In winter, people often think about visiting Nordic countries to enjoy the charm of the cold weather. But why not try something different and have a warm Christmas by heading to the southern hemisphere? Botswana, with its mix of national parks and private game reserves, offers a unique holiday experience. You can explore the Makgadikgadi salt pans, part of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, and the Okavango Delta, which is rich in aquatic species.
The salt pans are especially striking during the dry season from June to September, looking almost like a mirage. Winter is actually a great time to visit because of the pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Before you go, remember that a valid passport is needed to enter Botswana.
If this is your first visit, it might be a good idea to travel with a safari tour operator. These outfitters can organize travel plans and itineraries to match your preferences. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can rent vehicles such as SUVs and jeeps in Maun, Kasane, and Francistown.
For accommodation, there are four camps in the Makgadikgadi salt pans. Jack’s Camp is located in the central pans and has ten tents for guests. San Camp is situated in the northwest with 14 tents, while the nearby Kalahari Camp offers ten tents. Meno A Kwena Tented Camp, in the west, has eight tents. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Makgadikgadi National Park, Leroo La Tau is your best bet. All camps come with a dining tent, and local guides are available for excursions during the day or overnight.
Botswana boasts ten national parks and game reserves, including the World Heritage site of the Okavango Delta. Jwaneng is known for being the richest diamond mine globally, with up to 15 million carats mined each year. The country also has one of the largest collections of rock art in the world, with more than 4,500 drawings in the Kalahari Desert.