This safari is termed ‘ultimate’ not for the contrived creature comforts but for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it affords of seeing iconic large mammals and an array of radiant birds, at almost every location you visit.

Nearly half of the country’s land has been earmarked for wildlife protection, so animals abound in its fine national parks and diverse ecosystems, of which four national parks stand out as extraordinary safari destinations. In fact, combining all of them into one mega expedition is bound to be a surefire hit. Here’s a perfect 10-day Botswana Safari Itinerary.

You can customize your Botswana safari with Far and Wild Travel and be assured of the best experience across top parks.

Chobe National Park

Termed the “Yellowstone” of Africa, Chobe National Park is the mainstay of many up-close epic animal encounters, especially large herds of elephants. Located in Botswana’s northeast corner, Chobe has been harbouring wildlife since the 1930s. It is one of the best Wildlife and Birding parks in Botswana, Africa.

In addition to finding hundreds of mighty pachyderms in a single herd, there are over 440 species of birds which have been recorded here, leaving alone the full complement of predators and rarities as the Orbi and Roan antelope.

The dry season in Chobe extends from June to October, and this is the period when animals which are water-dependent, particularly elephants, congregate in large numbers along the edges of the Chobe river, which has given the park its name.

A popular wildlife experience in Chobe is boat safaris, which provide riveting close sightings of elephants, crocodiles, hippos and a remarkable wealth of other beasts and birds. Lions preying upon old and vulnerable buffalo bulls along the shores is an unforgettable sight. Also Read about Asiatic Lions found only in India at Gir National Park.

Another highlight of the boat cruise is rewarding bird sights like the African fish eagle, African skimmer, long-toed lapwing, squacco heron, and African spoonbill. African hobby, African Marsh harrier, brown firefinch, thrush nightingale and rosy-throated longclaw.

Chobe National Park includes two other important wildlife areas, Savuti and the Chobe Riverfront. While the Sauviti marshes are a premier predator hotspot, there are chances to come across the rare African wild dog, mega lion pride and cheetahs. Some less obvious mammals that are found here are Selous mongoose, serval and wild cats.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

This 3,900 square kilometre park lies in the southern part of the Nxai and Makgadikgadi plains, extending from the Boteti river, in the western section to the Ntwetwe Plain in the east.

The recently replenished Boteti river is a magnet for wildlife, especially in the dry months from May to October, when the river remains the only source of water, despite reaching extremely low levels.

A part of the park forms a part of the Kalahari Basin and is home to some of the largest salt pans on earth. While the shimmering crust may seem barren, after rains the desolate landscape attracts thousands of animals and flocks of flamingos and pelicans settle in as well. A similar salt pan offering birding haven is located in the western India called Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann of Kutch.

Makgadikgadi is off the beaten track and less visited but is perfect for those seeking a peaceful wildlife experience over the vast open plains. As far as animal encounters are concerned, come December and one can witness the biggest migration of Burchell’s zebras in the world.

Some other herbivores which follow the zebras are eland, oryx and red hartebeest along with the customary predators in their wake like spotted hyenas, leopards and lions which can often be seen preying upon the zebras. Some nocturnal predators that can be found on the fringes of the salt pans after dusk are striped polecats, bat-eared foxes and aardwolves.

Birding is phenomenal in the wet summer months, especially after the pans fill up. Some notable species are Burchell’s Coucal, ostrich, great white pelican, greater flamingo, abdim’s stork, black-cheeked waxbill, dusky lark and white-browed robin-chat.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Situated in the middle of the Kalahari desert, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the biggest protected areas in Botswana. While the inhospitable habitat may not support the usual variety of safari animals, what it holds is something really special.

Though the park lies way off the beaten track and is less visited, a self-drive safari to the park’s interiors will give you a chance to see the striking black-maned Kalahari lions.

