There’s no denying that game drives and boat cruises are a spectacular way to get up close to wildlife and enjoy great game viewing. However, as safari travel destinations have expanded over the years, there are now more and more specialized safaris which provide an especially unique experience for your Botswana holiday!
Walking safaris
Without a doubt, there is little that beats a walking safari – to feel the crunch of the ground beneath your feet without the rumble of a vehicle in the background. Many lodges in private concessions within Botswana are able to offer specialized walking safaris with experienced, qualified walking guides.
Walking safaris allow you to get close to wildlife in a way that a game drive just can’t compete with. They also allow you to see the smaller things that are so often missed on safari. Whether it’s the giraffe tracks in the sand, a unique plant that has medicinal purposes or the freshly broken bush indicating an elephant nearby, the smaller things on safari are sometimes some of the most fascinating. On a walk, every single one of your senses is heightened and the thrill of being so close to wildlife really gets the heart pumping.
We suggest: Ker & Downey – Footsteps Across the Delta
Horse riding safaris
The thrill of horseback riding so close to wildlife is like nothing else. Most plains game (such as antelope and giraffe) are incredibly relaxed and see you as another animal. Many horse riders will delight in the vast open spaces which are ideal for long canters – made even more enjoyable by splashing or swimming through the Okavango floodwaters.
Most horse riding safaris within Botswana, especially within the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi salt pans, are aimed at experienced riders who can ride at all paces. To graze alongside kudu, stand within meters of a curious giraffe or silently wait as a herd of elephant cross the water in front of you will leave even the most seasoned safari travellers speechless.
We suggest: African Horseback Safaris
Canoeing safaris
Canoeing within Botswana has become widely popular for adventure enthusiasts, although many lodges stress that while a certain level of fitness is required, it is not extremely physically demanding. One of the most common places to canoe is the Selinda spillway which lies just north-east of the Okavango Delta. In terms of your safari experience, wildlife viewing is spectacular as the riverbanks attract a variety of species including antelope, elephant and wildebeest. The tranquillity of the waterways, not to mention the vast array of birdlife, will connect you to nature like no other experience.
We suggest: Great Plains – Selinda Adventure Trail
