Botswana
The Wildlife Safari Capital
BOTSWANA
B
otswana’s wild landscapes attract nature lovers from around the world. Visitors are captivated by its dramatic vistas, from the undulating dunes of the Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta. Clusters of ancient baobab trees and shimmering salt plains also draw in the crowds.
With its standout safaris, luxury lodges and the cosmopolitan capital of Gaborone, Botswana has a lot to offer the discerning business traveller
A landlocked country slightly larger than France, Botswana shares borders with Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Over a third of its land is reserved for wildlife parks and game reserves. Botswana boasts an abundance of wildlife, including the black-maned lion and Cape buffalo. As a result, it’s
BOTSW 2 | Africa Outlook issue 78
Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin
BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE one of Africa’s top safari destinations, renowned for its luxury tented camps and lodges. While English is the official language, most Botswanans speak Setswana. Over 20 languages are in use, including Afrikaans, Kalanga and Kgalagadi – an indicator of the coun-
try’s ethnic diversity. Botswana is also a country steeped in traditional culture and folklore. The Maitisong Festival is a major cultural arts festival in Gaborone. But the country’s most legendary event is the Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race – an adrenaline-fuelled car race
spanning a thousand kilometres of the Kalahari Desert. With its warm climate, luxurious accommodation and breath-taking landscapes, Botswana is an inviting tourist destination.
WANA
Africa Outlook issue 78 | 3
Machaba, come alive again. MACHABA SAFARIS welcomes you to experience 8 superb luxury safari camps in prime locations in Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta
V I S I T W W W. M A C H A B A S A FA R I S .C O M F O R F U R T H E R I N F O E M A I L E N Q U I R I E S @ M A C H A B A S A FA R I S.C O M
BOTSWANA
FACTS & FIGURES
The Business End IN THE 1960S, Botswana was a British protectorate known as Bechuanaland. It was one of the world’s poorest nations, but its independence in 1966 sparked the beginnings of rapid economic growth. In 1967, diamonds were discovered in the town of Orapa, which became the largest diamond-producing mine in the world. This allowed the government to invest heavily in primary and secondary infrastructure – it also improved social services and education. Between the 1960s and 1990s, Botswana had the highest rate of economic growth in the world. The per capita GDP has increased almost elevenfold since independence. Botswana’s consumers now constitute a high net worth market. 6 | Africa Outlook issue 78
Today, Botswana is Africa’s most long standing democracy. It is renowned for its lack of corruption, political stability and low crime rates. The economy continues to expand, with half of all government revenue coming from diamond exports. Tourism is also big business in Botswana. In 2018, the travel and tourism economy exceeded $2.5 billion, and the sector supports 84,000 jobs. Around 96 percent of tourists were travelling for leisure, with the remaining four percent visiting for business reasons. The government are keen to promote Botswana as a business destination. The capital, Gaborone, is an up-and-coming MICE hub with conference centres, upmarket hotels and restaurants.
Languages: English, Setswana Area: 581,730 km2 Population (2018): 2,289,000 GDP (2018): $18.616 billion Currency: Pula Time zone: Central Africa Time (GMT+2) Dialling code: +267 Internet TLD: .bw Climate: Semi-arid
BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE
In Focus: Gaborone BOTSWANA’S CAPITAL CITY, Gaborone, is a laidback metropolis with a population of 232,000. Construction began on the city in 1964, and was completed three years later. The country’s government buildings are all located here, alongside universities, shopping malls and upmarket hotels. Gaborone has a growing number of conference centres and business hotels, and good transport links to the rest of the country. The city centre is characterised by Main Mall, a pedestrianised strip of shops, restaurants and other amenities. Many of Barone’s bars and restaurants are located in indoor malls dotted around the city. Business travellers will discover plenty to entertain them.
‘Nowhere else has digital communication spread as quickly as it has in Africa, which is the region of the world with the most to gain from this digital renaissance’ Despite its modern appearance, Gaborone is a great place to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. Botswanacraft is the country’s largest craft emporium, selling handicrafts made by Botswanan and African artisans. Gaborone’s most well-known
landmark is The Three Digkosi Monument, bronze statues of the three chiefs who pleaded with Britain for independence. Gaborone is surrounded by nature reserves, including the Molokodi Game Reserve, and is home to animals such as giraffes, ostriches and wildebeest. It’s also an ideal jumping-off point to explore the vast Kalahari Desert.
