Today cheetahs occur in conservation areas in Southern and Eastern Africa. Because cheetah populations are geographically isolated from each other, a lack in genetic diversity is a considerable problem. The cheetah needs vast open areas with abundant prey to hunt successfully. The pristine conservation area of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the few areas, where this vulnerable species can live under natural conditions and exhibit its full range of behaviour. Little is known about this specific population as of yet, but the Kgalagadi Cheetah Project has fitted animals with radio collars, collected genetic material and sent out San trackers to gather information about this unique feline.

Cheetahs on a red dune / image provided by the Kgalagadi Cheetah Project

The Kgalagadi Cheetah Project is still in the process of collecting data on the South African side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Photographs taken by researchers and tourists suggest an estimated number of 80 cheetahs in research area. Cheetahs can be recognized by their unique coat patters, much like fingerprints in humans. The research which is headed by Gus Mills of the Lewis Foundation follows several objectives:

• Determine population size and demographics.
• Feeding ecology
• Land tenure system and how it is influenced by the dispersion pattern of food.
• Mating system and factors that influence reproductive success
• Genetic status of the population
• Identify the most important limiting factors on the population, including human induced factors and to make recommendations as to the sustainable management of the population.

The project started in 2006 and research will continue for another year.

Cheetah Facts

• The cheetah is the fastest land animal reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h
• Cheetahs cannot roar
• It is the only cat with non-retractable claws
• The only remaining population of Asiatic cheetah lives in the central plateau of Iran and consist of about 100 animals

Support the Kgalagadi Cheetah Project

Gus Mills and his team are still building their photographic database. If you have seen and photographed cheetahs in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park send an email to census@sanparks.org. Images of cheetahs standing sideways are ideal for identification. Information about the date, location and number of animals will help the research immensely.

Recent findings by Dr Mike Chase, suggests that this decline in the wildlife population, is largely due to poaching, hunting and veldt fires. His most recent research has found a catastrophic loss in species over the last 15 years. His studies have also found that at least 11 species have seen a 61 percent decrease since 1996 in the Ngamiland district.

What is the way forward? Photographic safari  is being promoted throughout the country with a strong emphasis on major game reserves. Set not only to attract professional photographers, but amateurs and enthusiasts as well.

Archibald Ngakayaga, a Ministry of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism spokesperson has said that the policy to promote “photographic safari” is in an advanced state and in the future they won’t be issuing any new hunting quotas. The policy should at least stop the rapidly decreasing wildlife population, especially in areas like Khutse Game Reserve, Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Trans-Frontier Park , where the lion population is on the verge of extinction. While the policy is set to help the endangered wildlife, it has also somewhat divided the Botswana community and wildlife conservationists. Some argue that the issuing of hunting quotas helps the community by empowering them and providing an income. Operators who run photographic safaris in the Okavango Delta and Kasane areas have promoted the campaign and encouraged its growth.

In a statement released as a response to the article originally released on the Mmegi website, Mable Bolele,
Coordinator of Communications, Research and Development has corrected some of the original claims. It says:

“The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism would like to clarify that there is no decision made to ban wildlife hunting. Instead, what is being done is to encourage photographic tourism and gradually limit but not ban wildlife hunting.”

On the 13^th and 14^th of July, a workshop for local media practitioners was conducted. It was at this workshop that the ministry spokesperson highlighted the advantages of photographic tourism to Community Trusts. Apparently there was no reference to a hunting ban and she was quoted out of context. While this has led to confusion over the future of Botswana’s hunting policy, what is needed is a push to promote photographic safari throughout the country.

It is hard living in Africa with sights like these.

Photographic Safaris in Botswana

A photographic safari is a great way to experience nature in Botswana’s vivid landscape. Here is a quick photographer’s guide to Botswana:

• Best time to go:  June through September is when animals are concentrated around water sources and are at their most spectacular
•  Attractions:  Unlike other areas around Botswana, the Okavango Delta is wet all year-round and therefore always has great game-viewing.  Animals migrate following the water so be sure to check migration patterns.

