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The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country with approximately 1.7 million inhabitants, neighboring South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is the same size as France. To its northwest is the famous Okavango Delta, a unique inland delta that attracts a variety of wildlife, not only in the delta itself, but also in adjacent parks.

Traveling in the Botswana wilderness will be guaranteed for pure African wildlife and adventure. It is the policy of the Botswana Government to preserve this habitat and they do so by keeping the safaris as an exclusive event. Access to parks, camping fees, etc. are expensive. And that’s just the beginning. So you won’t see the herds of tourists and safari vehicles like you may have seen in Tanzania or Kenya. And although the facilities in the parks have been improved in the last two years, they are minimal. You will be traveling deep into the jungle, being far from any form of civilization and therefore you must bring a refrigerator, stove or shower. Getting in only requires planning your adventure in advance, renting the appropriate equipment and vehicle, reserving sites and parks.

Booking trips with local operators has the advantage of being able to camp outside of public campsites, which are usually full before you know it. Some safari companies are members of HATAB and/or BOGA (Botswana Girl Guides Association). With a HATAB and BOGA listed safari company, you will be camping in areas that are not open to the public, truly in the middle of nowhere. Under the “take nothing, leave nothing” rule, these members are allowed to set up camp, spend the night(s), and when you’re gone, the place must show only your footprints as evidence that you you stayed there

Plus, if you’re traveling with a BOGA company, you’ll ensure you’re on track with local safari guides who were born and raised in Batswana. They know the territory very well, are licensed by the DWNP (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) and frequently trained in medical rescue. Although “requested” animal sightings can never be guaranteed, guides know where to find the specific wild dog, leopard or bee-eater.

Botswana is the place where you can be sure to see as much and diverse wildlife as you would expect in Africa. But also in the real African habitat. The Okavango Delta is a bird watcher’s paradise, both on and off the water. The Moremi Game Reserve in the delta is still officially Africa’s best game reserve and has a lot to show for it. Almost all species converge here: hippos, elephants, antelopes, zebras, impalas, birds of prey, crocodiles, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, baboons, honey badgers, lions, leopards, giraffes. Whatever it is, it will be there. Although, rhinos will be hard to find in the Moremi language. For those who might consider the Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe, a very nice park, perfect between Johannesburg and Maun if you’re driving from South Africa.

And these are just some of the things you can find in the Okavango, there is much more to see, on the water, on the water, at night. Consider spending a night camping on one of the many islands and taking a bush walk… well, go there!

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