Botswana's Regions and Their Wildlife

The Okavango River flows inland to the Kalahari, creating a gigantic maze of waterways. The Delta brings life and fertility and the water levels rise and fall creating ever-changing landscapes. The abundant grasslands and forests are home to countless animals and birds. From May to September, parts of the Delta are covered by shallow expanses of water. When the waters recede, they leave grassy plains covered in antelope and zebra.

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In the north of Botswana, the low hills and plains leading to the Chobe river are a haven for great herds of buffalo, elephant and big cats. The image of elephant gathering along the Chobe at sunset will remain in your mind’s eye long after your safari. The adjacent Linyanti river system creates a delta of papyrus lined waterways, swamps and fertile grasslands. At 900-square kilometers, this is a precious dry season haven for wildlife.

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Between the Okavango and Chobe are vast regions of savannah, dry riverbeds and grassy pans. These regions are home to breeding herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe and zebra. From June to November, as groundwater diminishes, these animals gather in large herds around the few permanent water sources. Savuti and Kwando also have large lion prides and cheetah thrive in the grasslands. In December, the first summer thunder showers arrive replenishing thousands of seasonal waterholes and the great herds disperse.

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In pre-historic times, great lakes covered the region east of the Okavango. Today the waters have gone, leaving immense salt pans dotted with “islands” of palm trees inhabited by unique desert specialists such as brown hyena and families of playful meerkats. Sparse summer rains sometimes enliven the pans from January to April, drawing herds of zebra in their thousands and a riot of colourful birds. The rest of the year, the migratory wildlife heads for the Boteti River and the Makgadikgadi has an austere beauty, best explored from Jack's Camp by quad bike and on foot with San Bushmen guides.

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The desert landscapes of the Kalahari present a stark scenic contrast to the eden-like Okavango Delta. Cheetah, packs of wild dog and black-maned lion have adapted to thrive in the dry riverbeds, woodland and seasonal pans. Brief summer storms from December to March bring the Kalahari spectacularly to life. Almost overnight it is clothed in shimmering grassland and sparkling waterholes, filled with birds. San Bushmen will reveal the secrets of the Kalahari on fascinating walks.

Take me to the Kalahari >