Gaborone’s CBD (Commercial Business District) claims its place as the heart of the city, realising a vision that was conceived more than 20 years ago
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EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF THE KGALAGADI
THE KGALAGADI The Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Desert is a large arid to semi-arid sandy area in Southern Africa extending 900,000 square kilometers, covering 84% of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. The Kgalagadi is part of a huge sand basin into which sediments have continually been deposited and covered with sand. Kgalagadi, meaning “the great thirst” in Setswana is the largest continuous area of sand on earth, touching nine African countries. With an approximate area of 2.5 million km², it extends through 30 degrees of latitude and embraces several ecological zones. The sand masses in the Kgalagadi were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The wind shaped the sand ridges, which are so typical of the landscape in the Kgalagadi. The Kgalagadi Desert is therefore not a true desert in the sense that it is well vegetated and receives copious but very unpredictable rainfall. It does however hold no permanent surface water and has resulted in fascinating ecological challenges for flora, fauna and the people of the Kgalagadi who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of five (5) national parks set aside within Botswana’s vast share of the Kgalagadi desert. It is one of the largest conservation areas in the world, and one of the last truly unspoilt ecosystems. The KTP was the first formally declared Transfrontier park in Africa and was established with the support and encouragement of the Peace Park Foundation. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “I know of no political movement, no philosophy, no ideology, which does not agree with the peace parks concept as we see it going into fruition today. It is a concept that can be embraced by all. In a world beset by conflicts and division, peace is one of the cornerstones of the future. Peace parks are a building block in this process, not only in our region, but potentially in the entire world.” Ta Shebube has opened the doors to this vast and pristine wilderness landscape to novice travellers who wish to explore remote desert destinations. It is the first development of its kind on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP). Notwithstanding the above, Ta Shebube is true to Botswana’s concept of high quality and low impact tourism hence the area will remain small and exclusive assuring that all guests experience the tranquillity and solitude of the desert. The arid river environment is the perfect setting for showing off wildlife. The
84 water holes along the Nossob and Aoub rivers create close up vantage points for photographers. There are 60 species of mammals and 300 species of birds including birds of prey making the park a bird watchers paradise. Predators such as the ultimate black maned lion and the cheetah are the area’s big attraction, while impressive herds of plains game, such as oryx, springbok, eland and wildebeest, litter the valleys. Distinct Attributes • Pristine desert wilderness; red rolling sand dunes; vast open grassland and expansive Acacia savannahs; horizonless landscape; • Predator-rich fossil river environment; impressive herds of desert antelopes; a bird watcher’s paradise; • Star studded sky, magnificent sunsets; • Spectacular thunder storms. All camps promote high quality, low density tourism. Each lodge is large enough to cater for groups of family and friends, yet small enough to ensure that all guests will experience the tranquillity and solitude feel that make Kgalagadi such a desirable holiday destination. Rooiputs Lodge Rooiputs is located about 25 km north of Two Rivers along the Nossob River Valley. The lodge is perched along a vegetated red sand dune offering extensive panoramic views of a valley of acacia savannah and grassy plains. Lions are frequent visitors to the adjacent waterhole. Accommodation comprises of nine (9) chalets, one (1) family unit and one (1) luxury desert suite or honeymoon suite all under thatch. A private concession area allows for exclusive game drives and sun downers although the main game is found along the Nossob valley. Game Viewing Through Ta Shebube’s range of expert and personalised desert interpretation and game activities, guests learn about the area’s fascinating and specially adapted flora and fauna. They will also be able to experience the Kgalagadi’s stark beauty and remote desert and solitude feel.
