Botswana wilderness safaris guides 2023: The Makgadikgadi Pans provide visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy a morning in the company of a native meerkat colony. Because humans aren’t a threat to them, meerkats will continue foraging in the grassland for scorpions and other delectable bites. The successful taming of these little desert creatures relies heavily on the commitment of a full-time meerkat man, who monitors the pack daily and assists visitors in locating them. The guide drives you to the nesting zone in the early morning before the birds can emerge from their dens. As the sun rises, they warily peek out of their dens on a low sandy slope. Once they determine it’s safe to climb up, they scurry to the highest peaks of the hillside to look for potential threats and food sources. At some point, the entire colony, including the young birds, begins chattering and wrestling while tourists sit or kneel among them. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get close to the social and resilient desert creatures. Find many more info on https://www.sundownersafaris.com/botswana.

Besides classic Kalahari wildlife such as zebra, wildebeest, oryx, eland, springbok and giraffe, Botswana’s three renowned Kalahari parks have a reputation for its vast predator activity. When visiting the Kalahari, wildlife lovers are likely to encounter black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetah, black-backed jackal, brown and spotted hyena, leopard, and rare and endangered wild dog sightings. A Kalahari safari also gives you the opportunity to see several of Africa’s smaller and more elusive animals such as the wild cat, porcupine, aardwolf, meerkat, and honey badgers.

Maun is often used by tourists as a stepping stone for the Okavango Delta but it has enough about it to merit a few nights stay. The hotels, restaurants and tourist amenities here are some of the best in the country, largely due to the fact that the city is the main tourist stop in the country. Whilst the town itself does not have much going for it, it still attracts a wide range of people from luxury safari travelers to volounteers. There are some great campsites that are located by the river, providing a great place to stay for a few nights.

Bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, the Tuli Block is a beautiful wildlife rich area located in eastern Botswana. Boasting dramatic rocky scenery, towering baobab trees and thick riverine forests, it is a magnificent corner of Botswana that’s unlike the rest of the country. The Tuli Block was once an area of private farms, but a few decades ago the land was transformed into a well-managed conservation area and wildlife sanctuary. Now the Tuli Block encompasses several reserves, including Mashatu Game Reserve and the Northern Tuli Game Reserve – One of the largest privately owned game reserves in Southern Africa. Besides offering wildlife and nature lovers an exclusive African safari experience, one of the Tuli Block’s greatest allures is its prolific wildlife, with incredible sightings guaranteed year-round. There are large herds of elephant, several species of antelope, plenty of lion, leopard, wildebeest, and even cheetah. The Tuli Block is also one of Southern Africa’s bird watching hot spots with at least 350 species recorded. Due to it being private land, thrilling guided walking safaris and night drives can be enjoyed when visiting the Tuli Block. It also boasts several excellent and exclusive lodges and camps to stay at.

The name may be a mouthful but the reasons to visit Makgadikgadi Pans National Park are simple. The park stretches from the Boteti River and for this reason supports a vast and diverse ecosystem. The wildlife is particularly varied in the dry season when animals come from miles around to the river which is the only source of water for a long way. Although mainly used as a stop off for tourists on the way to Muan or Kasane, Gweta is worth visiting for its namesake, the species of bullfrog that live in the area. The frogs hide themselves in the sand until it rains and they can emerge from their sandy slumber. Other than these amazing creatures, there is little to see in Gweta, although the fuel station here is handy for pass through and will probably see you call in at some point during your time here.

The renowned Chobe National Park lies within Botswana’s Okavango Delta and covers four distinct eco-systems. Chobe National Park is home to over 120,000 African elephants, making it one of the top places on the planet to see these huge mammals in their natural environment. The best time of year to enjoy spectacular sightings of these gentle giants of the African bushveld is during Botswana’s cooler, winter months (dry season) between May and September when enormous herds congregate on the banks of the Chobe River.

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. It’s also considered one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. The river flows into a basin in the Kalahari Desert, where it then dissipates, creating an oasis in the middle of the dry landscape. The delta is home to a good deal of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. You can explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), safari game drive, or on foot. The delta is ideal for luxury travel and those interested in getting off the beaten path and experiencing a more authentic African safari. See additional info on https://www.sundownersafaris.com/.