North-West District Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Botswana Day 4 Kasane 1: Chobe River Cruise

【1】Chobe River Cruise Duration: 3h The Chobe River, shown as the Chobe River on Google Maps, is an important tributary of the Zambezi River and also serves as the boundary river between Namibia and Botswana. Along the Botswanan coast of the Chobe River, there are numerous docks, many of which are directly connected to various hotels. You can take a boat to tour the Chobe National Park. Boarding a boat from the dock, you first need to stop at a registration point to register. Then continue upstream, mainly touring around Sedudu Island in the river. Previously, Namibia and Botswana had a dispute over the sovereignty of Sedudu Island, which was later arbitrated by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands. Since the water on the Namibian side of Sedudu Island is deeper, it is considered the main river of the Chobe, and therefore the sovereignty of Sedudu Island belongs to Botswana. Botswana has planted a flag on the island (P2). During the voyage, a variety of animals were seen, including: P1: African elephants. Two African elephants were drinking water by the Chobe River, first sucking water with their trunks, then curling it up to feed into their mouths. There are quite a few African elephants along the coast. P3: Great Egrets. As the small boat slowly approached Sedudu Island, these great egrets suddenly flew away. There were also kingfishers flying by, which most of the time hover in the air. P4: Water lizards. They have very good camouflage. They can grow up to 1 meter in length. P5: Nile crocodiles. Several Nile crocodiles encountered on the shore all started with their eyes closed, motionless. One Nile crocodile slowly bent its left forelimb when the cruise boat approached, and then at a certain moment, it rushed into the river at a very fast speed, only showing the upper part of its head above the water. They can grow up to 6 meters in length. P6: Cormorants and Egrets. The white birds are egrets; the black birds are cormorants, which keep their wings open, probably to dissipate heat. P7: African Jacanas and Grey Herons. The red bird is an African Jacana; the grey bird is a Grey Heron, basically motionless. P8: Osprey. Perched on a tree branch. P9: Impalas and Baboons. On the Botswanan side of the riverbank, there are many impalas with M-shaped black stripes on their buttocks, locally called McDonald's; below them along the river and in the trees, there are many agile baboons. P10: Egyptian Geese. A flock of Egyptian geese resting on Sedudu Island. There were also two larger Spur-winged Geese that landed among them. P11: Hippos. Most of the time they are eating grass with their heads down. There are small birds perched on their backs. P12: Cape Buffaloes. Their bodies are particularly dark, with very obvious horns. Most of the Cape Buffaloes seen were lying on Sedudu Island resting, with some also having small birds perched on their backs. P13: Waterbucks. With a white ring on their buttocks, like a toilet seat cover. It is said that there is a related story in the Bible's Noah's Ark. P14: Snakebirds. They have very long necks, like snakes. The snakebird seen was trying to eat a fish, which was clamped in its mouth, but it couldn't swallow it for several minutes. P15: Marabou Storks. A group of marabou storks standing on the island. There is a drooping pouch under their beak for storing food, which is expandable. P16: Cape Buffaloes. P17: African Elephants. After circling Sedudu Island, the boat went downstream along the Chobe River, back to the dock next to the hotel. The return trip coincided with the sunset over the grasslands (P18).

