BOTSWANA

The Okavango Delta is a uniquely lush part of Africa, where freshwater wetlands form an otherworldly oasis for the local wildlife. When the delta floods in May, elephants and buffalo migrate en-masse, making it a safari-spotting destination second to none. At the delta you can spot 164 different species of mammal, 540 of bird and 157 of reptile.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, covering an incredible 52,000 square kilometers. It’s home to all sorts of game, from rhino to desert adapted elephant. It’s also home to the ancient hunter gatherer society of the San people. But the biggest draw of this incredible place is arguably the king of the kalahari: the lion. Spotting a pride of black mane lions is surprisingly easy in the reserve, and watching them play, hunt or laze about is one of the most unforgettable sights in the animal kingdom.

This is the only protected section of the Okavango Delta, the ‘country of rivers,’ and as such is an area of incredible environmental, scientific and conservation importance. It’s a spectacular place to see elephants in huge numbers, who take migratory routes in their thousands to the Delta each year.

The Mokoro is a traditional canoe like boat that’s become an iconic symbol of the delta. A historic way to get around, it now is commonly used for game viewing safaris. As there’s no engine noise, this is one of the most serene safari experiences you can have (as long as you don’t run into an angry hippo).

Plenty of indigenous tribes in Botswana, such as the San Bushmen, continue practising their traditional ways of life of hunter gathering and tribal traditions. In the Makgadikgadi Pans you can meet Bushmen families you give you unique insights into their traditional culture and ways of life, showing you how they start fires, find water, forage and hunt.

Chobe National Park is one of the best in Africa and is famous for its huge herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, as well as a dizzying biological diversity. The park is notable for having lions that prey on elephants - a rare sight in nature. Go on a safari here and you’re guaranteed to take some incredible photos.