| v> | | | | the green season in Botswana has incredible |
| Have you ever wonder what Botswana is like as | | | | diversity and what’s more is it offers |
| a travel destination? Lets take a closer look at | | | | out of season rates. |
| her. | | | | The green season (summer) covers the months |
| Once a year deep in the central African highlands, | | | | November to April and has long been considered |
| heavy seasonal rains fall. Floodwaters gather | | | | low season by the travel trade. Because rain has |
| momentum and head south into the Kalahari | | | | fallen game has dispersed, vegetation is thicker |
| Desert forming the largest inland delta in the | | | | and humidity is higher. As a result many would |
| world — The Okavango Delta in northern | | | | rather send their clients elsewhere. To do so is to |
| Botswana. This unique wetland supports and | | | | miss out on an explosion of life and colour and |
| sustains a huge diversity of wildlife and is | | | | some exceptional game and bird viewing in |
| considered by many to be one of Africa's most | | | | spectacular scenery. The birthing of multiple |
| prolific wildlife and wilderness sanctuaries. | | | | antelope species makes for interesting |
| This natural phenomenon contrasts with another | | | | predator—prey interactions and the myriad |
| flourishing ecosystem driven by different stimuli in | | | | migratory bird species and green luxuriance make |
| the Chobe and Linyanti regions north of the delta. | | | | for spectacular photographic backdrops. Of course |
| The many varied habitats within the Chobe and | | | | some areas do become less productive, but the |
| Linyanti wildlife areas - such as marshes, | | | | trick is picking an itinerary that takes in those |
| waterways, riverine forests, dry woodlands and | | | | areas that produce year round high quality game |
| the world-famous Savute Channel - have created | | | | viewing, as well as those areas that come into |
| an area renowned for its predators and large | | | | their own in summer. |
| concentrations of game, particularly elephant that | | | | Although the rain received in the summer months |
| can sometime gather to some 400 strong. | | | | has a minimal affect on the water levels of the |
| Botswana government abandoned mass tourism | | | | Okavango Delta, this is not the main cause of high |
| and focused on high quality / low volume tourism | | | | and low water levels. In fact the delta high-water |
| as the best way to create a sustainable industry | | | | level takes place in the dry winter — April |
| that would employ a large percentage of its | | | | to October or November. It takes many months |
| people, while still preserving the environment. | | | | for the summer floodwaters from the Central |
| Today wildlife and tourism employs about 45% of | | | | African Highlands to reach the Okavango Delta, |
| the population in northern Botswana. The country | | | | once again changing its appearance and therefore |
| has remained focused on delivering the finest | | | | the experiences available to you. |
| possible authentic wildlife experience, which is | | | | To enhance your wildlife and nature experience, |
| accomplished through one of Africa’s most | | | | many varied inclusive activities are available to |
| sensible land plans ever devised. While there are | | | | you from these luxury game lodges. Safaris by |
| national parks open to the general public, much of | | | | boat and dugout canoe (mokoro) allow an amble |
| the country’s most productive wildlife | | | | stroll through the peaceful waterways and are |
| areas lie outside these parks in private reserves | | | | particular brilliant for bird watching, while game |
| known as concessions. These concessions are | | | | drives and night drives by open 4x4 vehicles are |
| leased out to safari companies that must manage | | | | best for tracking the animals. Guided walks are |
| them within strict guidelines to prevent | | | | unsurpassed experiences for being in touch with |
| overcrowding, must train and employ local people | | | | nature. Elephant back safaris are available from |
| and are obliged to pay for the privilege of using | | | | specific camps as well. This is however an optional |
| these areas. In this way 40% of the country has | | | | experience at an extra cost. |
| been set aside for wildlife. | | | | Mobile tented safaris are also available for walking |
| It is for this reason that a relatively high-end | | | | safari experiences, concentrating on wildlife rich |
| budget is required to experience a safari in | | | | areas guests would not normally see. Walking on |
| Botswana. The all-inclusive luxury game lodges | | | | safari has always been regarded as one of the |
| within the private concessions have exquisite | | | | finest ways to get a feel for the African |
| remote settings, all naturally blending in to their | | | | wilderness, allowing guests to get their feet on |
| surroundings. Access into the Okavango Delta and | | | | the ground and get away from vehicles, to really |
| Linyanti Region is limited to light aircraft chartered | | | | feel, smell and touch Africa. |
| flights adding to the magnificent wildlife and nature | | | | Money matters: |
| experience of your safari as you fly over the | | | | While all the luxury game lodges are sold on an |
| game rich areas and water wonderland. | | | | all-inclusive basis, some do not include all drinks and |
| The best time of the year to travel to Botswana: | | | | none include tips (tips are however not |
| The winter season is generally known as the best | | | | compulsory). These lodges do accept MasterCard |
| season to view game in Africa because it is the | | | | and Visa credit cards as well as travellers cheques |
| dry season. The bush is dry and largely leafless | | | | for little extras that you may need. They also |
| making it easier to spot the game and the game | | | | accept US dollar, British pound, Euro and Rand |
| tends to gather at waterholes to quench their | | | | cash. The local currency is the Pula. |
| thirst and are therefore easy to find. However | | | | |