Botswana

Botswana is a beautiful nation and an exemplar of Africa's potential. The government is transparent and provides for its people. The country is rich with natural resources and human capital. A devastating rate of HIV/AIDS, however, plagues Botswana, a sad fact that my mother saw up close and personal during her work there.

Before visiting Botswana, I highly recommend The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series as your primer. Alexander McCall Smith highlights the warm nature of Botswana's people and the country's effusive culture.

Gabarone


Mom's flat

Mom's favorite little car


Priceless



Travel...Air Botswana style

After spending some time in Gabs, aka Gabarone, we made our way up to the north of the country, specifically Kasane near the glorious Okavango Delta on the Chobe river. The Chobe river region is particularly beautiful and an ideal setting for safari. One trademark of the area is that it is home to the world's only swimming cats. That is, the tribes of lions in the Okavango Delta swim freely and by choice in the Chobe river. Although, we didn't see the swimming lions because we were there during the dry season.

Our accomodations in Chobe were also wonderful. We stayed at the Garden Lodge on the Chobe River, which is run by two expats. Continuing a theme of our trip to Africa, the hospitality was unsurpassed.

Safari

Nothing bigger than the African sky

Elephants


Scary mama elephant







Me and mama




Antelope




Kudu




Baboons




Warthogs..but not as cute and friendly as this warthog



Water buffalo

In addition to game drives, we were also able to do river cruises. Seeing Africa from both land and water was an incredible experience.

Cruisin'

Elephants along the river

Up close and personal with a lazy croc

Hippos are actually one of the most dangerous animals in Africa...make sure you do a motorized boat cruise in case you need a quick getaway.

Being on a boats gives you exclusive access









Can't beat that African sunset!

Complete Africa pics...