Botswana is home to the world’s biggest inland delta. It is here that the Okavango River floods the Kalahari Desert, forming a maze of winding channels that create palm-fringed islands and fertile floodplains.
Botswana is home to the world’s biggest inland delta. It is here that the Okavango River floods the Kalahari Desert, forming a maze of winding channels that create palm-fringed islands and fertile floodplains.
The game rich Moremi Game Reserve and grasslands of the Chobe National Park add to the immense variety of wildlife, with 600 species of birds and a migrant population of over 120 000 elephants. In the south, the baobabs of the Makgadikgadi Pans mark the site of an enormous, ancient lake which still fills in the rainy season while the Tsolido Hills were sacred to the Stone Age San.
With over 4 000 catalogued paintings, it is one of the richest rock art sites in Southern Africa.
There are a few backpacking hostels scattered around the country but for the most part it is still a very young industry.
Buses and mini-buses run between the bus station in Gaborone and Johannesburg (via Mafikeng) daily.
The National roads are tarred but access tracks leading to the parks and reserves require a 4x4 vehicle. Campsites must be booked in advance.
Places to Stay
- Planet Baobab - Botswana
Stay in a traditional style village shaded by baobabs and visit the salt pans.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Mad about helicopters? This place is for you.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
Do Jo'burg and surrounds in depth.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Set in a quaint old Karoo house, The Owl House Backpackers is a must for anyone who has the time, or needs a spiritual boost.
(Nieu Bethesda,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
On the banks of Lake Kariba, this is relatively unexploited area is home to the Tonga, who still live according to age old traditions.
(Kariba Zim,Zimbabwe and Zambia)
Volunteer to help with research on dolphins and whales.
(Plettenberg Bay,Garden Route)
Close to all animal farms and a huge curio market.
(Hartbeespoort and surrounds,North West Province)
Use them as a base for your Klein Karoo quests.
(De Rust,Garden Route)
S 23° 00” 000’ E 016° 52” 500’ is where it all starts.
(Windhoek,Namibia)
Bright, cheerful and very comfortable.
(Rustenburg and surrounds,North West Province)
A discount card to backpackers in South Africa that offers great value.
(Ais Ais,Cape Town)
