The Tswapong Hills are a mountain range in the Central District of Botswana near the town of Palapye. The Tswapong Hills are about 15 kilometre wide and rise 400 metres above their surroundings. Composed of sandstone, ironstone and quartzite, which give them their characteristic rich hues, Tswapong holds many mesmerizing archaeological, historical and natural history sites.
The Tswapong Hills are home to a variety of animals such as the Cape Griffon vultures which is an endangered animal, bovids, fish, crabs and many butterfly species around the hills since there is a major water. The lush, wet vegetation and a series of waterfalls draws people to the hills since it is a change from Botswana’s generally dry, waterless landscape.
The rocky cliffs are made of porous rock that absorbs rainwater, which then seeps out forming permanent cascades and pools like the Phothophotho Gorge.
The Lotsane River flows at the feet of the Tswapong Hills on their northern side. Moremi Gorge is one of the hill’s main attractions.
Situated 180 kilometres north of Francistown, the small village of Nata is a popular stopover between Maun and Kasane along the ‘game drive route’ (there is often a chance to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way). The unique surrounding landscapes feature white sand, tall termite mounds, and Mokolwane palm trees. The Nata Sanctuary is a particular highlight for avid bird watchers, where lucky visitors can be rewarded with large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans, which breed here each year. The town is also a perfect base for exploring the legendary and spectacular Makgadikgadi Pans, where quad biking and four-wheel-drive tours can be enjoyed.
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including: enjoying a game drive through the park, taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River, visiting a local village or jumping on a day trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. The northern and western areas of the park are different - the northern area is encompassed by the Zambezi watershed, while the western part consists of grasslands, marshes, and scattered woodlands. The natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki, where animals dig for water, are particularly notable. The park is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, and several protected animals including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable. Around 500 bird species also inhabit the area. Visitors can look forward to bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris.
Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike. The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa's largest concentration of leopard and black eagles. This unforgettable national park serves as an ideal stopover for travellers heading to the popular tourist sites of Hwange and the majestic Victoria Falls.
Straddling the Limpopo, Motloutse and Shashe rivers, in the easternmost corner of Botswana, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is one of Southern Africa’s largest privately-owned natural reserves. This impressive expanse of protected wilderness features some extraordinarily scenic landscapes characterised by bushland, riverine forests, and marshland dotted with dramatic sandstone cliffs and uniquely shaped basalt rock formations. Visitors can look forward to spotting a diverse range of African wildlife while driving, hiking, cycling, horse riding, or even hot air ballooning around the reserve. Commonly spotted wildlife species include: elephant, lion, wildebeest, cheetah, zebra, leopard, hyena, impala, warthog, kudu, waterbuck, steenbok, large herds of eland, and a remarkable variety of bird species.
