About Botswana Accommodation
The Kalahari Desert covers four-fifths of Botswana and 17% of the country is covered by National Parks and a further 22% has been set aside as wildlife management areas. The region in the north and northeast is where the main tourist areas are found. This region plays host to the famous Okavango Delta, The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Savute Marsh (south-western Chobe).
The Delta, Moremi and Savute are accessed by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane. There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Maun. Chobe can either be accessed via Vic Falls (80 kms away) or Kasane. There are flights from Johannesburg to Kasane three times a week.
Travel within Botswana is mainly by light aircraft (Cessna 206, 210, Caravan or Islander). This allows the guest to fly directly into the lodges. Inter-camp transfers are usually done by air, or occasionally by boat (depending on the combination of camps). There is also an optional road transfer service between the Botswana lodges, should you not wish to fly.
Due to its proximity to Victoria Falls, Botswana is often combined with a stay in the Falls. This would mean flying into Maun and out of Vic Falls, or vice versa. Itineraries can be designed around the guest's requirements and we will be as flexible as airline schedules will allow.
Location:
Central southern Africa. Botswana is landlocked and is bordered by South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the east, Namibia to the west, Angola to the north and Zambia to the north east.
Area:
582 000 sq kms ( 224 711 sq miles), roughly the size of France.
Capital:
Gabarone (South east)
Language:
English & Setswana
Time:
GMT +2
Health:
The areas covered in our tours are endemic Malaria areas. We suggest you consult your doctor or pharmacy regarding anti malaria medication.
Visas:
Most non Commonwealth passport holders do require a visa. Please contact your
nearest Botswana consulate for more detailed information.
Botswana is an all-year-round wilderness destination though general game viewing is at its best during the winter months (June - October) when the game concentrates around water sources and the bush and plains grasses are substantially thinned out. The Okavango Delta floods annually during the same time, as the river takes some 6 months to reach the delta from its source 1000km away in the Angolan Highlands. Calving season throughout the region is from November - February, during the rainy season. Fishing for tigerfish, bream and pike is especially good September - December.
Other seasonal activities for special interest groups to take note of:
Best birding months are November to March when the Delta is brimming with migratory birds.
Best botanical months are December to May when the vegetation is lush and green and also when most plants are in flower.
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