Botswana

Chobe National Park is found in Botswana and one of Arica's oldest national park founded in 1967 covering an area 11,700 square kilometers (4,517 square miles) in northern region. The Park comprises of the largest concentrations of African elephants hence referred to as "The Land of Giants." The Park is situated in the town of Kasane known to be the meeting point of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe with the Chobe River which creates the park's northern boundary serving as a lifeline for wildlife especially during the dry season when thousands of animals gather to drink. The park is also part of the vast Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) one of the world's largest conservation landscapes. Wildlife in the Park Chobe National Park is known to inhabit a biodiversity of floral and fauna species which include; the African Elephants, African buffalo, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs (occasionally), Spotted hyenas, Giraffes, Zebras, Warthogs, Hippos, Crocodiles, Greater kudu, Sable antelope, Roan antelope, Puku antelope (rare and localized). The Park also offers bird watching as you view bird species like African Fish Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, African Skimmer, Carmine Bee-eater, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Open-billed Stork, Pelicans, Herons, Egrets. Getting There Chobe National Park is easily accessible through Kasane which has an international airport with regional flight connections. Travelers also frequently visit the park as a day trip or multi-day safari from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Its strategic location near the junction of four countries makes it one of southern Africa's most accessible safari destinations.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is one of Botswana’s extraordinary protected areas with immense salt flats, dramatic seasonal transformations and wildlife migrations. The Park is situated in the North eastern part of Botswana forming part of the ancient Makgadikgadi Basin. Today, the park offers visitors an unforgettable experience of vast open horizons, unique ecosystems, abundant wildlife and some of Africa’s clearest night skies. The national park lies southeast of the Okavango Delta and west of the main Makgadikgadi salt pans covering approximately 3,900 square kilometers (1,500 square miles) stretching from the Boteti River in the west to the edge of the Ntwetwe Pan in the east. It forms part of a larger conservation landscape together with nearby protected areas such as Nxai Pan National Park. The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remnants of one of Africa’s largest prehistoric lakes, often referred to as Lake Makgadikgadi. Thousands of years ago, tectonic shifts altered regional river systems, cutting off the lake’s water supply. As the water gradually evaporated, it left behind enormous salt-encrusted plains that today rank among the world's largest salt pan systems. During the dry season, these pans appear as endless white expanses with cracked clay surfaces. During the rainy season, shallow water temporarily floods portions of the landscape, creating seasonal wetlands that support a remarkable variety of wildlife and birdlife. Climate of the Park Makgadikgadi Pans National Park experiences two distinct seasons i.e the Dry Season that happens in the months of May–October including cool mornings and evenings, Warm sunny days, Minimal rainfall with wildlife animals fond of concentrating around permanent water sources such as the Boteti River. The dry season is excellent for game viewing. The wet Season happens in the months of November–April including afternoon thunderstorms, Temporary lakes form on the salt pans, Grasslands which become lush and green, Massive zebra migration begins, Flamingos and other migratory birds arrive in large numbers. Landscapes Makgadikgadi Pans National Park contains several contrasting habitats i.e Endless white salt pans, Kalahari grasslands, Mopane woodland, Acacia savanna, Riverine forest along the Boteti River, Sandy islands scattered across the pans. Wildlife Wildlife animals that can be seen in the Park include; Plains zebra, Blue wildebeest, Giraffes, Greater kudu, Gemsbok (oryx), Springbok, Impala, Elephants, Warthogs, Bat-eared fox, Honey badger, African wildcat, Lions, Spotted hyena, Leopard (less commonly seen), Black-backed jackal, Brown hyena, Cheetah (occasionally). The Zebra Migration One of Makgadikgadi’s greatest natural spectacles is the annual zebra migration which happens every year as tens of thousands of zebras move between the Boteti River and the nutrient-rich grasslands surrounding the salt pans. This migration generally occurs between November and March, following seasonal rains and fresh grazing. It is considered one of Africa’s largest zebra migrations and attracts predators such as lions and hyenas. The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts especially during the rainy season as travelers can watch species like the Greater flamingo, Lesser flamingo Pelican, Ostrich, Secretary bird, Kori bustard, Eagles, Falcons, Herons, Storks, waterbirds. Best Time to visit Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Makgadikgadi Pans National Park can be visited anytime around the year by travelers on safari Botswana although the best time to visit the Park is during the Dry Season in the months of May to October. The trails are easier to navigate on as you watch many wildlife animals enjoy their habitat.

Nxai Pan National Park is one of Botswana's distinctive protected areas with sweeping grasslands, fossilized salt pans, abundant wildlife and the world-famous Baines' Baobabs. The Park is found along the Northeastern edge of the Kalahari Basin with vast open plains, seasonal wetlands and ancient trees. Although less visited than Botswana's Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, Nxai Pan is renowned for its seasonal zebra migration, exceptional game viewing, rich birdlife and peaceful atmosphere. The park's changing seasons transform it from a dry, golden wilderness into a lush green oasis that supports thousands of migrating animals. Nxai Pan National Park is found in northeastern Botswana about 140 kilometers (87 miles) northeast of Maun and about 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Nata. The Park covers about 2,578 square kilometers (995 square miles) lying adjacent to the larger Makgadikgadi ecosystem and is ecologically connected to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Nxai Pan forms part of the ancient Makgadikgadi Basin, once occupied by one of Africa's largest prehistoric lakes. Thousands of years ago, tectonic activity altered regional drainage patterns, causing the lake to gradually dry up. As the water evaporated, it left behind extensive salt pans and fertile grasslands. Nxai Pan consists of Fossil salt pans, Sandy Kalahari soils, Open grasslands, Acacia woodlands, Mopane forests, Seasonal wetlands. Climate of the Park Nxai Pan National Park experiences a semi-arid climate with two distinct seasons i.e the Dry Season in the months of May–October with temperatures range from approximately 5°C (41°F) on winter mornings to 28°C (82°F) during the day. There is also the wet Season in the months of November–April with daily temperatures often reach 35°C (95°F) before cooling after rain. Wildlife to watch in the Park include; Large Herbivores i.e Plains zebra, Blue wildebeest, Giraffes, Springbok, Gemsbok (oryx), Greater kudu, Impala, Elephants, Buffalo (occasionally), Eland, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Spotted hyena, Brown hyena, Black-backed jackal, African wildcat, Bat-eared fox. The Zebra Migration The Park offers views of the zebra Migration as thousands of zebras travel between the Boteti River in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the grasslands of Nxai Pan following seasonal rainfall. This migration usually begins with the arrival of the first rains in November and continues through March. The fresh grasses provide nutrient-rich grazing, while predators follow the migrating herds, creating excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This migration is considered one of Africa's longest land mammal migrations and remains largely intact due to Botswana's extensive protected landscapes. The Park inhabits many bird species i.e more than 200 i.e Ostriches, Kori bustard, Secretary bird, Northern black korhaan, Lilac-breasted roller, Martial eagle, Tawny eagle, Pale chanting goshawk, Greater flamingo (seasonally), Lesser flamingo (occasionally), Various larks, pipits and coursers. Best Time to visit the Park Nxai Pan National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit Nxai Pan National Park is during the dry season in the months of May to October as travelers can navigate along the varying tracks watching wildlife animals as they wander around their natural habitat.