Situated 300 kilometres southwest of Maun and just north of the Trans-Kalahari highway, which runs from Lobatse in Botswana to Walvis Bay in Namibia, the small town of Ghanzi is sometimes referred to as the 'Capital of the Kalahari'. It serves as the administrative centre of the Ghanzi district which covers a vast area of cattle ranches and farmland in the west of Botswana. The Ghanzi area has a number of lodges that focus on cultural tourism as well as wildlife viewing - here you can experience the fascinating world of the San Bushmen as they explain to you how they forage, hunt and find water in this harsh environment.
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.
Known as the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, the tiny old Botswanan village of Gweta is a pleasant place to stay while exploring the vast salt pans. Take a guided walk or quad bike ride through Gweta’s surrounds and discover flint-head spears and other artefacts abandoned by the area’s early Stone Age inhabitants. Experience a barbeque under the star-studded African sky while sipping on traditional, organic sorghum beer or a creamy baobab milkshake. During the rainy season, the Gweta area teems with zebra and wildebeest and these, in turn, attract hungry predators such as lion and cheetah. If a unique and interesting getaway is what you are after, Gweta won’t fail to impress.
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.
Fringing the world-renowned Chobe National Park, the Kasane Forest Reserve is located in the Lesoma Valley of the Central district in Botswana, approximately 800 kilometres north from Gaborone. A large portion of the terrain around the reserve is flat with plenty of wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes and even warthogs, roaming around undisturbed. Visitors can look forward to scenic boat cruises along the beautiful Chobe River, spot nocturnal animals in the forest on a thrilling night safari and enjoy bush camping under the African night sky.
Set roughly 200 kilometres east of Rundu on the southeastern banks of the great Okavango River, the small village of Divundu is a wonderful destination from which to explore the river, game parks and national reserves of the area. Visitors can enjoy fishing or bird watching boat safaris, or visit the Mahango Game Park, which is home to herds of elephant as well as hippo, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and many other animals. The spectacular Popa Falls, a dramatic series of cascades - are a popular must-see attraction. Divundu is also the perfect base for adventures in Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
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.
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.
