The small town of Xhumaga is situated in north-central Botswana and rests on the western bank of the Boteti River, flanking the Makgadikgadi National Park. This photographer’s wonderland presents visitors with striking scenes of vast open plains, dramatic Acacia tree silhouettes and wandering herds of wildlife. The Makgadikgadi National Park, which encompasses the largest saltpan in the world, provides a home for antelope, zebra and wildebeest, and stone-age tools and artefacts dot the landscape. At the Nxai Pan, nature enthusiasts can spot unusual species such as hartebeest, bat-eared fox, brown hyena, and cheetah. A rich culture flourishes here, and the town is happy to welcome visitors to their way of life. Make sure to try some of the region’s traditional dishes such as mopane worms, lamb, meat stew (seswaa) and maize porridge (pap), as well as the sweet, tasty watermelon (lerotse) grown here.
Encompassing the vast majority of Botswana territory, the sprawling wilderness of the semi-arid Kalahari Desert is characterised by endless open plains, shimmering salt pans, picturesque orange sands and relics of ancient riverbeds. In the heart of the country lies the world's second-largest game reserve, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, its magnificent expanse surpassing the size of the entire country of Belgium. The region offers some of the best wildlife viewings in Africa and is home to abundant roaming wildlife, including rhinos, black-maned lions, and desert-adapted elephants. Keen birdwatchers can spot the secretary bird, pale chanting goshawk, ostrich, black-breasted snake eagle and other species. For the culturally curious, an encounter with the San, the indigenous people who have resided in and around the area for thousands of years, is not to be missed.
The Khwai area of the Okavango lies along the northern boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. Khwai Community Area has unfenced boundaries allowing wildlife to move freely between the woodlands in the wet season when water is plentiful and back to permanent rivers and lagoons in the dry season. The Khwai area offers the same wildlife experience as the Moremi Game Reserve with the added advantage of being a private concession, which means the ability to do walking safaris and night drives. Don't miss the opportunity to soak up beautiful views of the scenic landscape and spot an array of wildlife.
Savuti, also known as Savute lies in the heart of Botswana’s beautiful Chobe National Park. This dynamic wilderness is a sweeping expanse of savannah brooded over by several rocky outcrops which guard a relic marsh and the dry channel that was once its lifeline. The Savute goes through wet and dry cycles, where wild dogs hunt in the dry river channel where crocodiles swam only twenty years ago. Visitors to this spectacular area can spot abundant wildlife including: a variety of birds, elephants, antelope, lion prides, black-backed jackal, bat-eared foxes, tsessebe, kudu, hyena, cheetah Cape buffalo herds, and thousands of migrating zebra and wildebeest.
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.
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.
