You better bring some water; Botswana is a very dry country. Ironically, one of the major attractions is the wetland of the Okavango delta. In this nation of one and a half million people, most live in the southeast. Major cities include the capital Gaborone and Francistown. If you’re looking to visit, chances are you’ll want to get out of the city and view the great wildlife and nature.

Most travellers come to this country for two reasons: the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, which covers about 85% of the country and the Okavango delta, a huge wetland system of up to 15,000 square kilometres. The Delta is one of the most prolific wildlife areas in Africa. Here you’ll find diverse and pristine habitats, together with unmatched scenic beauty. This is indeed one of Africa's most important wilderness destinations. A highlight of a visit to this area is the incredible profusion of bird life. Bird lovers will be delighted being able to see everything from Pel's Fishing Owl, Wattled Cranes, Slaty Egrets, Rufous-Bellied Heron, Swamp Boubous, and a host of eagles, vultures and other raptors.

The Savuti Channel area, which borders the Delta to the west and Bedford Park to the east, is one of Africa's most famous big game areas. Only 38 kilometres northwest of Savuti and off the main tourist track lies Botswana's best kept secret: Linyanti and the western reaches of the Savuti Channel. The Linyanti and upper Savuti areas rank among the most beautiful in Botswana.

Chobe National Park has a wonderful concentration of animals but has become very crowded due to the number of camps and lodges in the area.

South of Maun and the Okavango delta is the huge open expanse of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. In March and April the Kalahari blossoms with life and huge open spaces of the Makgadikgadi pans fill with water, attracting huge migrating herds.

Getting to Botswana

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) is the major in the capital city of Gaborone. Carriers providing service here include Air Botswana and South African Airways.