Botswana's
substantially contrasting habitats and sophisticated safari industry makes
it an ideal destination for those seeking a more exclusive safari. This is
further enhanced by the low volume high yield economic approach by the
authorities and industry which has had a positive influence on the quality
of safaris in Botswana. The sensitive environments are also well respected
by operators who have tended to specialise to a very high degree. The result
is a sensible balance that consistently ensures a highly productive safari
experience in Africa.
Botswana's poor
road infrastructure is ideal for keeping the hordes at bay and provides a
few well-equipped and highly competent operators with an excellent opportunity
to provide a selection of some of Africa's best mobile safaris. Duration
and seasonal timing is important, if planned correctly mobile safaris are
arguably the best way to explore the fuller diversity of Botswana.
Most of Botswana's
best safari secrets are remote and secluded. If you're short on time but
want a broad experience then the fly-in safaris are the best mode of travel.
Fly-in safaris can be suited by taste to specific camps on a totally tailor-made
safari basis or alternatively on a fixed duration basis covering the Okavango
and Linyanti/Savuti regions (plan on a minimum of 8 safari-days for the latter).
Dug-out canoe
trips are synonymous with the Okavango Delta - "mokoro" singular, "mekoro"
plural. The best places are in the permanently flooded zone of the Delta
- look at Little Vumbura, Jedibe and Xigera. Many camps in the seasonally
flooded zone offer mokoro trails but this is often a question of seasonal
timing and conditions following the previous flood.
Walking trails
are offered at most of the camps and lodges that we utilise. Two walking
safaris are particularly recommended in the Selinda and southern Okavango
areas.
Botswana has
a poor road infrastructure by comparison with Namibia, Zimbabwe and South
Africa. Many of the better locations are seasonally off-limits in the extreme
and even when conditions are good they're unadulterated 4x4 turf. Good planning
is essential and extra time to explore should be allowed for.
Safari
ideas