Greetings, wildlife enthusiasts! There’s an African adventure that remains a well-kept secret from the usual tourist trail, and it’s waiting to take you on a wild, unforgettable journey. Get ready to explore Botswana, a gem of Southern Africa, known for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and unique safari experiences. Let’s set off on an exploration of Botswana’s lesser-known wildlife marvels!
Glide Through the Okavango Delta
Imagine gliding silently through clear, lily-studded waters on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), while observing elephants, hippos, and a wealth of birdlife in their natural habitat. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and offers this exclusive water-based safari experience, unique to Botswana.
Night Safari in Chobe National Park
Your exploration of Botswana wouldn’t be complete without visiting Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s highest concentration of elephants. But here’s the twist: why not try a night safari? Armed with spotlights, you’ll observe nocturnal creatures such as leopards, hyenas, and bushbabies that are seldom seen during the day.
Walking Safari in the Salt Pans
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are an otherworldly sight that stretches as far as the eye can see. Here, you can join San Bushmen guides on a walking safari, learning about their survival skills, tracking wildlife, and gaining a profound understanding of this harsh, yet beautiful, landscape.
Aerial Safari Over the Delta
Experience the Okavango Delta from a different perspective on an aerial safari. A flight in a small aircraft or a hot air balloon offers unparalleled views of this labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and islands. From this vantage point, you can witness the vastness of the Delta and spot wildlife like never before.
Swim with Otters in the Delta
For those looking for an unusual thrill, swimming with otters in the Okavango Delta is a must! The semi-aquatic Spotted-necked otters are known for their playful nature, and swimming with them in their natural habitat makes for an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience.
The Zebra Migration
Witness the second largest zebra migration in the world! Every year, thousands of zebras travel a route between the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans in search of fresh grazing. This incredible spectacle provides opportunities for stunning wildlife photography.
Visit the Meerkats of Makgadikgadi
Lastly, visit the friendly meerkats of the Makgadikgadi. These sociable animals have become accustomed to human presence and often use people as lookouts for predators. It’s an adorable and endearing experience to have a meerkat climb onto your head to get a better view!
Botswana’s off-the-beaten-path approach to wildlife exploration provides an intimate, less crowded, and more immersive experience. So, if you’re a wildlife lover seeking an African adventure with a twist, Botswana’s unusual wildlife experiences will not disappoint. Here’s to extraordinary wildlife encounters and unforgettable memories in Botswana.
Pula and happy traveling!