Some places to try:

• Jacks Camp-they employ a full-time “meerkat follower” and is renowned as the best place in the world to photograph meerkats.
• Mombo- Perhaps one of the most luxurious camps in Botswana as well as one of the most expensive, but perfect for the nest wildlife one can see.
• Vumbura Plains- With its vast array of activities from powerboat rides to mokoro trips and night drives, the park offers photographers many wildlife options set to find that perfect shot.
• Chitabe- Various BBC productions have been filmed here as the area is known to be rich with wildlife, and is especially good for hippo photography.

Aerial photography

The smaller planes which fly from lodge to lodge are generally not the best way to spot and photograph game. You can charter a small aircraft to partake in an aerial safari, but the restrictive nature of a plane and its small windows makes this tricky. Although it is very expensive (often $1000 or more an hour) a helicopter ride can offer the most spectacular highpoints for some interesting perspectives and with the right angles, amazing shots.

It seems that while hunting creates a healthy community through job creation; the shift towards photographic development is proving prominent. Botswana, like any other country with an abundance of wildlife, needs to be protected and the decreasing numbers in many species proves this point.

The Kalahari is a harsh environment. The 900 000 km² of arid sand and savannah seems hostile at first, but radiates a fascination that escapes description. Stretching across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa’s Northern Cape; the Kalahari is a place of modest and very hardy creatures. Oryx, springbok and hartebeest roam the vast space with big cats in desperate pursuit. The San learned to live off the sparse vegetation of the Kalahari. While the women gather melons, tubers and berries to provide the majority of the band’s nutritional needs, the men hunt with bows and poisoned arrows. Moving in small bands, the San are nomads that don’t need more than they can carry.

Sunset in the Kalahari

The San maintained this modest lifestyle in harmony with the arid Kalahari for 20 000 years; both parties unchanged, constant. As impressive as this is in itself, there is more to the people that once roamed large parts of Southern Africa. Conflicts with other tribes and colonial invaders eventually narrowed their territory down to the semi-arid savannah. Rock paintings dating back thousands of years bear witness to the age and range of San culture. Sites such as Tsodilo Hills, Twyfelfontein and Matobo Hills have been declared World Heritage Sites for their abundance of San art. Behind the seemingly simple depictions of hunting scenes and daily life lies a code that references a spiritual world. Behind the modest lifestyle lies knowledge and age-old wisdom undervalued and endangered in today’s world. The empire of the San is falling.

Understanding the Bushmen

San men talking at !Khwa ttu

The Kalahari is a harsh and taxing environment. The climate is hot and dry during the day and bitterly cold at night. Plants carry hostile thorns for protection, while water is a rare commodity. The San were driven into the Kalahari by belligerent Bantu tribes, and they consequently made it their home. The knowledge and wisdom of thousands of years make the San some of the most skilled survivors on the planet. The San created a sustainable lifestyle in hostile environment. This requires a level of skill and understanding far beyond western schooling. While we do our best to tame and civilize our environment, the San have developed a deep understanding of their surrounds that allows them to blend in with nature – even under the harshest circumstances.

The charms of the Kalahari are not obvious, but once you get a taste of the red sand and endless horizons, you cannot help being intrigued. It is similar with the San. Their physical appearance is less than impressive, they have no weapons or great possessions and their lives are simple. Yet there is much to learn from these desert dwellers. The semi-nomadic San live in bands of 10-40 people without chiefs. Conflicts are resolved by long discussions and group consensus – a practise that has led to research projects in mediation and conflict resolution. They are world renowned for their tracking skills and their understanding of hidden properties of the indigenous vegetation. In trance dances, they connect to their ancestors and the spirits of nature. Bands engage in these nightly dances for many hours until the dancers enter an altered state of consciousness. The trance dance is one of the oldest rituals known to mankind and the images seen by the dancers are scattered across Southern Africa as rock paintings.

