Destination: Botswana

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Wildlife Highlights

Top of everyone’s list has to be the amazingly varied protected areas in Botswana and Namibia, which represent some of the continent’s most pristine environments and contain a bewildering array of bird and animal life.

For classic images of wildlife herds and predators head straight for Etosha National Park or cross the border into Botswana and be spoilt for choice between the Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti or Chobe National Park. All these parks protect an absolute abundance of animal life.

Birding enthusiasts should head straight for the Okavango Delta when it is in full flush in September and October. Similarly, Mamili National Park in northeast Namibia is a lush riverine environment full of hippo, buffalo and birds.

For a more off-the-beaten-track experience head for the Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park, which sees some of the largest wildlife migrations in Africa. Or seek out Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in eastern Botswana.