Botswana safaris recommendations right now: The Makgadikgadi Pans provide visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy a morning in the company of a native meerkat colony. Because humans aren’t a threat to them, meerkats will continue foraging in the grassland for scorpions and other delectable bites. The successful taming of these little desert creatures relies heavily on the commitment of a full-time meerkat man, who monitors the pack daily and assists visitors in locating them. The guide drives you to the nesting zone in the early morning before the birds can emerge from their dens. As the sun rises, they warily peek out of their dens on a low sandy slope. Once they determine it’s safe to climb up, they scurry to the highest peaks of the hillside to look for potential threats and food sources. At some point, the entire colony, including the young birds, begins chattering and wrestling while tourists sit or kneel among them. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get close to the social and resilient desert creatures. Find extra details on Botswana safaris.
The Moremi Game Reserve is also regarded as one of the best reserves to spot the renowned African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) thanks to the recent re-introduction of both black and white rhino into the area. If you’re an avid bird lover, you are in for quite a treat as Moremi Game Reserve’s birdlife is truly unrivalled with over 500 species to admire. July through to October is the best time to visit this amazing part of Botswana, with 4×4 safaris combined with water-based traditional mokoro trips being the best and most unique way to see the abundant wildlife and birdlife the Moremi Game Reserve has to offer.
Voted the best game reserve in the African continent in 2008, this park has a lot going for it. It is the first reserve that was solely founded by local residents who were growing ever more concerened about natural and man-made threats to the local enviroment and wildlife. Situated on the east side of the Okavango Delta, the reserve offers some of the most stunning scenery in the country and boasts an equally impressive ecosystem. Many tourists choose to visit the park by self-drive campervan but the park also has a number of great campsites.
Bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, the Tuli Block is a beautiful wildlife rich area located in eastern Botswana. Boasting dramatic rocky scenery, towering baobab trees and thick riverine forests, it is a magnificent corner of Botswana that’s unlike the rest of the country. The Tuli Block was once an area of private farms, but a few decades ago the land was transformed into a well-managed conservation area and wildlife sanctuary. Now the Tuli Block encompasses several reserves, including Mashatu Game Reserve and the Northern Tuli Game Reserve – One of the largest privately owned game reserves in Southern Africa. Besides offering wildlife and nature lovers an exclusive African safari experience, one of the Tuli Block’s greatest allures is its prolific wildlife, with incredible sightings guaranteed year-round. There are large herds of elephant, several species of antelope, plenty of lion, leopard, wildebeest, and even cheetah. The Tuli Block is also one of Southern Africa’s bird watching hot spots with at least 350 species recorded. Due to it being private land, thrilling guided walking safaris and night drives can be enjoyed when visiting the Tuli Block. It also boasts several excellent and exclusive lodges and camps to stay at.
This game reserve is the third largest in Botswana but it has one of the largest concentrations of rare game animals in the continent of Africa. The national park takes its name from the Chobe River which, at first glance is guaranteed to take your breathe away. As well as being a beautiful sight, the river supports an ecosystem of rare and exotic creatures including birds, elephants, lions, giraffes, baboons and buffalo. During the winter season it is possible to see a herd of hundreds of elephants at a time; a truly once in a lifetime experience.
The renowned Chobe National Park lies within Botswana’s Okavango Delta and covers four distinct eco-systems. Chobe National Park is home to over 120,000 African elephants, making it one of the top places on the planet to see these huge mammals in their natural environment. The best time of year to enjoy spectacular sightings of these gentle giants of the African bushveld is during Botswana’s cooler, winter months (dry season) between May and September when enormous herds congregate on the banks of the Chobe River.
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. It’s also considered one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. The river flows into a basin in the Kalahari Desert, where it then dissipates, creating an oasis in the middle of the dry landscape. The delta is home to a good deal of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. You can explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), safari game drive, or on foot. The delta is ideal for luxury travel and those interested in getting off the beaten path and experiencing a more authentic African safari. Discover additional information at sundownersafaris.com.