BOTSWANA

The jewel at the heart of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a symbol of Africa and the perfect place for the a Botswana solo travel experience. A UNESCO World heritage site, the Okavango Delta is the best safari destination on the planet. It is the largest inland delta in the world, and is home to an ever changing series of ecological wonders.

The best time of the year to visit the Okavango Delta? Well that all depends on you. High season runs from August to October, and is the most popular time of year to visit owing to lower temperatures and drier weather (which also allows for more game viewing). Prices are higher during this season. Mid season runs from April to July, and is a good go between if you’re looking to see more game and not break the bank. Low season runs from December to March, and while it is hotter during this time, the delta is resplendently emerald green and a wonder to behold. It’s also cheaper to visit during the low season.

The Linyanti is a series of water channels that diverge from the Chobe down towards the Okavango Delta. This is off the beaten track territory. Very few people live here and very few people have ever been. It holds all the wonders of the Okavango, but its seclusion lends it some exclusivity. The area has some of the best lodges in Botswana, many of which are ideal for single safari travelers.

The best time of year to visit Linyanti? Much like the Okavango Delta, Linyanti is spaced into high, mid, and low season. It’s a mix of how much you want to pay, and whether the tropical summer temperatures are a burden or a blessing. Everyone is different, and as a solo traveler it all depends on you.

The Chobe area is an experience. There’s a lot going on here. The area has the highest population density of elephants on the planet, and these magnificent creatures roam around the zone as if they own the place (which they do). The Chobe is also a great solo destination as there are a great number of activities available. You can fish, enjoy cultural walks, go out on game drives, view animals which sipping a gin and tonic on a booze cruise, and even visit Victoria Falls which is an hour’s drive away.

The best time of the year to visit Chobe? Chobe is good to visit year round, but it get’s very busy between July and September and if you want to visit at this time you will need to book in advance. It’s also recomendable to plan your visit outside of school holidays as the area is popular with regional visitors from South Africa.

The Makgadikgadi Pans span from horizon to horizon and are a site to behold. These are the largest salt pans in the world, and cover and area larger than Belgium. Visiting the site is a meditative experience, and solo travellers often choose to visit the pans in order to contemplate the wide world and its spaces, and marvel at the night skies. The pans are a fantastic place to stargaze.

The best time of the year to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans? Try and avoid the height of the summer months from December to February as it can get very hot on the pans during the day. March and April are considered the best time of the year to visit as it is often possible to view the zebra migrations as they make their way from the Chobe area across the northern stretches of the pan and up into the Savute and Linyanti.

The Kalahari Desert is a wonder. It’s dry, arid, and yet teeming with life. The area is home to large population of lions and is also home to the San people. No visit to the area is complete without spending a day in the company of the San hunter gatherers. Game walks with experienced San are an incredible experience as their tracking skills are unequalled. The night skies in the Kalahari are also quite awe-inspiring.

The best time of the year to visit the Kalahari? Again, try and avoid the height of summer as temperatures can run high. Likewise, the winter months are very cold in the evenings and nighttime temperatures can drop below zero. Best time of the year would be the April to June and September and November.