How to prepare for a Botswana safari
Written by Jumbo Junction
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is arguably one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world. A visit to the Okavango allows visitors to experience the world’s largest inland delta that is completely surrounded by dry arid desert-like habitat. This wildlife paradise is possibly the best safari destination on the planet in terms of diversity and the experience as a whole!
The combination of desert, wetlands, rivers and forests; unique wildlife such as puku, red lechwe and sitatunga; incredible birding including the Pel’s fishing owl; an annual zebra migration and stunning places to stay makes Botswana a dream safari destination.
It’s not overstating the case to say that Botswana really does have it all.
The primary focus of a Botswana safari is generally the wildlife, but keep in mind that there are many ways to experience a safari in in this landlocked country in the southern part of Africa. You have to choose your type of accommodation, the way you’d like to travel, and a myriad of activities & things to do.
Accommodation:
There are many different places to stay when on safari in Botswana. The most popular one is a lodge safari staying in luxury tented accommodation. But don’t be fooled to think that this has anything to do with camping. These tented camps offer all the luxuries of a hotel with the added benefit of being situated in one of the prime wildlife destinations on earth! Most travelers choose to stay for 2 or 3 nights per camp and then moving to 3 or 4 different areas around Botswana, normally by small airplane.
Then there are mobile camping safaris. These safaris travel from one area to another, staying over in comfortable tented accommodation that is set up in exclusive camp site by a camp crew. Tents are either a dome tent with two beds or a walk-in tent with a small ensuite bathroom. All meals are prepare by the staff and most mobile camps include a dining tent. A mobile safari generally travels in a small group. It is an authentic safari experience that immerses you in nature.
You can also opt for a self drive camping safari. You rent an equipped 4×4 safari vehicle and travel by yourself from campsite to campsite. You cook your own meals and set up camp in designated camping areas. It is not for the faint of heart as thick sand and water crossings can make life interesting as you travel between different safari areas. This is an adventurous safari that offers exceptional experiences you won’t forget.
Things to do:
A Botswana safari revolves around the wildlife found in this beautiful destination. But there is so many ways to experience the wilderness areas. Some examples include 4×4 game drives, mokoro trips, yoga, boat safaris, hot air balloon rides, game drives, cultural experiences, guided walks and conservation activities.
Most camps offer many of the above mentioned activities. These are either included or can be booked on request.
It’s also worth considering a safari that focusses on a specific activity such as a horseback safari or a photographic safari. These safaris are specialised and geared towards travelers interested in a certain interest.
Horseback safaris offer multi-day rides in pristine wilderness areas while staying in either fixed tented camps or luxury mobile camps. Photographic safaris are led by a specialist wildlife photographer who knows the species and the locations intimately.
Jumbo Junction is situated on the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta. Known particularly for its lions, the concession offers a diverse game viewing experience with large concentrations of game year round, we are neighbours to the renowned Duba Plains and Vumbura concessions, Jumbo Junction provides you access to a 220 000 acre unfenced concession just waiting to be explored.
The concessions closer to the Panhandle receive more flood water and provide better opportunities for boat safaris as well as one of the sought after areas for mokoro activities. Jumbo Junction offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta, with more variety and greater numbers than in the south and west, experience an Okavango Delta safari on foot, in a 4×4 open safari vehicle, a boat or a mokoro whilst enjoying the friendly Motswana hospitality at Jumbo Junction.
Written by Jumbo Junction
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About the Okavango Delta
If you're planning a safari to Africa the Okavango Delta has to be up there on your bucket list. This is one of the last untouched wilderness areas remaining on earth. Situated in the northern parts of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a beautiful, wild safari...
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