Animal enthusiasts can come across vast herds of springbok and oryx walking along the dunes. While the black-maned lions can be spotted on the plains, the cheetah thrives in the open country. Chance sightings of brown hyenas and honey badgers have also been reported.

The scenery may seem monotonous at times but as the sun goes down the colours of the sky soften up and provide a mesmerizing look. For prime wildlife and birding, avoid the dry period and visit the park between November and March.

Over 250 bird species have been recorded in the Central Kalahari region, particularly raptors which abound here because of the high volume of small prey available in the park. One can hope to see the black bustard, black-shouldered kite, ostrich, red-billed francolin, red-crested bustard, secretary bird, chat flycatcher, martial eagle, kori bustard and the pretty Kalahari scrub robin among others.

Okavango Delta

Talking about Wildlife and Birding parks in Botswana, how can one not mention the UNESCO site of Okavango Delta prides itself as one of Africa’s most famous birding and wildlife observation. It is known to provide an exceptional safari experience, complete with wildlife viewing and stunning scenery. Apart from the usual game drives, guests can opt for walking safaris and dugout canoe trips.

While Moremi Game Reserve, within the delta, is productive for four of the Big5, there are other places too to enjoy animal and bird encounters, depending on your location. While hippos and elephants are abundantly spotted throughout the delta, wild dogs too are quite commonly seen. A dugout ride will offer plenty of opportunities to see waterbuck and red lechwe from close quarters.

The Okavango is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, fed by the waters of the river of the same name. During the dry season from April to October, the water levels in the delta are most suitable for dugout trips, hence that is the best time to visit Okavango, as storms and low water levels have been known to limit activities in other months.

Apart from four of the Big5 which are commonly seen, the rhino, elephant and buffalo are often spotted from the water. Some unusual antelope species include tsessebe, sable and roan.

With constant water presence, Okavango is home to over 400 bird species, notable among them being the malachite kingfisher, African jacana, African green pigeon, bateleur, hammerkop, saddle-billed stork and African fish eagle.

Sustainable tips for Wildlife and Birding parks in Botswana

• Plan your trip in advance so as to avoid the rush for tickets, permits and accommodations.
• Read a bit about the park/jungle you are about to visit and understand the kind of species seen. Be prepared.
• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the African grassland – shades of green and brown.
• Do not talk loudly or make unnecessary noises.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray on a safari.
• Do not dispose of plastic or leftover food in the park area. Keep it in your bag or vehicle and dispose of safely once you return to the hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals.

Hope this post on Wildlife and Birding parks in Botswana is helpful for you to plan a wildlife trip to Botswana! Have you already been to any of these? Let me know in the comments below.

The post Best wildlife and birding parks in Botswana appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.

Being on a wildlife safari is a thrill and I always look forward to my vacations in Indian jungles. Whether you are in India or Africa, a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but charting a course to a far-flung destination can get extremely complicated, especially for the first-timer. Since the process is a bit overwhelming, these top tips and handy hints put together will guide you in planning Safari in Africa.

Ask an expert about Safari in Africa

Trips to the wilds of Africa are intended to conjure up long-lasting memories, therefore, this is one time you should let an expert who knows the lay of the land craft it for you. With hundreds of options available in every destination, you won’t even know how to narrow it down to find the best African safari tour operator. This is why it is a great idea to consult someone who knows more than all the glossy brochures you see.

Take time out to go through the itinerary in detail. Reconfirm what is offered, check the number of game drives per day and other specifics as mentioned in the contract. Finally check the timings of the starting and ending dates. Do not rush into any deal, no matter how good it may sound.

Visa for Africa

 A visitor visa for tourism purposes for a period of 90 days or less (except for exempted countries) and a valid passport with at least one blank page for endorsements. A return/onward ticket and a yellow fever certificate if your journey entails travel through a yellow fever zone in either Africa or South Africa.