Fall of the Traditional Lifestyle

The traditional San lifestyle is older than any ancient or modern civilisation. This culture without a written language, historical monuments or great heroes, seems very simple. It, however, has many aspects that are advanced, worth studying and that demand our attention and respect. Unfortunately for the last century, things went completely the other way. The San were driven from their land and even hunted by European invaders. While San withstood most of these challenges, they are being increasingly engulfed by a Westernized world. As these modest people are driven even from the desert, they seem to have no choice but to assimilate themselves into a modern world that holds a future of poverty. Once this step is taken it seems there is no way back.

Between a long tradition and an uncertain future

The traditional lifestyle of the San or Basarwa as they are known in Botswana may seem undesirable for us Westerners, but in the end it is a matter of perspective. Compared to the San, our culture and lifestyle are infantile; yet we seem to believe that our matters and concerns have the right of way. The disrespect and misunderstanding of this minority reached a climax when two San tribes were resettled from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve starting in 1997. Reasons given by Botswana’s government included the integrity of the game reserve as a conservation area and an improvement of the living standard of resettled families. None of these reasons, however, seemed convincing and it is actions like these that leave the tradition and incredible knowledge of the San to die in the red dust of the Kalahari.

The San Today

The reality of the San has changed drastically over the last few centuries. No longer able to fight off Westernisation, the majority of the 100 000 San live in cities and settlements mostly in Namibia and Botswana. While many of them struggle with the transition, the process is irreversible. You will find most San people wearing jeans and shoes, shopping at the supermarket and listening to same music as you. They don’t want to be what you expect them to be. When you meet someone with San heritage, don’t expect them to talk with clicks, to dress down to a loin cloth or walk around with a bow and arrow. In fact don’t expect anything. The San of today have their very own struggles so the best you can do is to listen and learn.

Conserving San Heritage

While the traditional San lifestyle and knowledge is struggling for its existence, the stories and secrets of a 20 000 year heritage are not quite dead yet. Those who realize what is at stake are passionate about conserving the San’s wisdom for present and future generations. While almost all of Southern Africa’s 100 000 San have come to rely on Western amenities, to some degree the knowledge and stories still exist. It is not too late to learn from this ancient wisdom.

Exploring the cultural village at !Xaus Lodge

The San Education and Culture Centre !Khwa ttu close to Yzerfontein in the Western Cape offers you a journey into San history and culture. San guides share traditional knowledge, languages and their take on current affairs. Meet the descendants of Southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants and learn from them. The 850ha property conserves indigenous fauna and flora including a number of antelope, small predators and a varied birdlife. The restaurant and accommodation facilities make this a great place to spend more than just a day.

The Kalahari Peoples Network is a platform for people to connect about all things San. The website features academic research; as well as news on community and educational projects. One of the big aims of the Kalahari Peoples Network is to educate and empower San people to use computers and the internet to share their issues and their stories. If you are intrigued by San culture this is a great place to start your research.

An interest in San culture can also be a great excuse to travel. !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is owned by the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. Explore the Kalahari, the traditional stomping ground of the San and understand the harsh beauty of this fascinating Desert.

Delta Belle Houseboat

If you haven’t heard of the Okavango Delta , then clearly you weren’t a National Geographic enthusiast as a kid. Home to some of the most serene wildlife and intrepid landscapes, it is an untouched haven of wildlife and water. If you are looking to get away from fast-paced living and I mean really get away, the Delta Belle Houseboat is the ideal solution. Features on the boat include four cabins (three on the bottom and one on top), all the self-catering requirements, a fishing license and three staff members!

