TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
BOTSWANA
Botswana has the highest concentration of elephants in Africa (approximately 130,451) and 70% of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert. It is also home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavanago Delta, which runs through the Kalahari.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta. Hire a ‘poler’ and traverse over this incredible water system in a traditional dugout canoe referred to as a mokoro. Witness hippos grazing, elephants bathing, birds flying overhead, and soak in the beauty that surrounds you. Word of warning, if you are terribly afraid of spiders (like myself), request to have your poler place a tree branch at the front of your canoe to break any large webs that may stretch from reed to reed across the waterway (and stay CALM so you don’t tip the boat!).
Learn Local Traditions
Known as the San Bushmen, these Botswana locals have adapted over time to this challenging landscape. They are considered to be the oldest culture in the world dating back over 100,000 years. There are only roughly 3,000 (from 95,000) San Bushmen still remaining that follow this traditional way of living. Learn about the skills they have perfected to find food, cook meals, and perhaps you may also learn a traditional dance.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. Enjoy multiple safari’s during your time here and be sure to head out onto the Chobe River at sunset for some hippo spotting. Hippos can spend almost 16 hours a day in the water to keep cool from the hot sun. Their eyes and nostrils are situated close to the top of their heads, allowing them to breathe and see while they are mostly submerged.
Head out on a Game Walk
While in the Okavango Delta, be sure to head out on a game walk (accompanied by your guide of course!). Learn about the flora and fauna, and with some luck, your guide may be able to point out some animal tracks and smaller wildlife such as insects. If you’re lucky you may even witness large herds of wildlife in the distance. After being in a safari vehicle all day, get out and stretch those legs and experience walking in the land where the animals run free.
Spend the Night in a
Bush Camp
Enjoy an authentic African experience while spending the night in a bush camp deep within the Delta. This is the real-deal when it comes to bush camps! Before heading out, ensure you have your electronics fully charged and have spare headlamp batteries on hand. Listen to the eerie sounds of wildlife passing by your camp at night while you (try) to sleep, and do NOT stray from your tent in the middle of the night!
Take a Scenic Flight
Over the Delta
Get a birds-eye view of the Okavango Delta from the seat of a plane. At 500 feet, drift over the incredible water channels that wind through the papyrus-lined waterways. Keep on the look out for wildlife roaming down below.
