Thanks to the huge wildlife that inhabits Botswana, this African country is one of the great safari destinations in Africa. In it, the big cats and the endangered African dogs run free, as well as the rhinos and the aquatic antelopes. However, if Botswana is known worldwide for something, it is because more elephants can be found here than anywhere else on the continent.
Botswana is also the land of the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, where one of the largest concentrations of rock art in the world is located. If we add the fauna that inhabits them to these African landscapes, we conclude that we are in one of the most impressive places on the planet. It is not surprising, therefore, that Botswana has been chosen by the Lonely Planet publication as the best country to travel in 2016.
Kalahari desert
Always in the shadow of its neighbor Namib, this desert stretches across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It is known as the red desert for the color of its sand And despite its extreme conditions, the Kalahari is home to rodents, antelopes, giraffes, lions and meerkats, among others. Further north, where the climate is more humid, the rains will give way to the shrubby savanna and dry forest of kiaat (a species of tree belonging to the Fabaceae).
In an area of about ten square kilometers of the Kalahari Desert, there are more than 4.500 cave paintings made by the San community. Some are 24.000 years old and were an offering to the gods.
Okavango Delta
It is one of the few inland delta systems in the world that lacks an outlet to the sea. The region, described as the "Kalahari diamond", it is an oasis that contrasts with the general aridity of the country. Although the heart of the delta can be reached by jeep, its landscapes and its wild richness are best appreciated from the air. Herds of buffalo running in its crystal clear waters, herds of elephants that roam its vastness or giraffes walking among the acacias, are unique visions of a small universe that for six months is flooded with water. This is the main reason why the Okavango Delta is so well preserved.
Chobe National Park
One of the densest wild animal populations on the continent is concentrated here. The experience of sailing at sunset on the calm waters of the Chobe River, which divides Botswana from Namibia, with flocks of birds soaring through the sky and herds of elephants prowling around is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences that can be lived in Botswana.
Chobe is famous for the abundant presence of elephants, especially on winter afternoons when they go to drink, of which up to 2.000 specimens have been seen in a few hours. Also for its birds, of which more than 400 different species have been cataloged. However, hippos, crocodiles, otters, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras also live in this National Park. There are also large specimens of lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena.
Gaborone
Despite being the largest city in the country it is a very discreet place being one of the least populated capitals in Africa. The main reason to visit Botswana is safaris, but it is worth visiting Gaborone. It is a city full of government buildings, shopping malls, and residential neighborhoods, but it also has interesting museums and delicious restaurants. The gastronomic offer is very varied. Here, the most daring have an obligatory date with the mopane worms. A local delight.
Best places to visit in 2016 according to Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet chose Bostsuana as the best destination in 2016. But many other places on all continents complete the list. Next, you will find which countries and cities would be advisable to visit according to the popular travel guide.
The best countries in 2016:
1.Botswana. 2. Japan. 3. United States. 4.Palau. 5. Latvia. 6.Australia. 7.Poland. 8.Uruguay. 9 Greenland. 10.Fiji
The best cities:
1.Kotor (Montenegro). 2.Quito (Ecuador). 3.Dublin (Ireland). 4. Georgetown (Malaysia). 5.Rotterdam (Netherlands). 6.Mumbai (India). 7.Freematle (Australia). 8.Manchester (UK). 9.Nashville (USA). 10.Rome (Italy).
The best regions:
1.Transilvania (Romania). 2.West Iceland. 3.Valle de Viñales (Cuba). 4.Fruili (Italy). 5. Waiheke Island (New Zealand). 6.Auvergne (France). 7.Hawaii (USA). 8.Bavaria (Germany). 9.Costa Verde (Brazil). 10.Santa Helena (British Territory).
Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel" list this year includes emerging destinations, others that celebrate some kind of anniversary or those that claim the traveler's attention on their merits; more than enough reasons to run in search of the passport.
Interesting facts Botswana:
- How to get there: Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa to enter Botswana, we recommend that visitors inform themselves in this regard before starting the trip.
- Language: English and Setswana.
- Currency: Pula. The US dollar and the euro are the easiest currencies to exchange, they are accepted in banks, exchange houses and authorized hotels. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shops and safari companies in the country accept credit cards.
- Time to visit: The best time to visit Botswana is from April to October.
- Safety: Botswana is a safe country to live or visit but you should always take the normal precautions that you should take elsewhere.