Botswana Safari Botswana is a beautiful unspoilt country and is a wildlife paradise, where you can expect to see wonderful game. It is twice the size of Great Britain and contains the Okavango Delta, described as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. To the south lies the Kalahari Desert, flanked by the Makgadikgadi Pans, remnants of an ancient dried lake, and the Gemsbok National Park. In the North and East are the Linyanti, Savuti and the Chobe National Park. MAP of BOTSWANA   A geographical anomaly, the Okavango Delta, which normally floods from May to July, is a haven for game, birds, fish and plants. There is an excellent choice of lodges and camps situated amongst the maze of watercourses and islands. The landscape offers both 'wet camps' - those with permanent water, such as Kings Pool and Xigera, and 'dry camps' - those with water only during the floods, such as Sandibe and Macatoo Camp. You can explore the area on foot, horseback or even on elephants at Abu's Camp. In the permanent Delta, mokoros - simple dug out canoes - are ideal for spotting the abundant bird life and rare delta game. The Linyanti swamps and the Chobe National Park are also rich in game and well served by good lodges such as Kwando, Selinda and Muchenje. The Chobe has one of the largest elephant herds in Africa providing some unforgettable sights as they gather around the water holes or swim across the river using their trunks as snorkels. In the Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast flat and ancient land, you can see thousands of antelope migrating after the summer rains in April/May. This wilderness area is interspersed by granite outcrops colonized by ancient Baobab trees shimmering in the heat mirage. Whilst not a primary game destination, there is still much archaeological and historical evidence to be found on the surface. 'Take nothing and leave nothing but your footprints'. Here, at Jack's and San Camps, the plains can be explored on quad bikes in the dry season. You also can sleep under the stars in brass beds. It is best to fly around Botswana although the roads are adequate. A 4 x 4 vehicle is recommended for most routes or if you are planning a self-drive safari. Fully equipped self-drive safaris are available and make excellent holidays for the more adventurous. SEASONS SUMMER - November to February Hot with tropical rains. WINTER - March to October Warm with sunny days and mild nights. BEST - March to October In the Delta, the floods are normally between May and July. SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS The following are some of the areas that can be combined. The Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls. Namibia, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Fails. Walking and riding safaris in the Delta, and a canoe safari in Zimbabwe. Cape Town and the Okavango. CLIMATE The best time to visit Botswana is from April to September when the days are sunny and cool to warm (25 degrees Celsius). Evening temperatures however, drop sharply. This is also the best time for game viewing. Temperatures begin to climb mid to late September. The rainy season begins in late October or November, peaks in December and January, and ends in March. During the summer months the temperatures can rise to 40 degrees Celsius and drop to 25 degrees Celsius in the evening. In the winter maximum day time temperatures average up to 26 degrees Celsius. Minimum can be up to 3 below zero. Avg Monthly Temperature (max F) Avg Monthly Rainfall (inches) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 86 04 88 04 90 02 86 02 82 01 78 01 80 01 81 01 92 01 96 01 94 01 92 04