As it goes with exploring new places, knowing how to get there and what is on offer is always the first step to making the dream a reality. Botswana is considered the pinnacle of safari experiences and those who choose to visit are in for a real treat.
Kadizora Camp, Okavango Delta
How to get there
Our preferred route for Botswana is to fly into Kasane, a town located in the northeast on the Chobe river. (This is, however, changeable depending on which countries you have chosen to combine).
Kasane is in many ways the ‘crossroads’ between Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe and the best way to get around is by vehicle or plane. For most of our travelers, we recommend a stop-over in Johannesburg, South Africa as there are direct flights from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) to Kasane International Airport.
The accessibility of this country is very appealing to travelers and this also explains why tourism is one of its major exports.
Where to from here?
Kasane is the gateway into Chobe National Park - ‘The Land of the Giants’; an area well known for (you guessed it), its' large elephant herds! Here you can find a variety of accommodation that overlooks the serene Chobe river with easy access into the park. There are also several private lodges within the park to choose from and as with most safari lodges game viewing activities depart in the morning and afternoon.
Embarking on a game drive or river cruise will open your eyes to the plethora of wildlife species that exists in this part of the world and there is really nothing quite like it. Our suggestion would be to spend a minimum of two nights here before heading off to your next destination.
On that same note, if you have the time, adding on an extra day on to your trip to visit Victoria Falls (about an hour and a half by road) is well worth the visit. We find our guests like to combine a trip to the falls with Botswana, so they will spend 2 nights in Zambia at the start or end of their safari.
Into the Okavango
So, you know the saying, ‘When in Rome’? Well, it is time for a revamp, ‘When in Botswana’! When in Botswana, go where the water flows, and in this case, it is the Okavango Delta – the world’s largest inland delta recognized for its meandering waterways, lush vegetation, and extraordinary wildlife sightings.
The most magical part of this wonderland is that it is seasonal. Each year huge amounts of water from the Okavango river flood this part of the Kalahari Desert creating an incredible oasis that is visited by large concentrations of wildlife.
Gliding through the canals of the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (dug-out canoe) while a herd of elephants’ saunter past must be one of the most peaceful and inconspicuous means of experiencing a safari!
Chartered flights are available from Kasane into the Okavango and departure flights will take you to Maun where you can get a direct flight back to Johannesburg. (Fortunately most of our Botswana travel packages include chartered flights, which saves the hassle of organizing transfers and having to figure out logistics yourself).
As with Chobe National Park, allow yourself a minimum of two days for this section of your safari.
There are many other delights in this part of the world that range from cultural village tours, visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans, or even hot air ballooning over the Okavango!
Chobe Bakwena Lodge