The dry riverbeds show predators and antelopes off at a premium and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Sixty species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the majestic gemsbok, blue wildebeest, springbok, red hartebeest, eland (the world’s largest antelope) and steenbok. Predators are the area’s big attraction and include the black maned Kgalagadi lions, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, jackal and wildcat. The area is one of Africa’s best parks for the cheetah, which thrive by hunting in its fossil river valleys and the surrounding Kgalagadi dunes. Eighty well established water holes along the Auob and Nossob Rivers attract large numbers of desert plains game and predators and their proximity to the game drive roads make them an ideal close-up vantage point for photography. Polentswa Polentswa lodge is located 222 km from Two Rivers along the predator rich Nossob Valley on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The camp is nestled amongst tall trees and dwarf scrubs overlooking the Polentswa Pan with its waterhole and exciting game. In contrast to Rooiputs, Polentswa accommodation is a classic tented camp capturing the romance of a nostalgic bygone era. A comfortable veranda screened from the next-door neighbours allows every guest to enjoy the glorious Kgalagadi sky in the privacy of their own tented accommodation. The camp comprises of six classic safari tents, one family unit and one luxury desert suite/honeymoon suite all built on raised wooden platforms and under huge canvas roofs that also encompass a private veranda. The tents are furnished with an enormous bed which allows for exciting and far sweeping views of the Polentswa pan, normally littered by antelopes in the early mornings. The Polentswa pan is also known for its magnificent sunsets. Each tent has a sleeping area, a desk, en-suite bathroom, and a surprising yet exhilarating outside shower open to the desert and to the stars. The family unit and the desert suite/honeymoon suite are bigger and allows for a small sitting area. The tents are not ideal for twin beds. The main building consists of a spacious lounge area with a splendid view of the vegetated pen. Here the guests can either recline with a sun downer and a good book, watch the water hole and visiting game or merely contemplate the desert. In addition, there is a viewing deck with a telescope, a bar, a dining room, a BOMA and a restful reading area. The main building
is originally furnished to reflect the spirit and essence of an authentic tented safari camp. The Nossob riverbed is rated one of the best places in Southern Africa to view raptors particularly during the summer months when large numbers of migratory eagles, kites and falcons move through the park. Of the 80 raptors recorded in Southern Africa, 52 have been recorded in the KTP, specifically, Polentswa which is a haven for birders with migratory birds passing through the Polentswa pan, offering rich opportunities for avi tourism. Apart from the 300 species of birds found in the area, antelopes and predators are plentiful at Polentswa as in the rest of the park with over 60 species of mammals having been recorded. These include the majestic gemsbok, blue wildebeest, springbok, red hartebeest, eland (the world’s largest antelope) and steenbok. Predators are the area’s big attraction and include the black maned Kgalagadi lions, leopard, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, jackal and wildcat. Safari packages Guests are provided with a complete package including transport, exquisite accommodation, catering facilities, library, knowledgeable staff, and a plunge pool. It also includes excellent service, game viewing, photographic opportunities and a breath-taking experience rarely equalled during day and evening drives under the sky of the Kgalagadi. Self-drive packages are also offered.
www.tashebube.co.bw
BOTSWANA
Botswana Tourism Organisation BOTSWANA TOURISM ORGANISATION was established in 2009. Its mission: to develop Botswana into a popular tourist destination, thereby increasing the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economic growth. The organisation is committed to sustainable tourism and collaborating with local and international communities. We spoke to the CEO, Myra Sekgororoane, about Botswana Tourism Organisation’s past development and future goals.
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Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has Botswana Tourism Organisation developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across? Myra Sekgororoane (MS): Botswana Tourism Organisation was set up by the government to market tourist products, grade tourist accommodation and promote investment in the tourism sector. The organisation has successfully managed to introduce
high standards and develop tourism strategies that exceed customer expectations, while building customer confidence around the world. The organisation aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to Botswana’s economic growth. It does so by promoting Botswana as a destination of choice at both regional and international exhibitions, such as World Travel Market London.
BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE AfO: How would you say Botswana has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal? MS: Botswana has experienced significant growth in the business travel sector. This is largely due to major developments in infrastructure, such as improved conference facilities, airports and roads. An increase in hosting major events is a second contributing factor. AfO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Botswana? MS: Botswana is one of Africa’s top
tourist destinations. This is thanks to its rich culture, stable democracy, biodiversity and varied landscapes. In Botswana you will find one of the world’s largest inland deltas, vast rivers, grassy plains, deserts and salt pans. AfO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend? MS: Botswana is renowned for having some of the best wilderness areas on the continent, such as the stunning Kalahari Desert and the lush Okavango Delta. Sites of historic interest include the Tsodilo Hills and Goo Moremi
Gorge. In recent years, cities such as Gabarone have improved the quality of their services, offering high-end hotels, restaurants and bars. AfO: What are the best ways of getting around the country? MS: There are various ways you can explore Botswana: by air, rail and road. Our national carrier is Air Botswana, which operates a scheduled network between Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane. You can also take small 6-12 seater planes to more remote camps in the Delta, Kalahari and Chobe regions. These are normally organised by private tour operators
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A Catalyst for Innovation & Transformation... The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is a research-intensive University. It aims to be a catalyst in providing knowledge and solutions that impact on local,national, regional and international environments. BIUST is positioned to be one of the key drivers for transforming Botswana’s economy from a resource-based to a knowledgedriven economy. Not only is the country now able to produce its own scientists and engineers, BIUST is becoming to be known as a destination of choice, learning, research and providing such skills in the local, regional and international market space. The objective is to make an impact not only in the immediate neighborhood, but at regional and international level. The University provides solutions to local community problems and in this way playing a key leadership role in developing Botswana’s knowledge economy. BIUST’s position nationally is transcending regional integration and our collaborations in the STEM fields are aimed at solving African and global problems. Through the utilization of international talent and the transfer and adoption of global knowledge, the University can adapt solutions to local needs and provide industry and tertiary level education and research institutions with much-needed information. One of the outcomes is the formulation of four strategic priorities that can be related to key performance indicators that will allow BIUST to fulfill its mission of producing world-class research and innovation in the fields of STEM. The four strategic areas are: (a) Natural Resource Management, (b) Climate & Society, (c) Frontiers in Science, and (d) Innovative Technological Products and Services for Economic Development BIUST have also been involved with the AVN project of Square Kilometer Array (SKA) in housing facilities that will be used to develop the capacity to operate and maintain an antenna for the telescope. In fact, a key mandate of any research university is to perform research that has developmental impact so that society realizes the benefits of the research it conducts. This is primarily through turning research findings into tangible technological products and services. One such patent developed by BIUST, is a farmyard monitoring system, which includes automatic livestock counting and access control to enhance the efficiency of livestock management. Another one is an electrical switching system for a building or installation, which is designed to optimize power consumption, just to mention, but a few.
BOTSWANA and depart from Maun and Kasane. We also have a growing rail network. Many tourists elect to drive in Botswana. The country has a good road network, especially in towns and between major cities. AfO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Botswana at present? How are you responding to these trends? MS: China is the leading generator of outbound travel in both figures and expenditure, with many destinations vying for a portion of the market. Botswana is no exception to this emerging, lucrative trend. Plans are under way to intensify entry and penetration of the Chinese market. We have already participated at the International Travel Expo (ITE-Hong
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Kong) and are conducting market research into what Chinese consumers look for from a destination. We are also interested in attracting the millennial travel market. Since many millennials organise their travel online, developing web-based strategies to optimise the market is crucial. We are also committed to developing inclusive tourism so that people of all ages, abilities and sexual orientation will enjoy visiting Botswana. Finally, we are proponents of sustainable tourism, responding to demands from tourists themselves. AfO: How do you see Botswana developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years? MS: The events industry is a dynamic and fast-growing sector with obvious synergies with tourism. Events
BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE planning has over the years proved to have the potential to grow the tourism economy, provide media exposure, promote development, and stimulate infrastructure developments. The Botswana Tourism Organisation has therefore successfully hosted events to help grow the tourism industry, as part of a broader strategy.
communities around these projects are expected to actively participate and directly benefit from the dam tourism initiative, which will be carried out in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
AfO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?
