The Panhandle
The Okavango Panhandle is the main stream feeding the Okavango Delta. The Panhandle is the approximate 70 km stretch of the Okavango River, from which the river enters Botswana until it flows into the alluvial plain of the Delta. This part of the river, little known, is wide and deep, composed of lagoons, swamps and islands. The papyri, reeds, water lilies cover the expanses of clear water and ficus and aloes border the banks. There are sitatungas, lechwes, crocodiles and hippopotamuses. It is a paradise for birdwatchers with kingfishers, bee-eaters, cormorants, jacanas, herons in abundance.
 
A visit of Panhandle also allows the discovery of Tsodilo Hills, located a few tens of kilometers to the West. Literally: The mountains of God, the Tsodilo Hills are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Considered the Louvre of the Desert, it is one of the most fascinating and mysterious archaeological sites in southern Africa. Indeed, these hills that seem finely watercolored with pink, blue and fauna, were decorated by the San and Bantou tribes who gave free rein to their creativity. 4500 beautiful rock drawings and cave paintings of animals are spread over 350 sites! The highest peak rises to 1397 meters and is the highest peak in Botswana. It dominates the infinite expanse of the northwestern edge of the Kalahari.

The Okavango, 1300 km long, has its source in central Angola and joins the Botswana desert crossing the Namibia by Caprivi Strip. It is often described as the ‘’river that never meets the sea" because it is lost in a vast labyrinth of lagoons, canals and islets extending over more than 15,000 km2.

On entering Botswana, it is the third largest river in Southern Africa. But while continuing his race, he meets the sands of the Kalahari which retain a good part of its water. The Okavango then evaporates mysteriously to form a huge inner delta...

Advice:
  • Lucky you! The Okavango Delta can be visited all year round. The landscapes change colour according to the seasons but remain incredibly beautiful and the animals flock there in the dry season as in the rainy season ... the intermediate months of April and November allow all activities most of the time ...
  • Even if your budget allows you to spend only a few days, do not miss a visit in the heart or on the edge of the Delta ... it's unique!
  • Try the Mokoro and adopt it! Let yourself be guided gently and follow the corridors drawn by the hippos ...
  • Experience the "Fly Safari" on a light plane over the sumptuous landscapes of the Delta and sharpen your eye looking for animals from the sky!

Botswana, the Greatest Wildlife

Botswana's National Parks are, without doubt, the wildest in Africa. Tourism is intentionally limited to preserve pristine nature. If you can afford authentic Africa, head for Botswana, one of the last wild sanctuaries on the continent, distinguished by an abundance of exceptionally rich wildlife. A trip to Botswana almost inevitably involves a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwean territory due to their strategic position: take a step at the end of your safari, their grandiose appearance will amaze you.

When to go?

The dry season lasts from April to October to the south and November to the north where, however, the rain totals are higher. The southern part of the country is most exposed to cold winds during the winter period (early May to late August) when the average temperature is about 14 ° C (57.2 ° F). The whole country has hot summers with average temperatures around 26 ° C (78.8 ° F). Temperatures are high throughout the year although winter is the sunniest period. The whole country is windy and dusty during the dry season.

Formalities

The visa is not compulsory for French nationals. The passport must be valid for at least six months after entry into Botswana. The permitted length of stay is in the sole discretion of the Immigration officer, it is recommended to check the date on the stamp when entering the country.

Anyone traveling to Botswana with a minor child must be able to provide a complete and certified copy of the child's birth certificate or a plurilingual birth certificate in addition to his or her valid passport. If the child is traveling with only one of his parents, he will have to present a travel authorization signed by the absent parent.

Health

No vaccination is mandatory but some vaccinations are recommended; Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers from a country where endemic yellow fever is present but may be advised to all travellers.

Antimalarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor).

Currency

The Pula (which in Tswana means "rain") is the official currency of Botswana.

Major credit cards are accepted in most of lodges but it is imperative to possess US dollars in sufficient quantity to regulate the extras (drinks, tips...)

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