Let Bushmen Trackers Guide You

There are fewer than 10,000 traditional Bushmen left in Botswana. This means that now is a good time to let a Bushmen (traditionally called San or Basarwa), guide you on a wildlife trip in the Kalahari Desert. This has been their home for thousands of years and their lifestyle has changed very little over this time. As they are slowly integrated into western culture, Bushmen still living in the age-old tradition are very rare. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore their culture from a first-person perspective (rather than being led by a game-ranger). You will experience their simple yet intriguing lifestyles, sing around the fire, watch in awe as they climb trees effortlessly and experience their incredible hunting skills. A chance to spend a life in a society mostly undisturbed by the modern world will be rewarding and unforgettable.

Wildlife Viewing from a Different Angle

So you’ve been on a game drive in a national park, done the night drive and perhaps even been on a game walk, but have you ever been on a Mokoro?  A Mokoro is a dug-out canoe which slides easily through harsh wetland conditions due to its shape. You will be accompanied by an expert (Mokoro Poler), who will show you the ins and out of spotting and finding wildlife. A perfect way to experience untouched nature.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Feel like you need to get away? This island lodge is built on a heavily-wooded island on the “Panhandle” of the Okavango Delta, affording guest’s spectacular views and tranquil living. Nxamaseri is one of the oldest camps in the Okavango Delta and has remained an exclusive getaway, accessed only by a 4×4 vehicle. The lodge comes with hot and cold water, three meals a day, a wooden boardwalk that leads to six-private brick and thatch chalets offering spectacular views of the waterways.

Break away from tradition and explore this magnificent country with some “out of the ordinary” experiences. Botswana has a lot to experience and so much culture to absorb, try something unusual and make Botswana an unforgettable trip .

Here is a list of these animals, some interesting facts, and where you can go see them.

The Endangered Animals

• Red Lechwe: antelope found in Botswana, Zambia and north-eastern Namibia. It is most commonly found in marshy areas. They are known to run quite fast in knee-deep water, as their legs are covered in a water repelling substance. The red lechwe herds are usually all of one sex. Their conservation status is rated as Least Concern.

Where to see: Okavango Delta, Linyanti.

• Mountain Reedbuck: this is another antelope, found in sub-Saharan Africa. Its conservation status is rated as Least Concern. The mountain reedbuck survives on grass and leaves. Their herds consist of five individuals, including one mature male. In the dry season, however, the herds can expand to thirty individuals. They are inactive during the heat of the day.

Where to see: Chobe National Park, Kwando-Linyanti region.

• African Wild Dog: This is a large canid of Endangered conservation status, found only in Africa. The wild dog found in Southern Africa is larger than the wild dog found in Eastern or Western Africa. Their prey is of a wide variety, consisting of impala, springbok, kudu, wildebeest, ostrich and even the giant eland.

Where to see: Mapula Lodge, Okavango Delta.

• Pangolin: this animal is known for being a good swimmer and excellent escape artist when captured. It is most commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa. The Pangolin has no teeth and lacks the ability to chew. The Pangolin conservation status is Data Deficient, as there is not enough data to assess its risk of extinction.

Where to see: Uitspan Ranch, on the border of Botswana.

• Aardvark: this animal is a living fossil, and has a conservation status of Least Concern. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa’s savannahs and bushland. The Aardvark has a life span of 24 years.

Where to see: Much of Botswana bush, Okavango Delta.

• Wattled Crane: a large bird of Vulnerable conservation status. It can be found south of the Sahara Desert, but the largest concentration is in the Okavango Delta. The wattled crane boasts being the largest crane in Africa.

Where to see: Okavango Delta.

• African Skimmer: found in Senegal, Congo River, the Nile Valley, Tanzania, the Zambezi Valley, Natal and Angola. It is scarce in South African parks, making it an animal of great interest in these parks. The African Skimmer feeds at dawn and dusk. The conservation status for the African Skimmer is Near Threatened.

Where to see: Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta.

• Cape Griffon vulture: this animal is endemic to Southern Africa, found in Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa. It has the conservation status of Vulnerable, due to poisoning, disturbance at breeding colonies and powerline electrocution. The population is estimated at 8000.

