North-eastern Botwana’s Boteti River, within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, lies on the grounds of an ancient lake, within a region where some of the first ‘homo sapiens’ (humans) lived. This area is an essential part of the massive annual migration - visitors can look forward to seeing enormous herds of oryx, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, and springbok as well as elephants and hippopotamuses along the riverbank. The river also provides prime bird-watching opportunities, with large flocks of flamingos and numerous other species calling it home. Besides the usual nature reserve activities, try taking a small chartered plane for the best views of the herds; go quad biking across salt flats and sleep there under the stars, or take a cultural tour to see ancient tribal sites.
Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. It covers more than 4871 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, and this varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest. The diverse ecosystem supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, lion, cheetah and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offers visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.
Forming the boundary between Botswana and Namibia is the Chobe River - one of the most well-known perennial rivers in Africa. The Chobe River Front encompasses vast floodplains fringed by lush riverine woodlands. The abundant wildlife inhabiting the river and its shores can be viewed from a river safari where visitors can spot elephants, hippo, water-loving antelope including the rare red lechwe and a variety of other game such as giraffe, zebra, and buffalo. Nature lovers will delight in the incredibly scenic natural landscapes and bird watchers can look forward to the wide section of bird species which can be spotted along the river banks.
