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Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It has land borders with Zimbabwe in the northeast, South Africa in the south and southeast and with Namibia to the west.
The country is a broad tableland with a mean altitude of 3,300 ft. A vast plateau of about 4,000 ft in height, extending from near Kanye north to the Zimbabwean border, divides the country into two distinct topographical regions.
The eastern region is hilly bush country and grassland (veld). To the west lie the Okavango Swamps and the Kalahari Desert. The only sources of permanent surface water are the Chobe River in the north, the Limpopo in the east, and the Okvango in the northwest. In seasons of heavy rainfall, floodwaters flow into the Makarikari Salt Pans and Lake Ngami.
› Moremi
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This pristine wilderness area of Botswana is reputed to be Africa's most beautiful reserve.
There are a wide range of habitats in Moremi - from the riparian woodlands, floodplains, reed beds and the permanent wetland of the Okavango Delta, through towering stands of Mopane forests to the dry savannah woodlands
Such a wide variety of habitats implies a wide variety of wildlife and at any time of the year, game is prolific (although what is seen obviously varies with the seasons).
The mosaic of land and water comprising the Okavango Delta is a birder's haven, especially from November to March when the area is brimming with migratory birds.
Other activities possible in this area are fishing, photography and guided nature walks on the islands of the Delta, which lie outside the boundaries of the reserve.
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› Chobe
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Home to the largest elephant herds in the world, the world renowned Chobe National Park measures 11 700km? and incorporates two principal wildlife areas: the riverfront and the Savute.
The riverfront stretches along the banks of the Chobe River from Kasane through Serondela to Ngoma Bridge. The river roads offer excellent game viewing and spectacular scenery.
This region is also known for superb bird viewing, especially during the summer months.The Savute is the vast central body of the reserve, incorporating the Mababe Depression.
The immensity of the depression is stunning, whether seen in the dry season, when it can appear almost desert-like and barren beyond belief, or after the rain on a crystal clear days across the vivid green of new grass.
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› Kalahari
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The largest reserve in Botswana, measuring 51 800km?.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was created in 1961 and was set aside as a region where the San (Bushman) could live their traditional way of life.
This reserve is only slightly smaller than Belgium and the Netherlands combined and it is not likely that you will come across the San whilst staying there.
Roads are little more than tracks and there are no facilities of any kind. Only parties with the right equipment, vehicles and experience should contemplate a visit to this reserve.
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› Okavango Delta
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The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta on Earth. Instead of flowing into the sea, the annual flood of fresh water flows inland, spreading over 15 000km? of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels.
The countless islands that emerge from its waterways give rise to several diverse ecosystems, which in turn are home to vast numbers of game and a myriad of bird species. The crystal clear waters support many kinds of fish. The area is a birder?s paradise.
The delta is at its most impressive in August when the champagne-coloured water is at its deepest. Most of the animals' young are born between November and March when the vegetation is lush. |
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