Botsuana "in a nutshell" 

The name Botuwana is derived from the Tswana people, who constitute the majority of the population. Botsuana is often referred to as a model country in Africa, as it has maintained a liberal-democratic foundation and a government legitimized through regularly held elections since gaining independence in 1966. This stability makes Botsuana a highly sought-after travel destination in southern Africa. The country can be roughly divided into three regions:

In the North lies the ecosystem of Chobe National Park, named after the mighty Chobe River that forms its northern boundary. Established in 1967 as Botsuana's first national park, Chobe is a unique nature reserve where no humans have lived since 1975. The best time for wildlife observation in Chobe National Park is the dry season from May to October, during which animals (especially elephants) gather in large herds along the river. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense during this period, making it easier to spot the animals.

Our tip for connoisseurs: Visit Chobe National Park as a self-driver in April, right after the rainy season. The climate is pleasantly warm, and while you may need to search for the animals a bit, you'll be rewarded with beautiful images of young animals.

To the northwest of the provincial town of Maun lies the world-famous Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta on the planet. Here, the Okavango River, flowing from the highlands of Angola, meets the Kalahari and eventually dissipates. This connection of water masses with the Kalahari savannah has created a unique flora and fauna, making the delta one of the greatest natural paradises in the world. Almost the entire spectrum of southern African wildlife calls this place home, and you can observe it from the water in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) within a short time.

Our tip for connoisseurs: Keep an eye on the water level and visit the Okavango Delta even if the waters from Angola haven't yet arrived (mid-March to mid-April). While you might miss out on traditional mokoro tours, you can explore the delta by safari vehicle, driving across the terrain. There are hardly any tourists, and the delta and its inhabitants are beautifully serene.

The entire remaining area of Botswana (80%) is dominated by the Kalahari semi-desert. This is divided into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is mostly flat and covered with a mixture of sand, grass, and shrubs, while the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park features sparse vegetation along the few riverbeds and consists mainly of reddish-yellow sand dunes. Both parks offer good chances of encountering black-maned Kalahari lions, porcupines, leopards, cheetahs, African wildcats, bat-eared foxes, jackals, brown hyenas, and, of course, oryx antelopes.

Our tip for connoisseurs: Explore the Kalahari as a self-driver in a well-equipped off-roader. Navigating the tracks and circuits with a 4x4 vehicle has an expedition-like character and requires experience, as well as sufficient supplies of water, food, fuel, and a satellite phone for emergencies.

"There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows."
(Karen Blixen, author of "Out of Africa")