What to do in Botswana

Southern Africa is crammed with scenes straight out of The Lion King, but we don't know if there's one quite as endearing as seeing a tiny meerkat wriggle out of their burrow to inspect the human in front of them. In the surreal Makgadikgadi Pans, you'll be escorted by a guide to the sandy home of habituated meerkats. These animated creatures aren't tame but they are certainly curious and might curl up in your lap on a chilly morning or use your head as a platform for a better view. It's fascinating to watch their eyes dart and noses sniff the wind as they keep a lookout for predators.

As the annual Okavango floods subside, drying pools are left throughout the Central Okavango, exposing thousands of fish. This is a remarkable time for seeing water birds in abundance, as they congregate around the many fish traps in the delta to eat their full. Hundreds of species are there to be seen, including the spectacular Fish Eagle and many 'lifers'.

Walking is the ideal way to experience the raw beauty of Tuli. Being on foot provides game viewing opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise have on a game drive through this rugged landscape. It is also a much more intimate experience, as you enjoy learning about some of the smaller creatures of the bush, and appreciate the art of tracking animals that you might not even know existed. You can reach many areas that vehicles can't go. Tuli is famous for its large elephant populations, and one of the greatest experiences is to encounter one of these great beasts on foot with an experienced guide (safely, from a distance). Walking offers a holistic experience—a peaceful opportunity for reflection.

The already lunar-like landscape of the Makgadikgadi is the perfect spot to turn your gaze skywards. Leave camp under an inky sky to join an astronomy expert on an evening of star gazing. Dubbed one of the darkest places on the planet, the Makgadikgadi has a glorious view of the star-spangled sky. Hear all about the legends of the constellations and spot the Big Five of the Southern Hemisphere. These include the most dazzling formations from each type of deep-sky class, from nebulas to galaxies! You'll find the clearest nights between April and October when stargazing is out of this world. Return to base for a warming cuppa by the fire!

Where the glimmering waterways of the Central Okavango meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and antelope gather in the natural channels, lion and leopard are spotted often, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

Within the protected and super remote Linyanti, you'll explore the grasslands and marshy plains on a game drive. As dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a journey across this wildlife haven. Traverse the landscape in search of big cats, even bigger elephant and the incredible African painted dog on the hunt (visit between July and August to see the scampering pups). Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Delta meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive than Moremi. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather in the natural channels along with red lechwe, sitatunga and tsessebe, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

You'll see the scenic side of Maun as you take to the skies in a helicopter. Rise over the plains and waterways beyond the town, eyes peeled for ambling elephant and buffalo as they wander between waterholes. For those keen-eyed photographers, the doors can be removed for the ultimate snap from the top.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Delta meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather in the natural channels along with red lechwe antelope, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

Travel the tranquil waterways and lagoons of the Central Okavango Delta in style with a boat safari. Leave the jetty as your guide weaves past tall pockets of papyrus where jewel-bright kingfishers wait to speed after a fish and banks where the wildest of creatures stop to quench their thirst - think lions, elephant and antelope alike. Hear the legends of the Delta and learn all about its four-legged residents from your knowledgeable skipper. Faster and more comfortable than a mokoro, exploring the Central Okavango by boat is always a winning choice, especially in the dry season (July to October). Enjoy the delightful views in the early morning or in the golden hours before sunset when you'll finish with feet-in-the-water sundowners.

Depart from camp as the sun peeps over the horizon or as the midday heat subsides to find the jaw-dropping herds of elephant Linyanti is famous for. Your guide knows the landscape like the back of their hand and will have no trouble finding the magnificent tuskers as they gather along the permanent water sources to cool off and rehydrate. This is especially true in the dry season from May to October! Explore the lush marshlands, open grassland and shimmering channels, with your binoculars at the ready to spot the tough-skinned giants of Linyanti. Before you head back to camp, sip on a warm cuppa or chilled cocktail!

Within the super remote Central Kalahari, as dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a game drive journey across this untouched desert landscape. Traverse the Kalahari in search of big cats (including black-maned lion), meerkats surveying the scene from rocky outcrops and, if you're around between November and April, herds of gemsbok. Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Delta meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather in the natural channels along with red lechwe antelope, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

Where the glimmering waterways and rushing Khwai River wend across the reserve, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the mopane forests. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather at the river and floodplains along with sable and roan antelope, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

When you picture the Kalahari, it might conjure up images of endless desert, but we'd like to introduce you to the San people. As the keepers of this land and the oldest culture on earth, the chance to meet a member of this nomadic community is not one that comes around often. Head out with a local guide to meet the people who have mastered a life in the seemingly unliveable desert and see how they make bows and arrows from the flora, use plants to quench their thirst and make a fire with zero matches.

