Botswana is the ultimate safari destination in Africa - from the riverine woodlands of Chobe where great elephant herds roam free and unfettered to magnficent Okavango Delta - a unique labyrinth of waterways coursing through the thirstlands of the Kalahari Desert.

It is this great Okavango region which lures travelers to view the best of Africa's wildlife from the comfort of luxury lodges in private concession areas. The camps in the delta and neighboring Moremi Game Reserve are small and individualistic - usually catering to no more than 16 guests - and offer unsurpassed luxury and comfort for discerning travelers.

Botswana also offers the arid thirstlands and haunting beauty of the Central Kalahari desert and shimmering vistas of the Makgadikgadi Pans to beckon those seeking unique regions, as well as Mashatu Game Reserve - home to great baobab trees and elephant herds.

GETTING THERE

Botswana is accessible by road, but this must be a 4x4 vehicle. However, air charter into the wildlife regions is the best option. The outback capital of the Okavango region is Maun, which is reached by daily scheduled flight from Johannsburg.

From Maun, your charter flight sweeps across the labyrinth of waterways before touching down at your camp, where the wildliife experience starts from the moment you are airborne over the delta's floodplains.

Beside fly in safaris, travelers can also do the Okavango and Chobe overland in small groups on luxury or participatory camping safaris. Then there is the option of a horse-back or exclusive elephant back safari, while Stanley's Camp now also offers hot air balloning. In the wide expanses of the Makgadikgadi, adventurers can explore the salt flats on quad bikes before savoring the silence and sanctity of an ancient rock outcrop.