Wild Dance Flowing Freely—Botswana's Chobe River

Botswana: Named the number one travel destination of 2016 by 'Lonely Planet', this desolate yet stunningly beautiful land in Southern Africa is home to pristine natural landscapes and ecosystems, vibrantly creating the Earth's astonishing beauty, a true primordial sanctuary. Having just galloped through the jungles of 'Chobe National Park' in pursuit of wild animals, one can then directly board a yacht from the hotel's dock in the afternoon to take in the sights of the Chobe River, truly a taste of the 'joyous world of rivers and lakes'. The riverside resort itself is a beautiful sight, with grass everywhere, flowers blooming throughout the garden, deer calling near the cottages, and monkeys frolicking in the courtyards. In 'Animal World' and 'DISCOVER', I've more than once witnessed the wild momentum of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, but it's only by actually being on this river that all the impulses, excitement, and sighs become vividly real and believable. As a tributary of the largest river in Southern Africa, it meanders along its course. Different vegetation adorns this lengthy river with lush greenery. Where there is water, life thrives, and with Botswana's climate being mild and bright all year round, dense vegetation is everywhere, and abundant water sources attract countless rare wild animals. They inhabit and breed here, in this low-lying area home to giraffes, lions, rhinoceroses, elephants, zebras, leopards, antelopes, buffalo, hyenas, monkeys, black minks, and many other creatures. In the rivers and marshes, there are crocodiles, hippos, ospreys, little blue kingfishers, ostriches, wild ducks, and more, with hundreds of species of birds and animals. What one sees on each voyage on the Chobe River is entirely up to luck and fortune. The Chobe River's channel is sometimes as wide as a lake, sometimes narrow and rushing into grassy beaches, winding between Botswana and Namibia, with the calm and beautiful surface hiding cold-blooded, fearsome crocodiles and hippos that can bite a boat in half when enraged. The yacht gradually sails into dusk, and the Chobe River is adorned by the afterglow of the setting sun, looking very charming, with the river breeze dispersing the heat in the air. On the shore, a huge hippo finally emerges and sprays a column of water; the buffalo, one of the 'Big Five of Africa', walks through the golden grass; the elephant is the leader in Chobe, with its dust bath covering the sky; the deer are the cutest and most photogenic anywhere. I intentionally captured the hippo and elephant together, the buffalo and deer, the bald eagle and kingfisher, the elephant and deer in the same frame. This is the rhythm of life in Chobe, this is the animal world of Chobe. Our cruise ship is also stained in the afterglow of the sunset, and as the sun gradually sets in the west, the light turns from bright red to golden yellow. With the geese returning to their nests, accompanied by the dance of the rosy clouds, Chobe's closeness to the animals and its gentle comfort is an unprecedented experience and state of mind. I admire their harmonious coexistence, I envy their unrestrained freedom, I am jealous of their carefree life. Measure the world with your steps, discover beauty with your eyes, feel nature with your soul. Facing the breeze, hands on hips, standing at the bow, I think I have accomplished a feat—'touched the wet back of the Earth in Botswana'.

In Botswana, Africa, you can track animals on a Safari in Chobe National Park

In Botswana🇧🇼, Chobe National Park, you can track animals by car on a Safari. Chobe National Park, located in the northwest of Botswana🇧🇼, is the country's first national park, famous for its spectacular elephant herds, estimated to be around 50,000 in number. Setting off in a vehicle in the early morning to enter the national park is a peak time for animal activity. We were fortunate to encounter a lion🦁 family that had just finished hunting and was feeding. Having spent many years in Africa, I have visited Rwanda's🇷🇼 Akagera National Park and Kenya's🇰🇪 Maasai Mara National Park, and have seen many animals, but each Safari still offers anticipation and surprises. The uniqueness of Chobe National Park lies in the fact that it is crossed by the Chobe River, has abundant rainfall, dense vegetation, and you can also track animals by boat on a Safari, which is a unique experience in Africa. I have previously posted related videos. When considering a Safari to track animals in Africa, in addition to the well-known Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, Botswana is also worth considering.

The Chobe National Park is one of the best located National Parks in Botswana. What makes Chobe unique is the fact that it is easy to access from all over Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It is the perfect gateway for travellers. I recommend that you visit the park and find experienced guides to introduce you to Chobe National Park.we had a fantastic time having close encounter with wild animals

The ultimate guide to visiting African wildlife parks.