Travel the tranquil waterways and lagoons of Moremi in style with a boat safari. Leave the jetty as your guide weaves past tall pockets of papyrus where jewel-bright kingfishers wait to speed after a fish, tiny palm islands and banks where the wildest of creatures stop to quench their thirst - think lions, elephant, red lechwe and leopard lurking in the trees. Hear the legends of the Delta and learn all about its four-legged residents from your knowledgeable skipper. Faster and more comfortable than a mokoro, exploring the Delta by boat is always a winning choice, especially in the dry season (July to October). Enjoy the delightful views in the early morning or in the golden hours before sunset when you'll finish with feet-in-the-water sundowners.

When planning your Okavango Delta safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many water-based lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. A true fluke of nature, the dry season months of July to October are when the Delta is at its fullest.

The already lunar-like landscape of the Central Kalahari is the perfect spot to turn your gaze skywards. Leave camp under an inky sky to join an astronomy expert on an evening of star gazing. Dubbed one of the darkest places on the planet, the Kalahari has a glorious view of the star-spangled sky. Hear all about the legends of the constellations and spot the Big Five of the Southern Hemisphere. These include the most dazzling formations from each type of deep-sky class, from nebulas to galaxies! You'll find the clearest nights between April and October when stargazing is out of this world. Return to base for a warming cuppa by the fire!

Leave the quirky town of Maun on a short, scenic flight over the surrounding plains and waterholes, where you'll get a peek at just some of the wildlife you may spot on safari including elephant and buffalo. Sunset from the sky is particularly beautiful.

Strap on your safari boots for a bush walk to remember! In the sun-drenched Central Kalahari, you'll join a bush-wise guide on a intimate walk through nature where the tiniest details come into focus. Spot the scuttling Milkwood leaf beetle with its technicoloured coat, find hidden burrows of animals big and small, and learn to find tracks amongst the golden grass. Your guide doesn't miss a beat and without the hum of a 4x4 to distract, you'll have the chance to lean in close. The grasses aren't as high between May and September, which makes it the best time for a bush walk.

When planning your Moremi safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and over 400 species of vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and crocodile, and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. A true fluke of nature, the dry season months of July to October are when the Delta is at its fullest.

The most arid corner of the Okavango Delta, game drives in Savuti are no less thrilling. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the savannah where great herds of elephant and prides of lion wander - their clashes are astonishing to witness! Other sightings include rare antelope, hyena and packs of African painted dog. After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

Depart from camp under a clear, star-spangled sky for a sultry night drive. Your knowledgable guide will lead you with an infrared light (that doesn't disturb the wildlife), which picks up the glow of eyes peering out from behind trees. In the piercing quiet of the African evening, listen for the crack of a twig or growl of a big cat on the hunt. There is a cast of creatures you wouldn't see during the day including the shaggy brown hyena, shy serval and feisty honey badger (if you're really lucky!). Return to camp for a warming drink before bed.

When planning your Central Okavango safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. A true fluke of nature, the dry season months of July to October are when the Delta is at its fullest.

Travel the tranquil waterways and lagoons of the sprawling Okavango Delta in style with a boat safari. Leave the jetty as your guide weaves past tall pockets of papyrus where jewel-bright kingfishers wait to speed after a fish and banks where the wildest of creatures stop to quench their thirst - think lions, elephant and red lechwe alike. Hear the legends of the Delta and learn all about its four-legged residents from your knowledgeable skipper. Faster and more comfortable than a mokoro, exploring the Delta by boat is always a winning choice, especially in the dry season (July to October). Enjoy the delightful views in the early morning or in the golden hours before sunset when you'll finish with feet-in-the-water sundowners.

When planning your Khwai safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many based lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. The dry season months of July to October are when the waterways are at their fullest.

Join your all-seeing guide as you learn to follow the scent of trampled grasses and tracks imprinted into the earth on a captivating bush walk. Leaving camp in the coolness of the morning, there's no better way to take a deeper look at this microcosm of nature. Eye out in-the-process birds nests and spot their brightly coloured builders - don't miss the flight of a lilac breasted roller, watch the scuttle of a beetle amongst the bark of a Marula tree and learn how to follow the hoofprints of a warthog who may just burst out of its burrow. You could even spy an African painted dog scampering across the sand! As you explore the Delta on foot, cast your eyes to the shimmering tributaries where kingfishers may erupt from the lush banks to dive for a fish and red lechwe splashing through the water. Get a taste of the Delta wilderness on this short but sweet walk.

It may not be the Okavango Delta, but Linyanti has some shining waterways to enjoy a mokoro ride. There is only a smattering of water-based lodges that offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, so you won't be joined by crowds. Depart in the early morning or as dusk approaches to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the water better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of Linyanti, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round palm islands and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. The dry season months of July to October are when the waterways and lagoons are at their fullest.