Northern Tuli Game Reserve. It's a beautiful area with several rivers, riverine forests, savannah, and lots of massive baobab trees. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed year round. There are large herds of elephant, plenty of lion, leopard and even cheetah. Because it's private land, guided walking safaris and night drives can be enjoyed.