Best Botswana safaris - Page two - Candid tips by Howard Hillman

Best
Botswana safaris

page 2

The top five
Botswana safari area
runners-up

Central Kalahari

This game reserve's landscape incorporates seemingly endless flat and rolling grasslands, savannahs, sand dunes and salt pans. The Central Kalahari environment is harsh but wildlife (including lions) has adapted to the severe conditions. There are some Bushman communities.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

It straddles the Botswana and South Africa border. About three-quarters of it lies in Botswana. It is best known for its red sand dunes. Gemsbok is its former name.

Khutse

This tiny game reserve abuts the Central Kalahari. Khutse is a popular weekend escape of residents of Botswana's capital, Gaborone. Game viewing quality is good, but modest by Botswana's high standards.

Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan

These two national parks are known for their vast salt pans. When it rains, they mutate into oasis that attract thirsty wildlife, including lions and elephants. Of the two parks, Nxai Pan is more verdant.

Tuli Block

This is a group of game reserves along Botswana's southeast border. Elephant herds are Tuli's star attraction.