"Far from the madding crowd" Top 5 Page for this destination Botswana by magor65

Botswana Travel Guide: 899 reviews and 2,156 photos

My trip to Botswana was part of a 20 day organised overland safari from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.
Botswana is a landlocked country, the size of which can be compared to that of France. It is one of the least densely populated countries of the world (3 people per 1 square km). With over 40 % of its area given over to national parks and reserves, it is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for watching wildlife. The Chobe national park is said to have the greatest concentration of elephants in the world and other animals are in abundance, as well.

Botswana is a young country (got its independence in1966) and is often referred to as an example of a success story because of its political stability and high economic standards. However, one of the most serious problems here is the high HIV infection rate estimated at 24%, which is the second highest reported in the world. According to the WHO almost 40% of all the inhabitants between 15 and 49 are HIV positive.

The number of tourists coming to Botswana is controlled by charging much more than in the neighbouring countries. However, the offer for richer visitors is well developed including luxury accommodation and well-qualified guides. Being a budget traveller, I had to be satisfied with sleeping in a tent on campsites whose standard was definitely lower than in Namibia. But no regrets - other impressions were so wonderful that they made up for all the discomfort.

Pros and Cons

Pros:nature, wildlife, Delta Okavango, Chobe
Cons:high prices

Last visit to Botswana: Jul 2010
Intro Updated Feb 17, 2011
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Reviews (23)

Anti-malaria precautions Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Malaria is a big problem in Africa. As northern Botswana lies in the high risk zone we decided to take anti-malaria... more travel advice

Sunset on the Chobe river Things to Do (15)

I've seen so many sunsets on this trip. Each invariably aroused my admiration. The spectacle staged on from time... more travel advice

Buffalo Things to Do (15)

A buffalo is the last animal we see during the Chobe cruise. Now we can say that we've seen four of the Big Five, namely... more travel advice

Hippos Things to Do (15)

We had to wait till Chobe to view hippos in their full splendour, but at last we are rewarded. Groups of them can be... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Mokoro
Local Customs (1)
Donkey boiler
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Comments (4)

alancollins Apr 21, 2011 at 11:20 AM Report Abuse

The Planet Baobab campsite looked better than the upgrade hut that was on offer.
picek Mar 10, 2011 at 4:16 AM Report Abuse

Indeed great news about rising numbers of elephants. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your page with beautiful photos of landscape and wildlife. Very well done!
toonsarah Feb 25, 2011 at 4:45 AM Report Abuse

Botswana is high on my wishlist though the cost has put me off in the past. You describe it all so vividly - the San dancers, the mokoro ride, the elephant encounters, sunsets - even the toilet! Now I want to go there even more :-)
Gili_S Feb 18, 2011 at 8:44 AM Report Abuse

What a fantastic adventure you had. I think I should also plan a visit to this wonderful country.