Botswana is a landlocked country surrounded by it's neighbouring countries Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Yes this is an actual country in Africa and not part of South Africa as rumour has it! Botswana is a country rich with minerals such as diamonds and copper. Also not to be forgotten is the country's large export of quality beef to the UK and surrounding countries.
The highlight of Botswana is however the world famous Okavango Delta. The world's largest inland delta impressively claimed the 1000th UNESCO world heritage spot. The Okavango Delta begins only 20 kilometres from the tourism village of Maun. The only village that has more donkeys then people! Maun is a short 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg and your gateway to the incredible Okavango Delta. Home to the local Setswana people, you are sure to be greeted with a big smile and a welcoming dumela, which means hello. The channels of the Okavango Delta are being maintained by the hippos in the water while islands are home to small game and the big five.
Starting your excursion you'll find your bottom sat down in a dug out canoe navigating your way through the channels of the Okavango Delta. Just a hint, have your sunscreen applied before getting into your Mokoro boat! Temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees celsius between october to march so it's also recommended to take as much fluids as possible. So sit back in the hot sun and sip away on your favourite beverage! With crystal clear water underneath you, you are sure to see fish and plants of different colours. Water lilies have bright red and green colours and their roots are planted deep into the white soft river sand. Incredible! While seated keep your eyes on the reeds and trees as you can find anything from a frog on a lily pad to elephants grazing on the banks or cooling down in the water. Be sure to have insect repellent handy for the odd spider that will end up in your canoe. This is no joke!
Walking in the Okavango Delta is like no other nature walk you'll ever get to do. On foot with good hiking boots and bush coloured clothing that is! You'll be taken by a local Setswana guide to see what you can find in the way of wildlife. You'll track animals using every instinct you have. Scent, sight and hearing will all bring you closer to the African wildlife in their natural environment.
An overnight stay in the Okavango Delta should be considered as this would allow you greater interaction with the local residents. Singing and dancing around the bushfire, telling stories of a long gone tribe with traditional beliefs and folklore. There is also nothing quite like waking up to an African sunrise and the call of an African fish eagle that has made the catch of the day. With the option of camping, lodges or even luxury hotels in the area you can always find something that would suit your pocket!
There is of course another way to see the Okavango Delta. Book through various charter companies in the heart of Maun, such as Helicopter Horizons, to experience world renowned scenic flights! A quick 40 minute flight over the Okavango Delta will give you a bird's eye view showing you exactly how big this wonder of the world really is. With no hills or mountains to detract from the beauty, these flights offer incredible scenic views as far as the eye can see.
When travelling to Africa, this stop over on the map is a must see!
Kealeboga, tsama sintle
Thank you and go well!
- Nic Vos
The highlight of Botswana is however the world famous Okavango Delta. The world's largest inland delta impressively claimed the 1000th UNESCO world heritage spot. The Okavango Delta begins only 20 kilometres from the tourism village of Maun. The only village that has more donkeys then people! Maun is a short 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg and your gateway to the incredible Okavango Delta. Home to the local Setswana people, you are sure to be greeted with a big smile and a welcoming dumela, which means hello. The channels of the Okavango Delta are being maintained by the hippos in the water while islands are home to small game and the big five.
Starting your excursion you'll find your bottom sat down in a dug out canoe navigating your way through the channels of the Okavango Delta. Just a hint, have your sunscreen applied before getting into your Mokoro boat! Temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees celsius between october to march so it's also recommended to take as much fluids as possible. So sit back in the hot sun and sip away on your favourite beverage! With crystal clear water underneath you, you are sure to see fish and plants of different colours. Water lilies have bright red and green colours and their roots are planted deep into the white soft river sand. Incredible! While seated keep your eyes on the reeds and trees as you can find anything from a frog on a lily pad to elephants grazing on the banks or cooling down in the water. Be sure to have insect repellent handy for the odd spider that will end up in your canoe. This is no joke!
Walking in the Okavango Delta is like no other nature walk you'll ever get to do. On foot with good hiking boots and bush coloured clothing that is! You'll be taken by a local Setswana guide to see what you can find in the way of wildlife. You'll track animals using every instinct you have. Scent, sight and hearing will all bring you closer to the African wildlife in their natural environment.
An overnight stay in the Okavango Delta should be considered as this would allow you greater interaction with the local residents. Singing and dancing around the bushfire, telling stories of a long gone tribe with traditional beliefs and folklore. There is also nothing quite like waking up to an African sunrise and the call of an African fish eagle that has made the catch of the day. With the option of camping, lodges or even luxury hotels in the area you can always find something that would suit your pocket!
There is of course another way to see the Okavango Delta. Book through various charter companies in the heart of Maun, such as Helicopter Horizons, to experience world renowned scenic flights! A quick 40 minute flight over the Okavango Delta will give you a bird's eye view showing you exactly how big this wonder of the world really is. With no hills or mountains to detract from the beauty, these flights offer incredible scenic views as far as the eye can see.
When travelling to Africa, this stop over on the map is a must see!
Kealeboga, tsama sintle
Thank you and go well!
- Nic Vos
 | Nic Vos comes from the scenic country of Botswana. Living amongst wildlife, Nic runs camps both in Maun and the Okavango Delta. Nic has travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa and as of late has travelled to both the UAE and Australia. Australian Abroad is privileged to welcome back Nic! |
For other destinations in Botswana check out the top five safari locations!
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