Travel to Botswana with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Botswana with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Located in the south of the African continent, bordering South Africa, Botswana is a vast, dry land and Africas premier wilderness destination. Most of the country is covered by the tableland of the Kalahari Desert and a further 17 per cent is national park land.

The capital of Botswana, Gaborone, lies in the southeast of the country near the South African border. Highlights here are the excellent National Museum, with its interesting natural history and ethnological exhibitions. The city also offers a wealth of other sights, yet it is Botswana’s national parks and game reserves that are the real attraction.

Unusual for Botswana in its ruggedness, the Tuli Block area in the southeast of the country is popular among birdwatchers. Elephant herds are also here in their numbers. Ancient rocks dating back billions of years give the region an other-worldly appearance that is stunningly beautiful. Horseback riding safaris and mountain bike tours are very popular here, with the Mashatu camps in the area.

The star attraction of Botswana is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta area in the Kalahari Desert, heading northwards. This region is extremely beautiful and is the greatest inland delta system in the world, with more than 300 exotic species and a variety of fauna. It is chiefly composed of vast grass flats, low tree-covered ridges and a widespread network of narrow waterways opening into lagoons.

The northeastern corner of the Okavango Delta is home to the spectacular Moremi Wildlife Reserve, famed for its abundant birdlife. Transport is provided by small boats that travel the delta through its lagoons.

Francistown lies in the northeast and is an important stopping-off point for visitors on the way to the Okavango, Moremi and Chobe game reserves. Originally a gold town, Francistown still has some working mines. Also of interest is the Supa-Ngwao Museum, which has displays on local history. The huge Nxai Pan National Park is north of here.

Serowe was the birthplace of Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama, and lies between Gaborone and Francistown. One of the largest villages in Botswana and the seat of the Bangwato tribe, Serowe is noted for the Khama III Memorial Museum, the nearby ruins of an 11th century settlement, and the small Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Chobe National Park, in Botswana’s barren northwest, is a medium-sized park and home to a huge variety of wildlife. It boasts the highest elephant population in the world. Thousands of these great beasts saunter along well-worn paths every afternoon to drink and bathe at the Chobe River

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