Joanna James
Botswana boasts famous attractions such as the sprawling Kalahari Desert and the serene Okavango Delta. But for those avid explorers looking to get off the beaten path and sate their appetite, scores of untouched treasures await your discovery in this landlocked African nation.
As you might have already imagined, the Southern African nation of Botswana has no shortage of exotic safari destinations. However, only a handful of nature reserves, such as the ancient Selinda Spillway of Selinda Adventure Trail, have managed to keep their authentic, classic African safari ambience intact in the light of over-commercialisation and rising popularity as a hotspot adventure tourism destination. Meandering along the 40-kilometre trail of riverine forests, floodplains and vast open savannah, you are sure to be taken back to the spirits of the long-gone ancient safaris. The varying water levels afford a combination of canoeing and walking safaris, complemented by exciting encounters of the remarkable animals that call the sprawling 320,000-acre nature reserve their home.
The crown jewel of northern Botswana, Chobe National Park may steal the spotlight as Botswana’s leading safari destination, but for an experience that’s fewer safari jeeps and more nature, seclusion and serenity, Mashatu Game Reserve affords the ideal atmosphere that your heart desires. The game reserve is monikered the “land of giants”, as it is home to the world’s largest flying bird (the kori bustard), largest mammal (elephant), largest flightless bird (ostrich), largest antelope (eland) and giraffes, the tall, charming creatures we all love.
Amidst the 5,000 square kilometres of salt pans of the famous Makgadikgadi Pan, Kubu Island is undoubtedly a conspicuous and certainly an appealing sight. Travellers to the picturesque Kubu Island may discover that it is not an island in the literal sense but rather an outcrop of dry granite rock. In the vast expense where there’s nothing but salt pans as far as the eyes can see, Kubu Island is truly a gem blessed with charming wonders of nature.
Craving a bit of hiking or trekking in beautiful Botswana? Trek your way up the Tsodilo Hills — a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with rock art, rock shelters, and caves, which gives more than just your fill of heart-pumping adventure. Tsodilo Hills has long been a favoured destination for those tourists to Botswana who look forward to getting off the beaten path and are sure to leave you delighted.
For those vacationing in the bustling capital city of Botswana, things to do in Gaborone are plentiful. One of the undoubtedly unmissable experiences is the Thapong Visual Arts Center, where you are invited to indulge in an incredible collection of authentic and striking works of art. To add to the delight of your Gaborone experience, you could also find a slew of fine hotels and resorts in the city, including the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