MS: The Government of Botswana is committed to growing the tourism industry as part of its economic diversification strategy. Tourism plays a significant role in the national economy, creates jobs and exhibits enormous potential for future growth. The future is positive for the industry in Botswana – we seek to expand tourism in the country by adding more products and increasing geographic spread.
MS: In a bid to diversify and expand the tourism industry, the Government of Botswana has established the Dams Initiative. The project will diversify Botswanan tourism and improve the economic livelihoods of local communities through the development of lodges, campsites and outdoor activities. The
AfO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Botswana?
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BOTSWANA
Outlook Recommends “Blessed with some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, Botswana is one of the great safari destinations in Africa” - Lonely Planet
UNI V ERSI TI ES
HOTE L S & HOS P ITA L I TY
Botswana International University of Science and Technology
Ta Shebube Ta Shebube consists of two lodges located in the undiscovered Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Take a safari between the encampments, traversing vast savannahs and red-gold dunes. Look out for herds of oryx and wildebeest, as well as predators like the black maned lion. Spend your evenings in comfort, watching dramatic sunsets give way to starry skies. The Rooiputs camp consists of luxurious thatched chalets with ensuite bathrooms. There’s a spacious bar and dining area. Polentswa may look like a camp from a bygone era, but it has all the mod cons. Each private tent has an ensuite, a private veranda and an outdoor shower.
Regent Select Hotel Boosting 36 executive rooms and three executive boardrooms with the maximum sitting capacity of 25 people, the Regent Select Hotel is the perfect place to go when you are ready to leave behind the hustle of the city. The hotel is very much designed to act as a home from home.
Dinaka
University of Botswana
Deception Valley Lodge
Imperial School of Business and Finance
Planet Baobab 16 | Africa Outlook issue 78
Ranked fourth in the country, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) specialises in engineering, science and technology. It occupies an ecologically diverse 2,500-hectare site near Palapye. It boasts well-equipped faculty buildings, modern halls of residence and sports facilities, including a football pitch and gymnasium. BUIST is driven by a mission to contribute to Botswana’s economic development by using education to facilitate a move towards a knowledge-based economy. It aims to conduct pioneering and innovative research, and hopes to attract more local and international researchers in the future.
New Era College
Regent Group Hotels is a 100% Citizen owned chain operating in Botswana. It first opened its doors with Regent Select Hotel (Opposite University of Botswana) in 2014, then followed by Regent Hotel Kgale which opened its doors in 2016. At Regent Group Hotels we are consistently aiming to improve and personalize our services to meet our customers demands and expectations. Regent Select Hotel and Regent Hotel Kgale offer professional service and luxurious convenience for the executive business traveler and weekend makers as they are ideally located close to GABORONE Central Business District (CBD).
Manong Game Lodge which is the flagship of the group opened its doors in 2017, situated 17km from Lobatse along the Ramatlabama boarder road. It has the luxuries of an Exclusive Bush Camp and is the first to offer a Spa & Wellness Centre in the Southern Region. The Lodge also boasts an 80 seater conference room, Segway Tours, Paint Ball, a Rough & Tough Obstacle Course and Pool set in the beautiful gardens.
Regent Hotel Kgale
Manong Game Lodge
Regent Select Hotel
T: 267 3904536 F: 267 3904534 E: kgale@regentgrouphotels.com W: www.regentgrouphotels.com
T: +267 3713806 M: +267 7550747 E: manong@regentgrouphotels.com
T: +267 3182572 F: +267 3182573 M: +267 75364305 E: info@regentgrouphotels.com E: reservations@regentgrouphotels.com
BOTSWANA
Outlook Recommends OU TDO O R AC T IV IT I E S
AI RL I NES
Machaba Safaris
Air Botswana Blue Sky Airways South African Airways Air Namibia This family-owned company has three safari camps located in Botswana. One of them, Machaba Camp, won the 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards for the best luxury tented safari camp. With its lavish tented accommodation, private swimming pool and onsite spa therapist, it’s easy to see why. But these luxurious camps also offer a world-class safari experience. You’ll be taken on morning and afternoon game drives, nature walks and trips in dugout canoes. You can take a self-drive safari between the camps, while the Machaba Blue Safari couples a Botswanan safari with a seven-night trip to the Seychelles.
