African adventures

For wildlife: Botswana

Botswana is a captivating country, a generally safe and secure holiday destination with less crime and civil unrest than most other African destinations. The people are easygoing and, though it feels remote (Botswana has one of the lowest population densities in the world), it attracts many visitors looking for a sublime safari experience.

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Forty per cent of Botswana is covered by national parks and expansive private game reserves, with the best found in the northern tourist areas. The Chobe National Park, for example, is classic big-game country where visitors can expect to enjoy close encounters with elephants, buffalo and large prides of hunting lions.

Another of northern Botswana’s major attractions is the Okavango delta. Floating above the Kalahari Desert, it is the only major river that follows an inland course, creating a labyrinth of enchanting lagoons, lakes and hidden channels. Means of transport along the delta are many and varied, but a traditional dug-out canoe, a mokoro, allows you see up close malachite kingfishers diving for food, shy hippos seeking shelter and the activities of brightly coloured long reed frogs.

While many of the tourist attractions are found deep in the wilderness,almost all are accessible by air or by Botswana’s impressive road network. Accommodation can range from £15 per night for a double room in town to £250 per night (including meals and activities) for lodges and remote bush camps.

Getting there Fly with South African Airways and Air Botswana from £750 return (0845 837 7943/
www.airbotswana.co.uk).
Stay at Camp Okavango, P/Bag 310, Town Maun, Kwara Camp Lodge, Moremi Wildlife Reserve (0861 801 802/email: info@safarinow.com). From £250 per person per night.

Glen Munro