The ultimate guide to visiting African wildlife parks. One of the best things about living in Cape Town is the opportunity to explore the depths of Africa. Even after working here for many years, I still seize the chance to engage in outdoor activities. From South Africa to Kenya and other regions, there is nothing more fascinating than experiencing exotic wildlife in their natural habitats. Although completely worth it, planning a safari in Africa is a daunting task. Where is the best place to go? When is the golden time to watch animals? What should I pack for the wildlife park? You've been asking me a lot of questions about the wildlife park, and I'm ready to cover all of them! Are you ready for some wild adventure? This is your ultimate guide to exploring the African wildlife park. The best time to visit the wildlife park. Imagine if the United States, China, India, and most of Europe were combined to form a massive landmass. This incredible supercontinent would give you an idea of just how big Africa is! In fact, Africa is four times larger than the continental United States. Of course, if someone asks for the best time to visit the United States, it will depend on countless factors. The same goes for Africa. This diverse continent has snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, lush grasslands, and dense forests. You can get completely different experiences at different times of the year. The greatness of Africa's vast expanse lies in the fact that you can visit at any time of the year. Check out my post on the best times to visit wildlife parks in Africa for a complete month-by-month guide to help you determine when to go. What to pack for the wildlife park Usually, in terms of packaging, less is more. After all, you can almost always go to your local shopping center and buy anything you need. However, when you're at a wildlife park, it's a completely different story. The most important thing is that you will not have local convenience facilities. When you go to a wildlife park, you are completely exposed to the elements and everything you need for the day is crucial. Most importantly, luggage space is often strictly limited (if you are taking a short jungle flight to get to your destination), so you need to have a high level of strategic planning. Before you depart, please check my breakdown of what to pack for each type of wildlife park so that you look and feel great every second. How to find the hunting cabin Finding the right wildlife park cabin is crucial to the success of your trip! Unlike hotels where you can come and go as you please, wildlife park cabins are often where you'll spend most of your time. In most cases, they also provide the game driver itself. It is entirely possible to come all the way to Africa and interact only with your cabin, for better or for worse. Lodges often come with vast spaces and many amenities. Do diligent research before committing. The first step in finding suitable accommodation for a wildlife park is to choose your wildlife park experience. From small tents to luxury cabins, every type of traveler can find something that suits them. One of your early steps is to decide what kind of zoo visitor you are. When you know what experience you are pursuing, please carefully review these key contents to look for in the cabins of the wildlife park. Last but not least, consider the experience from the perspective of the animals. A wildlife park is about safely entering the animals' habitat without disrupting anything. Before you decide on a wildlife park company, look for key tips on how to ethically encounter animals. Sadly, too many companies focus on profit rather than animal welfare. Careful planning leads to non-cruel adventures. Gonwana Game Reserve Read more! Places I have lived I am very lucky to have experienced some of the best safari lodges in Africa. When you are looking for inspiration, here is an overview of the country's most unforgettable places for me. South Africa Rovos Rail Durban Wildlife Park: Not your typical wildlife park experience, the vintage charm of Rovos Rail Durban Wildlife Park will take you back in time. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Treehouses: I stayed at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Treehouses for a magical luxury camping experience! What could be better than spending the night under the stars with lions, tigers, and bears? Disclaimer: No bears. Royal Malewane: Kruger National Park is widely regarded as South Africa's premier wildlife destination, and staying at Royal Malewane will take you to the heart of it all. Gonwana Game Reserve: During my stay at the Gonwana Wildlife Conservation Area in South Africa, I visited an African wildlife park for the first time, and this place will always hold a special place in my heart. Giraffe Manor, Kenya Kenya Campsite of the Cotswolds in the 1920s: This family-owned place is iconic in Kenya. Spending the night at the Cotswolds' 1920s wildlife campsite is a great way to disconnect from the world and see what Africa used to be like. Maasai Mara National Park's luxurious destination owned by the famous Richard Branson, staying at Mahali Mzuri is an epic adventure that won't disappoint. Giraffe Manor: This retro and chic hotel is easily one of the most Instagram-friendly hotels in Africa, and in fact, giraffes may eat from your hands. Namibia Wolwedans Boulders Safari Camp: When it comes to Namibia, everything is related to Wolwedans Boulders Safari Camp. They offer fully customizable accommodations so you can create your own wildlife park. Botswana Botswana's Black Mongoose Alley: Reconnect with nature in the sky beds of Khwai Private Reserve and the luxury tents of Black Mongoose Alley. Meno a Kwena: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The simple and rustic Meno a Kwena campsite is a comfortable place for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. What is the budget for the wildlife park? Wildlife parks are not cheap, and you usually get what you pay for. Before you enter the sticker shock, remember that wildlife park lodges are usually all-inclusive - so that typically includes food, lodging, alcohol, and guided drives. The only extra cost is your flight. When you start thinking about travel details, please read my guide to learn about budgeting for African wildlife parks.

unbelievable!

I enjoy myself a lot! as compared to other Safaris I have been to, I can see animals in a big group. this is rare in some other game reserves.

Sundowners and wild dogs

A fantastic Christmas holiday in Khwai Botswana near the Moremi Game Reserve with some amazing animal sightings and beautiful sunsets. An amazing and beautiful trip. There were many amazing moments in Botswana but some of them were the amazing bird life and animal life around us. If you want to see the real African then the Okavango is an amazing place to go! #Khwai #safari #africa #Wild dog #sunset #botswana #Okavango delta

The ultimate guide to visiting African wildlife parks.

