Why Botswana is one of Africa’s most rewarding safaris

02 April 2026

Known for its strong focus on conservation, low visitor numbers, and high-quality experiences, Botswana is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. What makes it special is the sense of space and the way each moment feels unhurried. One minute you might be watching elephants gather quietly along a riverbank, the next you’re following fresh tracks in the sand with a guide who reads the landscape like a story, where the experience builds naturally, without feeling staged.

Why Botswana is one of Africa’s most rewarding safaris

The Okavango Delta safari reimagined

At the heart of Botswana is the Okavango Delta. Every year, seasonal floodwaters from Angola transform dry land into a maze of channels, lagoons, and palm-dotted islands. Exploring by mokoro (a type of canoe) offers a completely different perspective, moving gently through narrow waterways with nothing but the sound of water and birdlife around you. In areas like Chief’s Island, known for its concentrations of big game, or the Jao Reserve with its mix of habitats, days shift easily between water-based safaris and game drives, giving you a fuller picture of the Delta.

Wildlife that keeps you on your toes

Along the Chobe Riverfront near Kasane, elephants move in large numbers, often crossing the water as the light starts to fade. Boat safaris here bring you close to the action, whether it’s buffalo gathering at the banks or hippos surfacing nearby. In the Moremi Game Reserve, the changing landscape of floodplains and woodland creates the right conditions for predators, and it’s not unusual to come across lion or leopard as you move through the reserve. No two days follow the same pattern, which is part of the appeal of safaris in this region.

A safari with more variety

What gives Botswana real depth is the range of experiences available. Game drives are just one part of it. Walking safaris in places like the Khwai Community Area slow things down and focus on the smaller details, from animal tracks to plant life. Helicopter flights over the Delta reveal just how vast and intricate the waterways are, while visits to the Makgadikgadi Pans introduce a completely different environment. Here, time spent with San communities offers insight into traditions that have been shaped by this landscape over generations.

How it all comes together

A trip through Botswana works best when it connects these different regions. You might begin in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where wide open plains stretch for miles and wildlife has adapted to the dry conditions, before heading into the Okavango Delta for a mix of land and water-based activities. The ideal itinerary often ends in Chobe, where river safaris and game drives bring everything together. Moving between each area creates a natural flow, with each stop adding something new and building into a safari that feels both varied, special, and complete.

To experience a Botswana safari, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

Why Mare Ayia Napa Is a dream for food lovers

02 July 2026

For many travellers, great food is what turns a good holiday into a memorable one, and Mare Ayia Napa has made dining one of the standout parts of the experience. Set on Cyprus' south-east coast, just minutes from Cape Greco National Forest Park and the lively centre of Ayia Napa, this beachfront resort pairs relaxed Mediterranean living with an impressive variety of places to eat and drink. With eight restaurants, five bars, international branded beverages, and an all-inclusive package that goes well beyond the expected, there's always something different to look forward to. Even your arrival feels considered, thanks to a stocked mini fridge waiting in your room.

Why California is the perfect USA holiday for every type of traveller

26 June 2026

California has a habit of exceeding expectations. Many people picture the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, or palm-lined beaches, but there's far more to the Golden State than its famous landmarks. Stretching for almost 900 miles along the Pacific Coast, California is one of the most diverse destinations in the USA. Within a single trip, you can drive spectacular coastal roads, hike through ancient forests, sip wine in world-famous vineyards, visit iconic cities, or spend time in national parks that feel a world away from everyday life.

Travel Counsellors explore the best of New Zealand

22 June 2026

New Zealand packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively small corner of the world. From island vineyards and geothermal landscapes to glacier-fed lakes and dramatic alpine scenery, every region feels different from the last. On a recent trip, some of our Travel Counsellors travelled from Auckland in the North Island to Lake Tekapo in the South Island, experiencing some of the country's most iconic sights and gaining first-hand insight into what makes a journey through Aotearoa so special.