Botswana, 5 good reasons to explore this country

Lonely Planet provides a list of places to explore each year. If you want to go on a trip in 2016, Botswana is the place to go!

Take a magical journey to Botswana

Botswana, a humble country in South Africa, is a paradise of wild animals that tourists should explore very soon. Tswana country According to Lonely Planet – the name of the majority ethnic group – will be the most fashionable in front of Japan and the United States. Here are 5 places that will give you an idea of ​​what to expect if you take a trip to Botswana.

1. The deltas of the Okavango

This is the magic of nature. Okavango is the second largest inland delta in the world with 18,000 square meters. In the very north of the country, this geographical specificity does not flow into the sea, but into the Kalahari desert. The water thus irrigates 15,000 m2 of dry land. Eventually islands formed and plant life took shape. The site is necessary for photographing birds, elephants, antelopes, hippos. The easiest way to approach this is to join a safari.

2. Kalahari Desert

Stretching between Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, this arid surface of 900,000 square kilometers is impossible to miss. While temperatures can easily reach 42°C in July and August, it does not prevent the growth of vegetation. The site has several reserves inhabited by different animal communities such as springbirds, lions, hyenas, meerkats or antelopes.

3. Thamalakane River and Mahogany town

The Thamalakane River, at the entrance of the Okavango Delta, is an ideal base for lovers who want to watch the sunset. Considering its tourist attraction, the town of Maun, 19 km away, will be another stop of the trip. The destination is ideal for using the road to Moremi Game Reserve.

4. Chobe National Park

In the north, near the town of Kasane, this is one of Botswana’s tourist attractions. Elephant fans won’t miss it as 40,000 specimens live there. One of the best places to see them in Botswana. Chobe National Park is the third largest conservation area in the country. More than 250 animal species took refuge there.

5. Kgalagadi Park

Kgalagali Park, shared with South Africa, is 38,000 km2. Tourists go on safaris to better observe birds of prey. But the star is here, the antelope gazelle. “Kgalagadi” means “land of thirst”. Adorned with red dunes, the park is indeed located in the middle of the Kalahari desert. The temperature can reach 42°C in the shade and 70°C in full sun. Tourists visit the park along two dry rivers that are said to flow only once a century.

practical information

• Capital city : Gaboron
• Population: about 2 million
• Surface : 224 610 km²
• Jet lag : There is no delay in the summer. In winter, you should add a clock compared to France. When it’s noon in Paris, it’s 1 noon in Gaborone.
• Language : English is the official language, but the national language is Setswana.
• Advance : Botswana’s currency is the pula (P or BWP). 1 stamp is equivalent to approximately 12 euros.
• Passport and visa: Visas are not required from French nationals for stays of less than 3 months. On the other hand, bring a valid passport for up to 3 months after your return.
• Health : No vaccination is mandatory, but vaccination against malaria and tuberculosis is recommended.
• skin: About 13 hours from France. Most of the time you have to stop in South Africa, in Johannesburg. Flights usually arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located approximately fifteen kilometers from central Gaborone. Taxi service is not very efficient to reach the city. Instead, choose free shuttles from major hotels.

photo credit © iStock