Which country to choose for Safari in Africa

 The first question you will probably ask yourself is should I head to East or South Africa because one destination for a safari in Africa is extremely difficult? If you are looking for an inexpensive but diverse destination, that does not focus only on game viewing then South Africa is the better option. Travellers seeking big game experiences and strenuous safaris, more like the ones you see on TV, should opt for East Africa. Habituated mountain gorillas can be spotted in the Central African parks of Uganda and Rwanda, but these areas are remote, expensive and adapted only for the intrepid traveller.

Duration of the visit?

People often forget that Africa is larger than China, Europe and America combined, so taking any amount of time out for a holiday won’t be enough. It is better to focus on just ONE country for ten days, rather than rushing through and missing most things on your trip of a lifetime.

Is it a good family trip?

While every property has age restrictions, if your children are over 8 years of age, there are many lodges which will accept you and offer kid-friendly activities. Each safari lasts up to four hours and can get tiring, so splurge on a destination which focuses on children and have a relaxing time.

When to go?

While every country in Africa has certain weather patterns, there is no bad time as such to go on a safari. Depending on your style, the sub-Saharan region is best from June to October, while January to March is excellent for a break in Cape Town followed by a safari in Kruger National Park.

What to pack?

 There are many things to consider while packing for an African safari. While the items you carry will be centred on the activities you have got lined up, your entire staff should fit in a small soft-top bag, weighing around 15kg. This is to make it acceptable on the teeny-weeny planes you may take between camps.

Additionally, pack plenty of layers of neutral coloured clothing, a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, camera, hat, binoculars, important documents, spare batteries and meditation. Include a warm waterproof jacket for the cold morning and late evening drives in the bush.

How to get there?

You will have no issues for getting into Africa from anywhere in the world. A good selection of European and Asian airports fly to the major destinations of Africa. The main airport hubs of Africa are in Nairobi for East Africa and Johannesburg for South Africa. From here you can connect to any country you want to visit. Once in Africa, the small bush planes can take you right to the scene of action in no time at all. While some people tend to drive, flying is the quickest and the views of the landscape will remain etched in memory forever.

What should be the budget?

While safaris in swanky resorts can cost a fortune, it is not necessary that spending less can’t make a safari more fabulous. It all narrows down to the destination you have chosen. Botswana, for example, can put a dent in your bank account, but there are equally great countries like South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania which are extremely cost-effective. By avoiding peak season and school holiday times, you will get a big difference in prices. Look for special offers given if you choose to travel with one company, like extra nights or family discounts.

Where to stay during Safari in Africa?

Safari accommodation in Africa is as varied as the diverse landscape you will come across from time to time. Lodges, essentially, form the backbone as they come with facilities like swimming pools, spas and restaurants. Then there are tented camps which don’t have all the frills but enjoy adventurous locations. Finally, there are mobile bush camps, which are intimate and move to the best locations, from time to time, as per the movement of the animals. Then there are some excellent private properties, dotted in scenic spots, which can be leased out on an exclusive basis.

What to expect

While Safari in Africa is mostly about game drives, there are other adventures in the continent to tickle one’s fancy. Some camps offer walking safaris, which provides a novel way to experience wild animals at close quarters. Then there are boat or mokoro safaris that enter areas where vehicles cannot go. For the ultimate wildlife experience, there are horseback safaris where you can gallop alongside a running giraffe and finally, you can opt for a quad bike trip and feel the magic of the African night sleeping under the stars.

Special Safaris

 Gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda is one such safari where the object is to see just one animal. Rwanda, is twice as much expensive than Uganda, with regards to permit fees, but it is much easier to see gorillas there. So basically, Uganda as a budget ten-day destination or Rwanda, if money is no object, and your heart is set on getting up close to a silverback.

Africa’s unique landscape and abundance of wildlife make for a magical safari experience. The information proposed here is focused solely on providing you with an adventurous component during the day and a relaxing pillow to lay your head on for the night.

The post Safari in Africa: What to Expect? appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.