Finally we have arrived to Botswana, where we visited the Chobe National Park which is proud of having approximately 1/3 of the elephant population of southern Africa. We were in the Moremi Game Park, which is supposed to be the most animal-dense spot in Africa. We saw some rhinos in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and spent 2 unbelievable days in the less known Thuli Block at the Limpopo river.
After Etosha we thought that it cannot get more beautiful: we saw countless animals and it was so intense, everything from then on will be a nice add-on only. But we were wrong! Botswana exceeded our expectations, and everything we have seen so far.
We experienced animals eating, fighting, bathing, sleeping, hunting, playing and loving. We spent hours driving around looking for game. When we found it we spent hours sitting in a spot, observing.
Highlights Botswana
On the river cruise on the Chobe river we saw – among others – hundreds of elephants and buffalos gathering on the river bed. The drive through the wilderness of the Moremi Game Reserve was amazing and we could even see lions hunting. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary surprised us with a rhino that chose the pool instead of the waterholes in the park, and we learned the differences between the white and the black rhinos. At Elephant Sands we slept in a tent surrounded by a huge number of the grey giants approaching from all directions.
The excursion through the Makgadikgadi Pans was very impressive, although less photogenic, as the landscape is rather flat. :) The Thuli Block on the other side has the only “mountains” of Botswana which consist of granite boulders with vegetation of bush and old baobab trees along the Limpopo river.
Bird´s-eye view
And one of the big highlights: we flew on a helicopter over the Okavango Delta. Seeing this landscape and the animals from bird´s-eye view cannot really be described – even the photos don’t make it justice.
We could never imagine that all this is possible – we felt just like being part of a documentary of National Geographic about Africa.
Photos from Botswana
Again, we have prepared a selection of the pictures from this part of our trip, and hope we can bring our enthusiasm close to you.
I love Botswana! 2 of my all-time fave travel experiences are taking a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (not helicopter though) & spending 2 nights in the Delta as well. I’m not sure I saw as much wildlife as you though, your photos are incredible. Thanks for bring back beautiful memories for me
We are happy we could bring back nice memories. The helicopter flight was incredible (though very expensive…).
The side doors of the helicopter are removed, which is perfect for photographing! If you have the chance do it once!
wooowwww…. What I only know about Botswana is their beautiful sky blue flag… And first time I read a blog about this country, thank you. Your photos are enough evidence about their rich wildlife…
yeah, the blue flag was everywhere: they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their independence on the day we have arrived :)
Botswana is just amazing – I would go back there today if I had a chance….
Botswana? I have read about it but never heard much about this Country. This national park looks really awesome with lots of animals at large. I wanna visit this place and experience its unspoiled wilderness
If you have a chance: GO! It is really amazing.
Wow you have some fantastic photos from Botswana, I hope to get there some day and go on safari too :)
Thanks! I keep my fingers crossed for you that you can go!
Absolutely amazing pics! And yes, I can completely understand your enthusiasm! :)
Danicska, thanks for your compliment, and also thanks for being such a loyal reader to our travel diary. :)
See you soon.
Julia and Werner
so awsome pictures…. will you ever come back home :-)
Dear Walter, we are happy you like the pictures, this is so kind, especially coming from you.
At some point we will have to return, but would love to stay… :)
See you soon! Julia&Werner