The ultimate guide to visiting African wildlife parks. One of the best things about living in Cape Town is the opportunity to explore the depths of Africa. Even after working here for many years, I still seize the chance to engage in outdoor activities. From South Africa to Kenya and other regions, there is nothing more fascinating than experiencing exotic wildlife in their natural habitats. Although completely worth it, planning a safari in Africa is a daunting task. Where is the best place to go? When is the golden time to watch animals? What should I pack for the wildlife park? You've been asking me a lot of questions about the wildlife park, and I'm ready to cover all of them! Are you ready for some wild adventure? This is your ultimate guide to exploring the African wildlife park. The best time to visit the wildlife park. Imagine if the United States, China, India, and most of Europe were combined to form a massive landmass. This incredible supercontinent would give you an idea of just how big Africa is! In fact, Africa is four times larger than the continental United States. Of course, if someone asks for the best time to visit the United States, it will depend on countless factors. The same goes for Africa. This diverse continent has snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, lush grasslands, and dense forests. You can get completely different experiences at different times of the year. The greatness of Africa's vast expanse lies in the fact that you can visit at any time of the year. Check out my post on the best times to visit wildlife parks in Africa for a complete month-by-month guide to help you determine when to go. What to pack for the wildlife park Usually, in terms of packaging, less is more. After all, you can almost always go to your local shopping center and buy anything you need. However, when you're at a wildlife park, it's a completely different story. The most important thing is that you will not have local convenience facilities. When you go to a wildlife park, you are completely exposed to the elements and everything you need for the day is crucial. Most importantly, luggage space is often strictly limited (if you are taking a short jungle flight to get to your destination), so you need to have a high level of strategic planning. Before you depart, please check my breakdown of what to pack for each type of wildlife park so that you look and feel great every second. How to find the hunting cabin Finding the right wildlife park cabin is crucial to the success of your trip! Unlike hotels where you can come and go as you please, wildlife park cabins are often where you'll spend most of your time. In most cases, they also provide the game driver itself. It is entirely possible to come all the way to Africa and interact only with your cabin, for better or for worse. Lodges often come with vast spaces and many amenities. Do diligent research before committing. The first step in finding suitable accommodation for a wildlife park is to choose your wildlife park experience. From small tents to luxury cabins, every type of traveler can find something that suits them. One of your early steps is to decide what kind of zoo visitor you are. When you know what experience you are pursuing, please carefully review these key contents to look for in the cabins of the wildlife park. Last but not least, consider the experience from the perspective of the animals. A wildlife park is about safely entering the animals' habitat without disrupting anything. Before you decide on a wildlife park company, look for key tips on how to ethically encounter animals. Sadly, too many companies focus on profit rather than animal welfare. Careful planning leads to non-cruel adventures. Gonwana Game Reserve Read more! Places I have lived I am very lucky to have experienced some of the best safari lodges in Africa. When you are looking for inspiration, here is an overview of the country's most unforgettable places for me. South Africa Rovos Rail Durban Wildlife Park: Not your typical wildlife park experience, the vintage charm of Rovos Rail Durban Wildlife Park will take you back in time. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Treehouses: I stayed at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Treehouses for a magical luxury camping experience! What could be better than spending the night under the stars with lions, tigers, and bears? Disclaimer: No bears. Royal Malewane: Kruger National Park is widely regarded as South Africa's premier wildlife destination, and staying at Royal Malewane will take you to the heart of it all. Gonwana Game Reserve: During my stay at the Gonwana Wildlife Conservation Area in South Africa, I visited an African wildlife park for the first time, and this place will always hold a special place in my heart. Giraffe Manor, Kenya Kenya Campsite of the Cotswolds in the 1920s: This family-owned place is iconic in Kenya. Spending the night at the Cotswolds' 1920s wildlife campsite is a great way to disconnect from the world and see what Africa used to be like. Maasai Mara National Park's luxurious destination owned by the famous Richard Branson, staying at Mahali Mzuri is an epic adventure that won't disappoint. Giraffe Manor: This retro and chic hotel is easily one of the most Instagram-friendly hotels in Africa, and in fact, giraffes may eat from your hands. Namibia Wolwedans Boulders Safari Camp: When it comes to Namibia, everything is related to Wolwedans Boulders Safari Camp. They offer fully customizable accommodations so you can create your own wildlife park. Botswana Botswana's Black Mongoose Alley: Reconnect with nature in the sky beds of Khwai Private Reserve and the luxury tents of Black Mongoose Alley. Meno a Kwena: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The simple and rustic Meno a Kwena campsite is a comfortable place for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. What is the budget for the wildlife park? Wildlife parks are not cheap, and you usually get what you pay for. Before you enter the sticker shock, remember that wildlife park lodges are usually all-inclusive - so that typically includes food, lodging, alcohol, and guided drives. The only extra cost is your flight. When you start thinking about travel details, please read my guide to learn about budgeting for African wildlife parks.