WHILE Botswana may be famed for its Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, other unique areas such as the Kgalagadi and Kalahari tend to draw longer-staying guests and repeat travellers. Dramatic wide-open landscapes set the Kalahari apart, together with the possibility of seeing blackmaned lions and opportunities to experience San culture. Onne Vegter, Wild Wings Safaris md, says although overlooked by many South Africans, the Central Kalahari National Park is worth a visit because it boasts wide terrain, with very few other vehicles in sight. He says, although very hot, the park is best visited in summer because when there is grass there is a lot more wildlife to be seen. “In the summer, the green grass attracts herds and herds of zebras, and other game as well,” he says. “While it doesn’t compare with the wildebeest migration in East Africa, it is the biggest zebra migration.” The zebra migrate from the south of the Kalahari, through Nxai Pan and into Zimbabwe. The Botswanan side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which also borders South Africa, is a vast reserve that offers a unique experience, says Onne. He says it is a lot more remote on the Botswanan side and recommends a visit to Mabua Sehube. “You’re deep in the bush; there is beautiful scenery; salt pans and the traffic is a lot less that on the South African side of the park.” The Makgadikgadi Pan is one of the largest salt pans in the world. During most of the year the pans are dry but in the wet season they spring to life, covered in water and grass and migrating birds and animals. These include ducks, geese and great white pelicans. It is also home to one of only two breeding populations of greater flamingos in Southern Africa. “A popular spot here is Lekaubu Island. It is a beautiful, scenic spot on the edge of the salt pan with massive baobab trees,” says Onne, adding that it is very remote and great for photography.
Tourism is thriving
Tourism in Botswana now accounts for one in seven of all dollars in the economy, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) annual review, released earlier this year. In 2018, the country’s travel and tourism sector grew at 3,4%, compared with the sub-Saharan African average of 3,3%.
Did you know?
Airlink operates daily flights between Johannesburg and Kasane, just north of Chobe National Park.
Self-drive – great for longer stays
WHILE self drive holidays in Botswana are only feasible for longer stays, Onne Vegter of Wild Wings Safaris, says they are popular with South African travellers who enjoy camping and independent travel. Nata is the logical stopover for travellers heading to Chobe from Gauteng, he says. The roads linking Joburg and Kasane have also recently been improved. Overnighting in Nata also means that you can be in Chobe early in the morning. Onne says, as there is minimal fencing, drivers are likely to spot game along this part of the drive. “You can often see elephants crossing the road and sometimes even wild dogs.” Onne also recommends the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for self-drivers. Travellers spending time in the South African part of the park will enjoy the contrast of the Botswanan section, which is wilder and has less fencing. Lions, leopards and wild dogs have been known to enter campsites, as many of Botswana’s parks are unfenced. As a result, Onne says 4x4s with roof-top camping are essential. Moreover, while there are some tarred roads, like the main road to and within Chobe National Park, the game viewing is best along the riverbanks, which can only be accessed with a 4x4. He adds that people attempting this drive in a 2x4 with diff lock will more than likely deflate their tyres. Caroline Tinsley, business development manager of Intrepid Travel, says self-drive is only really suitable for travellers spending a lot of time in the country because of the sometimes day-long drives between the different wilderness areas, which is why the operator sticks to flyin packages. She advises agents selling self-drive to inform their clients about border crossings and the possibility of drivers with a South African number plate being pulled over. Travelling with the right paperwork is essential. Travelling in convoy, with at least one other vehicle, is also crucial, says Onne. Because of the low cellphone signal, getting roadside assistance is difficult.
Spotlight on Chobe
THE Chobe region spans over 11 000 sqm and its varied landscapes include floodplains, swamps and woodlands, together with the Chobe River. The area is best accessed by flying into Kasane, a twohour flight from Johannesburg. Most lodges offer transfers from the airport to the parks. The area’s proximity to other bucket-list destinations, including the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and the Caprivi Strip, make it a great destination to include in Southern African packages. Celeste Muir, marketing manager of Thompsons Holidays, recommends Chobe as an “all-round, once-in-alifetime experience,” while Wild Wings Safaris’ Onne Vegter says Chobe National Park offers the best boatbased game viewing in the world. Celeste also highlights the area’s large elephant population as a unique selling point. “Chobe is renowned for having the greatest concentration of game on the African continent on both land and water.” Deidré Ward, aha leisure sales manager, says in addition to large herds of elephant, the many species that can be spotted in the region include giraffe, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, eland, lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox, cheetah and wild dog. May to October is the ideal season for a Big Five experience, says Celeste. Onne adds that outside of this period, the region still offers great birding. “The water attracts a lot of birds. Carmine bee-eaters are up there, along with many others that nest in the river bank.” According to Onne, the best game viewing is in the area north of the Chobe River. Celeste also recommends Kazuma Forest Reserve in the Chobe region for game watching. The reserve is one of the busiest elephant corridors and joins Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park. Onne says Chobe is also a favourite for South Africans because accommodation in the area ranges from budget camping to high-end lodges. “Within Kasane, there are lots of budget accommodation options that are popular with South Africans. You don’t have to stay in a luxury lodge that is priced for the international market.” What to do in Chobe Walking safaris and boat cruises along the Chobe River are some of the must-do activities, says Celeste. A sightseeing cruise to Sedudu Island, which is submerged by floods for several months of the year is also a top pick, says Deidré. “This is the perfect venue from which to view a truly magnificent African sunset,” she says. “These cruises are a must for photographers!” The area is also popular for tiger fishing.
Summer conferencing
Aha is offering a summer conferencing special at aha Masa Square Hotel in Gaborone. The special starts from R275 per person and includes morning tea/coffee with a selection of treats, buffet lunch with a soft drink and coffee; afternoon tea with a selection of treats; bottled water and mints; desk pad and pens. A data projector, WiFi and secure parking are also included. The property recently added 30 Masa Executive Apartments, suited to travellers requesting spacious, self-catering luxurious suites.
Book it!
Thompsons Holidays is offering a three-night package at the four-star Chobe Bush Lodge between December 1 and March 31, 2020. The packages include return flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone; taxes; return airport-lodge transfers; three nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner; two game drives per stay, and a boat cruise. Pricing starts from R13 971pps. Block-out dates apply between December 21 and January 3, 2020. Thompsons Holidays is offering a three-night package at the five-star Camp Kazuma lodge in the Kazuma Forest Reserve until June 30. The package includes return flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone (taxes included); return transfers from airport to the camp; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, including local drinks (soft drinks, local beers and house wines); as well as activities such as game drives, guided walks and night drives. Prices start from R17 236pps. Advance purchase, peak season surcharges, block-out periods and T&Cs apply.
Did you know?
Avis Safari Rental offers a range of fully equipped safari vehicles, including the new Ford Ranger, which accommodates between two and five travellers. The safari vehicles are fitted with quick five-minute set-up tents; comprehensive kitchens as well as solar charging systems. Safari linens, towels, chairs and a table are included for convenience. The rentals are commissionable. A ‘bush air-conditioner’ is a great way to keep cool in the heat. Just wet a kikoi (a wrap) and wrap it around your shoulders during a game drive. It’s a good idea to take extra water to keep wetting it during the drive. The Kwa Maningi Beauty Spa at aha Chobe Marina Lodge offers a full menu of pampering treatments from hands and feet to facials, by professional beauty therapists.
