Elephant encounters & desert adventures in Botswana

If there’s one word to sum up the Central Kalahari, it would be remote. Adventurous, wild and untrammelled, most come here for the experience of simply being and take in the magic of the unknown, desert landscape. Wildlife is not abundant, but sightings are very special and morning, afternoon and night game drives are available at all times of year. Sightings include magnificent Kalahari black-maned lion, cheetah, and desert-adapted antelope like oryx and springbok. In the green season (November to March) quantities of wildlife increase as animals gather at the sources of water. When the sun goes down, there’s a good chance of seeing honey badgers, brown hyena and servals. Alternatively, head out on foot and enjoy the intimate details of the desert, sometimes missed from a vehicle.

The other side to the Kalahari is the chance to absorb the culture of the San. One of the oldest peoples on earth, their traditions are complex and fascinating. Join the tribe on a walk, hunting, seeking out medicinal plants and tracking wildlife, or visit the village and take part in daily life.

The safari superstar of Southern Africa, the Okavango Delta sets the standard for wildlife and activities. Experiences are largely water- or land-based and the lodges tailor offerings according to their geography, whilst some offer both options. On the water, iconic mokoro safaris lead the way and are in their prime from April to October. Boat safaris are also possible but exploring at eye-level in the small, dugout mokoros is magical, taking you closer to the wildlife congregating on the banks and floating past elephants in the shallows. Wildlife-wise, red lechwe and aquatic sitatunga are highlights.

On land, day and night game drives will have you flexing your binos. Four out of the Big Five are common (not rhino), as well as African painted dog, zebra, unusual antelope (roan and sable) and a menagerie of birds. For big cats, day time sightings are fantastic, but head out at night to catch some of the real action. Make time for a walking safari to get into the nitty gritty of the animal kingdom and admire the juicy scenery – and, if there’s any time left, there are options to add hot air balloon flights, horseback safaris, or even a spot of fishing to your itinerary.

The Chobe River will become your second home on a trip up here and seeing the famous Chobe elephants and buffalo gather on the banks in their hundreds to splash, play and drink is unforgettable. For maximum exposure and the best view, a boat trip is key and there are different options to suit all styles and requirements. Early-morning trips are longer and often better for birding (Chobe is renowned for its water birds), but sunset cruises have the advantage of spotting nocturnal animals - and a G&T as the sun sets. For photographers, we would recommend choosing a customised, double-decker vessel for spectacular photos.

Away from the river, the terrain is a patchwork of mopane woodland and dry, Kalahari soil. The animals are dotted around but quite easy to see, and your sightings list should include cheetah, leopard, lion and spotted hyena. The cats are easier to spot on game drives (usually on offer twice daily, morning and afternoon), but lion are often known to lie in wait for their prey on the riverbank, offering up a good chance of boat-based sightings too.

A highlight on any Southern Africa trip, seeing Vic Falls in all its pounding, dramatic, mesmerising glory is unforgettable – and there is plenty to keep you busy in the area. Firstly, we recommend a walk (guided or unguided) to get a feel for the sheer enormity of the waterfall, before taking to the skies and marvelling from above in either a helicopter or a microlight. Both offer incredible views and big, bucket-list ticks.

To really get the adrenalin going, there’s a selection of daredevil activities to choose from – bungee jumping, gorge swinging, white water rafting and trips to the iconic Devil’s Pool (exclusively on the Zambian side, but can be arranged from Zimbabwe) spring to mind – but if something more sedate is on the cards, there are languid boat trips on the Zambezi, sundowner cruises and wonderful afternoon teas to enjoy.

If safari is on your mind, there are a couple of options to choose from. Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers good game viewing of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra (sadly no big cats) as well as fantastic rhino tracking opportunities and walking safaris. Otherwise, take a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park for the Big Five and river cruises to see the hundreds of elephant the park is rightly famous for.