Where to see: Mannyelanong Hill Cape Griffon Vultury, nearby to Gaborone.

• Cheetah: found in most of Africa, and in some areas of the Middle East. The cheetah’s conservation status is rated as Vulnerable. It is the only felid with non-retractable claws. Physical attributions of the cheetah are a deep chest, narrow waist and coarse, short fur. It is capable of reaching speeds up to 120 km/h.

Where to see: Chobe National Park, Nxai Pan National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

International Union for Conservation of Nature

The IUCN is an international organization that was founded in 1948, and has its headquarters in Switzerland. They find “pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.” The IUCN is responsible for publishing the Red List.

The Red List

This list was founded in 1963, and is the most accurate and intricately detailed list of the worldwide conservation status of plant and animal species. The IUCN aims to re-evaluate each species every 5 to 10 years.

Conservation Status Chart

The different categories and criteria:

• Extinct (EX): no individuals of the species remain, in the wild or captivity.
• Extinct in the Wild (EW): the species is only known to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside of its historic range.
• Critically Endangered (CR): extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Endangered (EN): high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Vulnerable (VU): high risk of endangerment in the wild.
• Near Threatened (NT): likely to become endangered in the near future.
• Least Concern (LC): lowest risk. The species does not qualify for a more at risk category.
• Data Deficient (DD): a conservation status very seldom used, but also very useful. This status means that there is not enough data available on the species to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
• Not Evaluated (NE): another status that is rarely seen, it means the species has not yet been evaluated against the criteria needed to make an assessment.

Clothes, binoculars and camera equipment are obvious items to go on your packing list. The challenges of the African bush go far beyond not having a can opener. Broken down cars, a lack of stores and petrol stations as well as sickness all need to be considered. The effort you put into your preparation will pay off tenfold during your trip. Here’s what you should pack.

Important Documents

Please don’t forget documents like passports, visas, medical insurance, vaccination documents, international driver’s license and vehicle papers. Also, store certified copies of these documents separately in case of loss.

Expect the Worst…

…but hope for the best. Of course you will have relaxing moments by the camp fire, but travelling independently comes at a cost. You need to be able to prepare your own food, fix your vehicle and deal with any other pitfalls along the way. If you don’t solve the problem, who else will?

Another issue to consider is space. You will have one vehicle to carry everything needed for survival in the bush. We have consulted seasoned self-drive experts and compiled a list with 25 essential items for you independent safari adventure. Find this list below and feel free to download and print the pdf-file for your preparations. This way you can face almost all circumstances in the bush…

25 Point Safari Kit List

Printable version

Camping Equipment:

• Water filter and water-purifying tablets (for drinking water)
• Gas cooker and gas bottles
• Sleeping bag and a convenient pillow
• Can and bottle opener
• Enough food and drinks, tinned food

Vehicle Equipment (very important just in case you get stuck):

• Tyre lever
• Wheel spanner
• Spare tyre and spare tube
• Spare fuses
• Spare battery
• Battery charger
• Spare lights
• Fuel filter and air filter
• Radiator hoses
• Extra petrol/gas
• Spare keys
• Satellite phone

Survival Equipment:

• Tape and glue (for fixing any wholes or cracks)
• Bush knife
• Bandages (for first-aid)
• Insect repellent, malaria tablets and mosquito coils (to avoid being bitten)
• Torch and battery
• Matches and lighters
• Head torch
• Good coffee maker and coffee (for a good start into the day after a bad night)

Meet the Gentle Giants

You’ve been on many game drives and think you’ve seen it all? This unique experience will bring you closer to wildlife than you’ve ever thought possible. Imagine you could touch giant African elephants, feed them, take a mud bath or even swim with them. But that`s not all. During your stay in the Okavango Delta you will be integrated into the herd and its social life. You will learn a lot about their mannerisms and habits. The elephants will get accustomed to you and the vice versa. Soon you will be accepted as a member of their family.

