04 Dec 2018

A place away from the city blaze, in the warmness of the wilderness and humility of the people in the periphery.

An expedition that would offer incredible and memorable sightings, filled with enjoyable cool natural breeze, crooning of frogs hiding somewhere in the reeds, commanding roar of lions and chirps of grasshoppers undercover from shrubs during a scorching sun.

Reporter, Bonang Masolotate picks some of the incredible sights that could make one pick his travel bag and be on the go.

Tsodilo Hills: Hills of gods

A rising giant standing tall in the Kgalagadi scrub, Tsodilo Hills is one of the highest points in the country, and situated about 40 kilometres from Shakawe.

The hills, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprise of the intriguing story of a male, female and child.

Among the attractions to look up to would be ancient rock paintings believed to have been the works of the Khoe and the San people as well as rock shelters and caves.

Ttour the hills, local communities which live in the nearby villages, are easily arranged to provide informative guide.

There are walking trails, commonly the Rhino Trail, Lion Trail and Cliff Trail.

The hill is believed to have a connection to spirituality and is often seen as a sacred place for the gods, as it is widely believed by the local communities that the ancestral spirits dwell there.

There is a small museum at the entrance to the site, selling mainly local artifacts. Camping is allowed at the campsites.

Escape to CKGR

An escape to the heart of Kgalagadi Desert in the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve (CKGR) would be an extraordinary outing.

Regarded as one of the world’s second largest game reserves measuring 52 800 square kilometres in the heart of Kgalagadi Desert, CKGR is viewed as an ultimate remote safari destination.

Although a rough terrain, requiring 4X4 wheel driving, CKGR will expose one to the admirable nature and treasured species.

The reserve is home to both birdlife and predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards as well as numerous species of herbivores and a phenomenal landscaping comprising of valleys.

A trip to the CKGR would require thorough planning and liaising with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks as well as other campsite operators.


Gcwihaba Caves: Jewel Underground

The caves are in north western Botswana beneath the dry Kgalagadi landscape. It remains one of the attractions in the remote part of the country yet a marvel to visit.

A network of underground caves and pits, Gchwihaba Caves offer an adequate workaround space between the two entrances, amid many dead ends hence a local guide would be ideal.

Another intriguing sight about the caves is the visibility of stalagmite and stalactite formations, flowstones that appear like waterfalls of various rock underground, offering a remnant of a heritage whose only existence is known to the Creator.

Exploring them could also be an exhausting challenge, and beware of multitudes of bats which hang on the cave ceiling. An artificial lighting is a necessity here.

Moremi Game Reserve: Gem of Wildlife

The easily accessible, Moremi Game Reserve in the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta is home to many wonders and species.

It is one of the most popular territory for game viewing, and it can either be accessed through air or road, but road conditions could be a stumbling block during rainy periods.

A trip to Moremi Game Reserve could be an unforgettable expedition with much sighting of diversity of the predator and the prey species.

The reserve boasts of excellent vegetation such as woodland, savannah, thick forest reeds, lagoons and palm covered islands among others, making it an admirable escape to the wild.

Okavango Delta: Life in the Jungle

Be absorbed into the peaceful surroundings, living in the outskirts yet living in the modern world, this is what Okavango Delta could offer due to the top notch campsites and lodges within the delta.

A place of the tradition canoes (mekoro), abundant wildlife species, swamps, island and network of water channels, Okavango Delta is a top safari destination.

According to Botswana Tourism Organisation, a recent study has found Okavango Delta to have about 122 species of mammals, 71 species of fish, 444 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and 1 300

species of flowering plants and approximately 35 white rhino and four black rhino.

Fed by the Okavango River, the delta is a beehive of activities such as boating, scenic flights, game drives, guided walks and mokoro rides among others. ENDS