Page 24 - Meetings Botswana 2024 FINAL

24 Meetings Botswana 2024
Equally, the tourism infrastructure and network of game
lodges pay more than lip service to the green imperative,
with both government and private sector well aware of the
importance of Botswana’s natural assets to its economy.
The unique make-up of the Okavango is in itself a
natural wonder – some 11 cubic km of water flowing from
the Angolan Highlands floods in to the Delta annually,
tripling its size and providing an essential water source for
local wildlife during the dry winter months, encouraging
great migrations of plains game from the Kalahari
savannah.
With no outlet to the sea, most of the water evaporates or
percolates in to the ground, offering up hugely contrasting
scenery between the seasons – however, for the best wildlife
viewing, April to October itineraries are recommended.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for
several endangered species including black and white
rhinoceros; cheetah, six types of vulture and other
threatened birds – in total, there are 89 recorded species
of fish; 482 bird species; 130
mammal species; 64 different
reptiles, 35 amphibians and
more than 1,000 plant species
to be found in the Okavango
Delta.
For incentive or corporate
activities, the mokoro canoe
safari through the waters of
the Delta is unmissable, a
quiet, soothing and scenic
taste of the Okavango, while
a helicopter swoop or balloon
trip offer contrasting views of
the waters.
MAKGADIKGADI / NXAI PAN NATIONAL
PARK
A total contrast to the life-giving waters of the Delta, the
Makgadikgadi Pans are totally lacking in vegetation in the
dry season from June to October – stretching over 30,000
sq km in northern Botswana, the terrain of flat white
salt deposits glistens in the sunshine with one pan alone
covering nearly 5,000 sq km.
The Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pan National Park is part
of this network which in summer comprises endless
grasslands, dotted with palms and acacia.
A spectacular zebra migration is often witnessed after
the summer rains, from November to March, in the
eastern side of the park – another attraction is one of only
two breeding populations of the greater flamingo in Africa.
But, for those seeking soft adventure and vast landscapes,
the opportunity to ride across the salt pans on a quad bike
safari, or on horse-back, is a singular privilege, while the
indigent meerkats make for award-winning photography.
TULI BLOCK
At the eastern border with South Africa and Zimbabwe,
the wildlife-rich Tuli Block has several reserves including
the Mashatu Game Reserve and the North Tuli Game
Reserve.
Contrasting river, forest and open savannah landscapes
are home to a corresponding wealth of animal and birdlife,
with large herds of elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah as
well as smaller prey.
Predator sightings are almost guaranteed during winter
visits between May and October, while birdlife is more
spectacular during the summer months when migratory
species arrive.
The area is dotted with archaeological sites, and one
further highlight is the potential for varying safari options
from hot-air ballooning to horse, mountain bike and
walking tours.
T H E D E S T I N A T I O N
Right: The flooded
Makgadikgadi Pans in the
rainy season highlights the
many grassy knolls found
along its edge. Image by
Steven Stockhall.
Below: The Okavango Wetland
is of global importance to
wetland bird species like
Yellow – billed Storks. Here
the storks feed on a multitude
of fish and frogs in the delta’s
many waterways. Image by
Steven Stockhall.