Intimate Elephant Encounters

After getting familiar with these stunning and intelligent animals you will start your safari, riding on the back of an elephant. But don’t worry: you don’t need to have an “elephant driving license”. You’ll sit on the passenger seat.

To discover the wildlife from an elephant’s perspective is breathtaking. You will appreciate nature on a different level. It’s the best way of interacting with the nature. The wildlife surrounding you will not identify you as an intruder. Hence, you can observe the wildlife acting in its purest manner.

Another advantage of an elephant back safari is that you can pass flooded passages because of the much higher clearance compared with a vehicle. You are able to explore areas that are inaccessible on foot or in safari vehicles.

Abu Camp Elephant Safaris

@ Dana Allen

Abu Camp can be your tour operator for an unforgettable elephant back safari in Botswana. It’s named after the famous male elephant Abu – star of the movies The Power of One or Circles in the Forest.

Accommodation is on the highest luxury standard. Choose from 6 en-suite tent units. Each one is furnished in its own unique African style.

12 clients per safari is the maximum amount. That guarantees you a more personal adventure. Each safari lasts 3 nights to ensure a superb learning experience and allow each guest to grow close to the herd. The season runs from late February until late December.

On the Road: General Traffic Rules in Botswana

Driving in Botswana is on the left based on the UK model. But many Europeans are driving on the right. In our experiences it takes some time to get used to the car’s dimensions (especially taking the corners could be a problem). But soon you will drive relaxed and automatically.

Abiding by the speed limits is highly recommended. The standard speed limits are:

• 120 km/h outside the towns
• 100 km/h on approach to towns/villages
• 60 km/h passing towns/villages
• 30 km/h in built up areas
• Furthermore, remember most accidents are results of speeding! So take your time and relax. It’s your vacation.

Police are very vigilant and strict about speeding. So, if you are caught you have to pay the fine immediately. Otherwise they will escort you to the next ATM or even arrest you until the spot fine is paid.

Be Aware of Animals 

Botswana Speed Bumps

If you drive in Botswana you have to be aware of animals crossing the roads. Botswana is rich in wildlife. Not just indigenous animals like elephants, lions or antelopes, but also stray livestock like cows, goats and chicken can appear on the roads. Consider there are no fences that could avoid unwanted encounters. Hence,

• Drive slowly
• Be attentive especially at dawn and dusk
• It’s advisable not to drive at night!!!

Driving at night could be very dangerous!!! Animals could cross the roads or even sleep on it and you won’t see them from far. So make sure you will arrive to your daily destinations before dusk.

General Road Conditions in Botswana

The road conditions differ all over the country. You will find tarmac roads (on major routes connecting the big cities), gravel or even sand tracks. When you leave the roads and start your safari adventure off road you will mainly find sand tracks of varying quality. Hence, it’s always a good decision to rent a 4×4 vehicle with enough clearance from the ground.

Driving Off Road in Moremi

After entering Moremi you will face sand, clay, woodland or swamp tracks. This also depends on the season. During the rainy season (from October until April) many roads are flooded and it is impossible to pass them. So first of all a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended for self-drive safaris and secondly don’t drive alone. Always visit Moremi in a group of at least 2 vehicles, so that in case of breakdowns you can help each other.

Driving Off Road in Chobe

The road conditions in Chobe are similar to Moremi, but here you have to be especially aware of fallen trees (due to elephants) blocking the roads. In the wet season the clayey soil can easily bog down vehicles. In the dry season (from May until September) deep sand can cause equally difficult conditions.

If you have done a self-drive safari in Botswana (Moremi, Chobe or somewhere else) recently or crossed the country by car let us know about your driving experiences in the comment section.

Sightings of black-maned lions are rare, but rumors about this majestic predator never cease. This magnificent species once inhabited the savannah of Southern Africa and it seems like some of these Big Cats still roam the semi-arid Kalahari. Let’s take a closer look at this storied hunter.

