Set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, Maun is the third-largest town in this spectacularly scenic southern African country. Maun is the starting point for most expeditions into the Okavango Delta and as a result, has developed into a bustling metropolis that is considered Botswana’s tourism capital. Area attractions include a renowned riverboat that offers cruises up and down the Thamalakane River; the forest groves of the Maun Game Reserve; and Moremi Game Reserve, home to hippos, lions and rhinos. Maun also serves as the jumping-off point for many safaris and air charters as well as offering private 4x4 rentals. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Nhabe Museum exhibiting the local history, art and culture of the Ngamiland region.
Guma Lagoon is found in the northern reaches of Botswana. This wonderful retreat on the banks of the Okavango River is a dream destination for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a range of sights and activities. Not only can visitors enjoy premium bird watching with over 200 native species and freshwater fishing opportunities, both spin and fly-fishing; but Guma Lagoon is also a fantastic base for self-guided game drives and traditional dug-out canoe (mokoro) tours, which allow you to navigate the palm islands and waterlily beds of the scenic Okavango. Other key activities include bush walks, forest trails and stargazing. Finally, note that accommodation is provided exclusively through Guma Lagoon Camp – and so advance booking, particularly for the self-catering units, is highly recommended.
Situated in the northwestern area of the Okavango Delta, the Panhandle is a stretch of the Okavango River that follows a more-or-less straight course for approximately 70 kilometres before entering the wetlands. This deep channel serves as the main water source feeding the delta and offers excellent tiger and bream fishing, while the surrounding woodlands and the river’s shallow waters teem with a myriad of birds. The Okavango Panhandle is dotted with several villages and serves as a gateway to the scenic Tsodilo Hills, some 40 kilometres west, with their various tribal cave paintings, some dating back as far as 20 000 years. Visitors can enjoy excellent fishing, first-class birding, boating on the Okavango River and game viewing in the Mahangu National Park.
As previously described
Located in the far reaches of northwestern Botswana, the Tsodilo Hills mark the highest point in the country. Abruptly rising 400 metres from the vast western Kalahari, these hills consist of four distinct mounds: the female, the male, the child and an even smaller ‘kopje’. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famed Tsodilo Hills are home to more than 4000 remarkable rock paintings and considered a sacred space for the San people. It is said that the Tsodilo Hills are one of the world’s oldest historical sites, which have been inhabited on and off for the last 60 000 years. Visitors can enjoy guided tours around this ancient spiritual mecca.
As previously described
As previously described