FOOD & D RI NK
The Courtyard Restaurant @ Botswanacraft Caravela Restaurant Bull & Bush Pub
Kalahari Safari
Chobe Boat Cruises Tawana Self Drive
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Dusty Donkey Café
BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE OKAVANGO DELTA
Maun Lodge is a 140 room hotel offering different styles of accommodation that cater for both international, local tourists and people visiting Maun on business. With Various dining options and conference facilities on offer, which can seat up to 500 delegates. Maun Lodge aims to meet the best standards and has quickly become a first choice for the diverse market, from local government officials, residence and to international tourists.
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Land Line: +267 686 3939 • Fax:+267 686 3969 Cell: +267 71 363 986 • Cell:72 881 581 Email: maun.lodge@info.bw Visit us: www.maunlodge.com Follow us on:
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“ THE GOVERNMENT OF BOTSWANA HAS ESTABLISHED THE DAMS INITIATIVE. THE PROJECT WILL DIVERSIFY BOTSWANAN TOURISM AND IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC F O R M O R E I N F O R M ATOF I O N VLOCAL I S I T: LIVELIHOODS COMMUNITIES www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF LODGES, CAMPSITES AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES”
We at Endurance Travel specialise in personalised, custom-made trips that guarantee our clients a very special, once in a lifetime experience. Allow us to show you the wild side of Africa, join us on a magical journey that you will never forget!
Tel: +267 686 3643 | endurancetravel@gmail.com www.endurancetravels.com
Africa Outlook issue 78 | 19
BOTSWANA
Transport Links
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Tourists can also travel the country by rail or road. A railway runs from Lobatse to Francistown, passing through several towns including Gabarone. There is one service a day from each station, which departs in the evening and arrives the next morning. A variety of buses connect Botswana’s main towns. They are an inexpensive way to travel, often used by locals. Taxis and minibuses are the best way to travel within towns and villages. Self-driving is also popular in Botswana. The roads are in relatively good condition, although you’ll want a 4x4 if you’re planning to visit more remote locations.
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THERE ARE FEW direct flights to Botswana outside South Africa. Most international visitors will have a stopover at Johannesburg Airport or Windhoek Airport in Namibia. Botswana’s main airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located 11 kilometres from the capital, Gabarone. Botswana has invested heavily in transport infrastructure, making it possible to explore the country using various modes of transport. The national air carrier, Air Botswana, flies between the four largest towns: Gabarone, Francistown, Maun and Kasana. Charter flights operate out of Maun and Kasane, taking passengers to safari lodges and camps located in the Kgalagadi Desert and the Chobe River. These are often organised by tour operators.
PHOTO BY SHOSHOLOZA - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0 20 | Africa Outlook issue 78
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Landmark Attractions GCWIHABA CAVES “Certainly one of the wildest and most remote destinations in Botswana, Gcwihaba is a fascinating underground labyrinth of caverns and pits, linked passages, fantastical stalagmite and stalactite formations, and beautifully coloured flowstones that appear like waterfalls of rock” – Botswana Tourism Board
CHIEF’S ISLAND “The combination of reed-fringed waters, grasslands and light woodlands makes for game viewing that can feel like a BBC wildlife documentary brought to life. Not surprisingly, the island is home to some of the most exclusive lodges and tented camps in Africa” – Lonely Planet
BAINES’ BAOBABS
MAKGADIKAGI NATIONAL PARK
“Located in the south of Nxai Pans National Park are the seven baobabs known as Baines’ Baobabs or the Sleeping sisters. This stunted cluster of Africa’s most iconic tree was immortalized by the paintings of Thomas Baines, a British landscape artist commissioned by the Royal Geographic Society” – Discover Africa
“The shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi along with the Nxai Pans are believed to be the largest in the world. Most of the time they appear as glaring, white, endless plains. During the rainy season they are one of the most important wetland areas in Botswana - when they transform and come alive into stunning grass-plains” – Siyabona Africa
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Business Travel Guides joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 676 jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 668 krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 682 matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 669 w w w. a f r i c a o u t l o o k m a g . c o m