Why is Their Mane Black?

Usually the colour of the mane becomes darker with the years. That means if the mane is dark you are facing an old and experienced predator. But is black equal to dark?

Many think that the black-maned lion is a sub-species. Here are 3 theories on the feline’s genesis.

Black-Maned Lion

Theory 1: No Interbreeding at All?

The first theory is that the Kalahari lions have never bred with other lions. This might have been a strategy to preserve and strengthen their genes with each new generation. My humble knowledge of genetics tells me that a small gene pool usually indicates the decline of a species, so take this with a pinch of salt.

Theory 2: Self Protection?

Another theory says that the black mane saves them from suffering the heat. Black absorbs sun beams and so the sun is collected by the mane instead of the skin. That might be given through nature as a kind of self protection. However, if wearing a black mane is anything like driving a black car, this theory has to be wrong.

Theory 3: Interbreeding with the Cape Lion?

The second theory brings the black-maned lion into contact with the supposedly extinct Cape lion. This species is said to have been the strongest and biggest and wore a black mane as well. So possibly the Kalahari lion could have bred with the Cape lion because it was the closest living species. Hence he could have received the strong genes and black mane from this extinct species.

The Black-Maned Surprise

We started early in the morning at about 6am to preserve our chances of animal sightings. It is commonly accepted that the best times to observe animals on safaris are dawn and dusk when animals scramble around the waterhole or roam through the savannah to hunt. Game is more active at these times because of the comfortable temperature. They do not yet or no longer face the heat of the day.

The first sighting of the day was a wild dog accompanied by members of the same species on its way. This sighting was followed by different kinds of antelopes, elephants and hippos. But the most spectacular spotting lay still before us.

When we reached a waterhole a big lion approached the water. But no common lion – a black-maned lion crossed our way. He looked strong, sturdy and different from other African lions. This lion was bigger than every lion I had ever seen. Furthermore he was rich in mane that covered the whole front part of his body. This encounter lasted just some minutes but I was able to record a video. I was really impressed because I had never seen a black-maned lion before and I didn’t even know it exists.

A black mane is not common to all African lions. You can just find them in Southern Africa, in particular the Southern part of Botswana or the Kgalagadi Park in general. If you like to spot them as well, have a look at our Kgalagadi tours.

Have you ever seen a black-maned lion? Please share your opinion in the comment section.

1. Don’t Forget to Sign Travel Insurance

It is very important to sign insurance. Most insurance packages include a rescue service allowing you to be transported to the nearest hospital in case of emergencies, a service that is invaluable when you’re out in the bush.

2. Update Your Vaccinations

Bring your vaccinations up to date. In Botswana the following vaccinations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A and B,
• Typhoid,
• Tetanus-diphtheria,
• Measles-mumps-rubella.

3. Malaria Risk in Northern Botswana

Malaria prophylaxis is necessary for journeys in the northern part of Botswana especially from November through to June. That includes Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta among others. As a rule pregnant women should not go to Malaria endangered areas.

4. International Driver’s License recommended

If you’d like to experience self safari drives you should have an international license. It is especially important in case of accidents. An international document is known worldwide and can help you to solve appearing problems faster.

Note: The international document has to be accompanied by your actual drivers license at all times.

5. Money

The currency of Botswana is pula. The exchange rate is about 1 BWP = 0.15 USD. The most common means of payment is cash. But most lodges also accept credit cards so that you can pay cashless easily.

6. Passport and Visa

If you want to travel to Botswana your passport has to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. To figure out if a visa is necessary for you have a look at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ site.

7. Copy Your Documents

Copy your passport, travel insurance, credit card, etc. and put them separate from the actual documents. In case of loss this precaution is invaluable. Additionally you can scan your documents and send them to yourself via email.

Do you have more tips on how to prepare a safari vacation? Please share your advice in the comment section!