| Botswana is one of the few African countries that has | | | | rocks in the water than animals. They do, however, |
| a stable government, is rich in minerals, exquisite in | | | | come out every once in a while, which will give you |
| natural beauty and has a strong currency. Their | | | | chance to take a good look at these massive |
| currency is, at this point, even stronger than the South | | | | creatures. They are very dangerous and sometimes |
| African Rand. Even though South Africa is mostly | | | | try to attack the boats on the river. Not a good idea, |
| seen as the advanced and stable country in Africa, | | | | as most of the boats doing tours on the river are |
| Botswana never had any political instability or tribal | | | | much bigger than they are. However, on a small boat |
| wars like 90% of the other African countries | | | | you might be in danger if an angry hippo gets disturbed |
| experienced at some stage after independence. | | | | in his rest. |
| The northern part of Botswana has the Okavango | | | | There are many lodges on the river with wonderful |
| Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe river and | | | | views of the mighty river which is so full now that |
| National Park. Accommodation and travel to these | | | | many decks and braai areas on the riverside are |
| areas are very expensive. I could find only two | | | | under water. River cruises can be done in a big cruise |
| backpackers hostels in Botswana of which one is in | | | | boat or smaller speed boats. Most of the lodges have |
| Gaberone. Gaberone is definitely not a tourist area. | | | | their own boats. Day trips to Chobe can be done from |
| After speaking to people that own land in Botswana | | | | the Victoria Falls. Hotels and backpackers in |
| and have inside information on the country, I | | | | Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Town |
| understood the objective behind this. Botswana's main | | | | (Zimbabwe) can organize this for visitors. |
| concern is protecting their natural resources, unlike | | | | Again it is not a cheap excursion but worthwhile if you |
| many other African countries. | | | | are visiting the Victoria Falls. It is about 80km from |
| They don't want unappreciative tourists to flood the | | | | Livingstone. What makes this experience quite unique |
| country on a cheap vacation. The areas stay tranquil | | | | is that you will cross the border at Kazangulu on the |
| and quiet. It obviously enriches the experience for the | | | | ferry over the Chobe. At this point, you will see the |
| tourists visiting and add to the luxurious atmosphere. | | | | Namibia (Caprivi strip), Zambia, Botswana and |
| The Chobe National park has one of the biggest | | | | Zimbabwe borders from the ferry. Locals use the |
| elephant populations in Africa. You are guaranteed | | | | ferry regularly and get on with all their products, from |
| wonderful close up views of these elegant and | | | | buckets of tomatoes to sugar cane and bags of |
| powerful animals during a drive through the park or a | | | | cement. It gives you a tiny peek, into how they live and |
| boat cruise on the Chobe. There are also big herds of | | | | survive. |
| Impala, Buffalo and many other animals and birds. | | | | Chobe is an experience that has to be lived and can't |
| On the river cruise, you will most certainly meet up with | | | | be captured in photos or words. Ernest Hemingway |
| a few hippos relaxing in the water. You have to look | | | | said: "I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke |
| carefully as most of the times they look more like | | | | up that I was not happy." I concur. |