Exploring Botswana Safaris – Chobe National Park and Savuti Marshes

Botswana is now one of the most expensive safari destination in Southern Africa (due to government’s restrictions on the number of visitors to Botswana safaris). It is best to visit Botswana from mid-June to October for great opportunities for animal viewing.

Most Botswana safari itineraries include The Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans and The Chobe National Park Ecosystem.

The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world where the river flows into the Kalahari desert which provides for an interesting sight by itself. This river flow creates a source of food and water for animals in the area from elephants to lions and crocodiles and other small animals such as monkeys and warthog.  You can take a cruise along the Okavango Delta waterways for a glimpse of these wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Makgadikgadi Pans comprises a wide expanse of shimmering white salt and consisting primarily of the vast Sua and Ntwetwe pans. These arid, dry areas are less visited but form a startling contrast to the ‘typical’ safari areas further north. Makgadikgadi is a truly unique destination that can be visited at any time of year, with guests exploring the unique lunar landscape and spending time with the San Bushmen. Guests can also check out the meerkat here.

The Chobe National Park is located in northeast Botswana and covers about 11,700km² of the northern Kalahari desert – due to a river that flows (interestingly!) both ways and the Savuti Channel, this area is also famous for herds of migratory elephants (as many as eighty thousand!) and buffaloes, themselves attracting large prides of lion hunting them for food.

Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualwayfarer

Private Concessions vs. National Park

Parts of the Chobe National Park ecosystem is private land – Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando concessions with private lodges.  The benefit of checking out safaris on private concessions is the exclusive experience on offer vs. the crowded national parks during the peak dry season from July to October which could affect animal sightings and the overall safari experience.

• The Selinda Reserve is one of Africa’s top wildlife reserves. Part of the Great Plains Conservation project, the Selinda Reserve has some of the most luxurious accommodation in Africa.
• Linyanti is one of Africa’s finest game viewing areas and is a prime example of high-end exclusive safari. The quality of camps here is outstanding – to the extent that these are some of the the continent’s best lodges – this is a seriously good area for safari. It is famous for its large herds and for predators, including cheetah and wild dog
• Kwando Safaris Kwando Reserve is synonymous with high quality, serious safari. Predators are prolific and the standard of guiding here is exceptional. A magical private reserve.

There’s plenty for you to do in these private reserves. The majority of camps offer game drives, by day and by night, as well as walking, fishing, boating, and Botswana’s Okavango trademark mokoro activity (a dugout canoe safari).

There are many safari tour companies which provides various packages to visit the Botswana safaris e.g. yellowzebrasafaris.com/destinations/botswana/ which provides customised packages for honeymooners, families and solo travellers.