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.
Mababe is a small rural settlement located in the eastern part of Botswana’s North-West District, set on the vast, wild plains of the Mababe Lower Depression. Jaw-dropping vistas of yellow bushveld, sparkling rivers, and bright green forests attract nature photographers and plant enthusiasts, as well as hikers. However, it is the area’s wildlife that is its major drawcard: visitors can look forward to seeing large herds of buffalo, a good number of lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and cheetahs. A range of guided walks, game drives, and other activities are on offer.
Cocooned within pristine Kalahari bushveld along the northeastern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Deception Valley Private Reserve derives its name from an optical illusion. The phenomenon is centred around a pan with the area, a visual trickery that renders the dry, blue-clay pan as water, creating a captivating spectacle, particularly noticeable from the air. Home to a diverse array of wildlife, including large herds of greater kudu, red hartebeest, springbok, and eland, as well as predators like caracal, Cape fox, lions, and cheetahs. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to observe lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, elephants, and more. Night safaris reveal nocturnal species such as porcupines, honey badgers, spotted genets, and springhares. A rich abundance of birdlife complements the stunning landscape of golden grass, rolling mounds, and sculpted trees.
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park which is renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them - a visit to the Chobe River Front guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities such as 4WD along the banks; motorboat cruises; and rare birdlife spotting. For a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.
