BOTSWANA Botswana is a country known for its successful environmental and wildlife policies that have about 40% of its area dedicated to wildlife activities. This vast, mainly desert country is world famous for one of its natural gems, the Okavango Delta. An oasis of lagoons, palm-fringed islands and fertile alluvial floodplain characterise this area with an abundance of wildlife and birdlife residing in the channels and islands of the delta. The delta is formed as a result of the Okavango river flowing from Angola into the Kalahari sands of Botswana then spreading, resulting in a unique but fragile ecosystem traditionally home to the Bayei tribe that traversed the area in their mokoros (wooden dug out canoes). Within the Okavango Delta lies the Moremi Game Reserve and a number of private camps on concession areas leased from the government. The Magkadigkadi pans in the north east of the country are filled with large flocks of birdlife and wildlife herds during the rainy season (December to May). In the dry season an endless white scene takes over the saltpans hosting a variety of desert-adapted wildlife. Nxai Pan National Park is in this area and is host to again, a large diversity of wildlife. A visit to this area is truly awakening to the soul, with its contrast of ancient baobabs against the backdrop of this desolate looking scene and the bushman culture that the area inherits. Chobe National Park and the Linyanti system in the Northern reaches of the country is home to not only high concentrations of wildlife but possibly the highest concentration of elephant on the African continent. Characterised by old Mopane and Leadwood forests inland, marshland, savanna grassland and lush green grass on the river fronts, spending time in these areas is an education of survival in the wild. The famous elephant hunting lions of the Savuti are resident in this area, overlapping and sharing their skillful tactics with other lion prides. In this relatively dry ecosystem animals travel very long distances for water. In a peaceful, mineral rich country with a stable economy Botswana offers an exclusive safari experience.                                 humphreygumpo.com - 2008