The sky in Botswana is an unrelenting, dazzling blue; its sand arranged in soft ridges by the harsh winds that have slowly eroded soft stone formations into the sand masses that predominate the landscape. And, unlike the Namib Desert, the Botswana’s Kalahari’s dunes remain stable due to vegetation – they do not wander with the wind. The Kalahari, though semi-arid, supports an array of animal and plant life, and is not regarded as true desert, is more like a dry savannah. Summer temperatures are high and there are intermittent and thoroughly unpredictable rains, usually between 3-7 inches a year. The Kalahari attracts many tourists annually who believe this savannah to be the optimal place to go on a true Botswana Safari.
In fact, of our many Botswana Safaris, our camping options in the Kalahari are among the most popular! With KB because of his experience in guiding for 14 years in these areas they are high chances of seeing most huge herds of animals that still follow migration paths of old. The Kalahari’s only permanent river, the Okavango, is another highlight for any Botswana safari. This river flows into a delta that is surrounded by the Kalahari, forming stunning marshes which supports large numbers of wildlife species. The wildlife we regularly see on our Botswana Kalahari safaris include Giraffe, Hyena, , Warthog, Jackal, Baboon, several species of antelope, such as Springbok, Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Kudu and Eland) and many others. The black-maned Kalahari Lion is known as ‘King of the Kalahari’ and we are always hopeful that we can spot one on one of our Botswana safaris through the Kalahari. There are over 260 bird species in the Kalahari. Plant-life abounds in this area, despite the appearance of a vast desert, and new flowering plants are discovered every year as environmental research plays a vital role in discovering the global importance of this natural, untouched environment.
NXAI PAN
The Nxai Pan is also a breeding ground for herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Eland, making it an important nature reserve for any African wildlife enthusiast. While on your Botswana safari in the Nxai Pan National Park, you may also spot Hyenas, Bat-eared foxes, Hartebeests, Giraffes, Raptors and even Cheetahs! The history of the Nxai Pan National Park is significant in the development of Botswana nature preservation. The Nxai Pan National Park was originally proclaimed as a protected area in the 1970’s and included a total area of 1676km2… In 1992 it was declared a National Park and this area was extended to 2578km2.
The Nxai Pan National Park is set in the Northern Area of the Makgadikgadi Basin which was once part of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi. Entry through the Nxai Pan National Park is through the Nata main road which adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans on the Northern border – approximately 136km outside of Maun. The cultural, historical, and ecological elements of this area make it an important Botswana safari destination, and the wildlife viewing is excellent. Taking a safari around the Nxai Pan National Park will awaken your senses, as the area remains untouched and pristine. Each season offers different game-viewing opportunities.
TSODILO
(World Heritage Site), Botswana
Tsodilo Hills is a spiritual outdoor art gallery, showcasing more than 4,000 ancient San Bushmen rock paintings. There are around 400 sites depicting hunting scenes, ritual dances and typical safari animals. Some rock art dates back more than 20,000 years and archaeologists have ascertained that people lived in this area as far back as 100,000 years ago. The San Bushmen believe this sacred area is the site of the first creation of man and a resting place for spirits of the dead. Not surprisingly, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can expect to hike the three main hills, with the assistance of local guides. There is a basic campsite and a small but informative museum on site.
