If you are looking for your next big travel adventure, there is a country in the heart of Southern Africa that you simply can’t afford to miss. Botswana is a true treasure with incredible landscapes, mouthwatering food, and unforgettable safari opportunities. As you plan your next trip, here are six reasons why Botswana should be your next travel destination.
Tour the World’s Largest Salt Flat
The Makgadikgadi Pan is one of a kind and well worth a visit when you travel to Botswana. This modern world wonder was once a monstrous lake, measuring larger than the country of Switzerland. The lake dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind the largest salt flat in the world. The Makgadikgadi Pan is found in northeast Botswana and it’s a must-see destination on your next trip. The best time of year to visit is in November, when the rain starts to arrive. During the rainy season, you will see the start of Africa’s famous zebra migration, with more than 25,000 zebras traveling across the salt flat.
Stay at the Third Largest Inland Delta on Earth
Botswana is also home to the Okavango Delta, a place abundant in wildlife, mazes of waterways, and scenic lagoons. Travelers can explore the Okavango Delta in a variety of ways. Choose from a boat ride on a traditional makoro or a view from the air in a hot air balloon or helicopter. You can even explore the Okavango Delta on horseback. This is a premier travel destination in Botswana, complete with a variety of lodges, campsites, and even “sleep-outs” for the adventure-seeking tourists.
Learn Survival Skills from the Bushmen
During your visit to Botswana, make sure to carve out time to explore camps where bushmen come to share their unique tribal lifestyle. The San Bushmen tribe near the Okavango Delta are perhaps the most fascinating. Their Khoisan language uses up to 48 consonant sounds that many describe as “clicking” noises. Some camps in Botswana allow travelers to meet bushmen and learn from them with lessons in survival, native animals, and plant life. For the lifelong learner, this makes a wonderful addition to your travels.
See Large Herds of Elephants
In northern Botswana, make a visit to Chobe National Park. This is the most popular safari destination in the country thanks to an abundance of wildlife across the area. During time in the park, you are likely to see baboons, hippos, giraffe, warthogs, zebra, impala, and more. Perhaps the most popular animal is the elephant and this park is home to thousands. In fact, there are most elephants in Chobe National Park than anywhere else in Africa, with an estimated 70,000 elephants calling this area home. You can often spot elephants playing in the waterways, grazing on native flora, or playing on the flats.
Taste the Native Cuisine
No trip to Botswana would be complete without a culinary tour. Some of the most popular dishes you can sample include goat meat stew, pap, morongo, and braai meat. However, nothing will compare to the Seswaa, a traditional Botswanan dish that contains shredded beef. Seswaa is prepared for important occasions among native people, including holidays, funerals, and weddings. It’s a true delicacy, known as one of the best culinary fares in all of Africa!
Take a Safari to See Africa in a New Way
No trip to Africa would be complete without a safari, and a trip to Botswana is no exception. Your safari will be the highlight of your trip, whether you choose to do a safari in the Okavango Delta or the Chobe National Park. Botswana offers a variety of safari options. You can do your tour in a 4×4 vehicle, which is the most traditional option. You can take a boat safari, that offers a slower pace as you float through the winding lagoons and waterways. The makoro boats are always a fun choice and allow you to experience Botswana’s landscapes in the same way that natives do. Of course, there are also more exotic options like a hot air balloon ride, or a safari on horseback or on a bicycle.
You can even explore the bush on foot, as long as you have an experienced guide to lead you. This is a popular option in the Kalahari region. Bush walks will be a favorite for those who want to see a more detailed look at native flora and the traditions of the Botswana people.
Botswana is truly one of Africa’s best treasures. If you are looking for a destination to add to your bucket list, none compares to the adventure you will find in Botswana. Whether you choose to experience a romantic getaway in a lodge or a rustic campout under the stars, there is something for everyone in this beautiful African country.
We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.