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Botswana Travel Guide powered by advice from Real Travelers

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Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zambia: 9 Nights/10 Days

In and around Botswana

Botswana, located in southern Africa, is bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This landlocked nation has a diverse range of landscapes, from the vast Kalahari Desert to the lush plains of the Okavango Delta. This less touristed safari destination offers phenomenal game viewing - both on land and in the delta channels. The largest concentration of African elephants on the continent are in Botswana, as well as one of the highest concentration of exotic birds.

When to Go

The best time for visiting Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. The arid weather means fewer insects and little foliage, making game viewing easier, especially as animals congregate at waterholes. Starting in July is a great time to travel if you wish to go white water rafting on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. At this time of year, the evenings can be cool so bring appropriate layers.

If you intend to visit more than one place in the region, a reputable safari outfitter is recommended. We use CC Africa as they are one of the best safari outfitters in Africa and own many of the top lodges. They also donate a percentage of profits to community healthcare, education, and employment projects they have founded and to ongoing conservation efforts throughout Africa.

Getting to Botswana

Fly into Johannesburg and connect to Maun, Botswana. You will most likely need to overnight in Johannesburg upon arrival and possibly departure. South African airways flies direct from Atlanta or New York to Johannesburg with a fuel stop in Dakar.

Route taken and entries by Real Traveler michelle finkelstein

  1. 1

    Day 1: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg, South Africa | Jul 31 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Spend a night in South Africa’s largest and most populous city. This financial and commercial capital of the country, also called Joburg... Continue reading »

  2. 2

    Days 2 - 5: Okavango Delta

    Okavango Delta, Botswana | Aug 01 '07 | Reviews: 0

    The Okavango in northwest Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world, nearly the size of New Jersey. Surrounding this oa... Continue reading »

  3. 3

    Days 6 & 7: Chobe National Park

    Chobe National Park, Botswana | Aug 02 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Chobe in northern Botswana is notable for it’s diversity of landscape and the mighty Chobe River. 35,000 elep... Continue reading »

  4. 4

    Day 8: Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls, Zambia | Aug 03 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that Thunders) by locals, the fa... Continue reading »

  5. 5

    Days 9 & 10: Back to Johannesburg, Flying Home, and Extra Time

    Johannesburg, South Africa | Aug 04 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Day 9: Fly to Johannesburg and Overnight

    There are usually four non-stop flights from Livingstone Airport to Johannesburg (approx. 1... Continue reading »

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