General Info
Campsites and Safari Areas
None of the campsites in Botswana are fenced and the game is free to move freely wherever it wants, sometimes right past or through camp. Most of our sites are completely private, however we mainly operate within the parks and reserves of Botswana, which are public areas used by other mobile safari operators, self-drive tourists and some lodges.
Seasons
Botswana has two distinct seasons: the dry season that extends from May to the end of October and the wet or green season that lasts from November through to April. The arrival of the first rains after a long, hot dry season is one of the most exhilarating times in the Botswana bush.
The Green Season
The very best time to visit the desert areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan and Savuti is during the rainy season, up until a few weeks after the last rains (November – May). During this time, the scenery is spectacular and the game is abundant. This is an excellent time to come on safari because the herbivores congregate on large open grasslands to give birth, while predators wait for an opportunity to pounce.
Although the herds of elephants and buffalo move into the mopane forests there are still plenty of herds of elephants to be seen. The extensive grasslands become the scene of the annual zebra migrations as they move into Nxai Pan, the Makgadikgadi grasslands and Savuti. All the plants are in full flower at this time and migrant species of birds can be observed from mid November until mid April. Visitor numbers are very low at this time so it is easy to imagine that you are the only visitors in the parks.
The Dry Season
This is when game viewing in the Okavango Delta is at its peak and all the big mammals are concentrated near water, making them relatively easy to find. Tall grasses and vegetation have died down after the wet season so game is easier to spot. The temperatures can get surprisingly cold during the winter (June – August) so warm clothing is essential for early morning game drives.
Activities
A variety of activities are available on safari. Game drives and bird watching do not incur any additional cost and some night drives are included in the price of the safari, but all other activities will be an additional expense.
• Game Drives
Explore the surrounding wilderness in search of wildlife in custom-made open safari vehicles. You will have the chance to see elephant, giraffe, zebra and buffalo, as well as lion, cheetah and leopard. On a smaller scale, there are several mongoose species and a large variety of reptiles.
• Night Drives
Exploring after dark with spotlights offers you an opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the nocturnal mammals that are rarely encountered during the day, including genets, porcupines, honey badgers, African wildcats and owls.
• Bird Watching
Botswana boasts a high level of avian biodiversity. The greatest number of birds may be seen from October to March when the migrants are present. Bright and colourful birds such as flycatchers, bee-eaters and rollers are common, as are several species of birds of prey. In the Okavango Delta there are many species of water birds, whereas flamingos are seen in the Makgadikgadi Pans during their breeding season.
• Boating
Explore the endless networks of crystal clear waterways and secret lagoons of the Okavango Delta by motor boat. You might be lucky enough to see a hippo, crocodile or otter. Keep your eyes open for tiny reed frogs and striking kingfishers.
• Guided Walks
Explore the surrounding wilderness on foot and enjoy an up close and personal encounter with Botswana’s flora and fauna. This gives you an opportunity to really immerse yourself in the bush, surrounded by sights, sounds and smells that you might not notice from a vehicle.
• Fishing
Experience the exhilaration of catching tiger fish and bream in the deep channels of the upper reaches of the Delta. See the barbel run as soon as the waters begin to recede. August through to October are the best months for fishing.
• Scenic Flights
Experience the thrill and beauty of a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta and surrounding wilderness. Look out for elephants and giraffe crossing channels, while red lechwe splash through the floodplains and hippos warm themselves in the sun.
• Mekoroing
A mekoro is a traditional dug-out canoe that allows you access to the heart of the Okavango Delta. This is an ideal means of bird watching. Sit back and relax as you glide through quiet pools of abundant water lilies.
• Quad Bikes
Cruise across the vast baking expanse of the salt pans on four wheel drive quad bikes and sleep out under the five billion star-spangled ceiling of the Makgadikgadi Pans.
