Botswana is a truly bucket-list-worthy destination but it’s not cheap and you can see most of the highlights in a week so we recommend combining it with some time elsewhere. Fortunately, Botswana is blessed with neighbours with some equally bucket-list-worthy natural wonders so we thought we’d list some of our favourites for you to contemplate should you consider visiting this incredible part of the world. Which one would you choose? It’s no easy choice!

Zimbabwe

To the East of Botswana, you have Zimbabwe, a country reemerging in the travel world after a brief hiatus as political unrest gripped it for a decade or so. It’s home to the impressive Victoria falls, which is located on the border with Zambia, which is also worth a visit but as with most reemerging travel destinations, Zimbabwe currently offers better value! It also has direct flights to and from Maun which is the entry point to the Okavango Delta. You don’t need more than a few days but there are plenty of activities from rafting to the Zambezi river, sunset cruises and of course, marvel at the waterfall itself which for me is the most impressive I’ve seen. It’s hard not to be struck by its sheer size and power, especially in the wet season! Many people travel from the falls to the Okavango and onto Cape Town which is a very special trip.

South Africa

South Africa is one of my favourite destinations with a huge amount to offer but it’s also the ideal location to visit if you’re wanting to “balance the books” after spoiling yourself with a magical safari in the Okavango Delta. Not only is it incredible value but the Winelands and restaurant scene of the Western Cape make it the ideal place to recharge before returning home. We recommend splitting your time between Cape Town and Franschhoek, the former has an abundance of awesome experiences to keep you occupied such as Table Mountain, the Penguins of Boulders Beach, Cape Point National Park, long white sandy beaches and the latter offers beautiful scenery along with delicious food and wine – the perfect end to your trip!

Namibia

This option is an expensive option, there are many similarities between Botswana and its neighbour to the west, Namibia. Both are sparsely populated, with some truly unique landscapes and experiences but both have a price tag attached. That said, there is little that compares to the unusual sight of seeing a lion patrolling the sand dunes for its next meal, it’s so hard to imagine how wildlife survives in such harsh and arid conditions but they do, they adapt and some thrive. Lions have even taken to feeding off seals and seabirds! However, as incredible as the wildlife there is, it’s the vast moonlike terrain that you can’t fail to be in awe of from Sossuvlei, Skelton Coast where the sea meets the desert or Etosha National Park in the north-east which has 4 of the big five, only missing Buffalo. For those wanting to continue spoiling themselves, there are some pretty dreamy luxury lodges available.

Mauritius

Finally for those sun worshippers who want to just flop, then there are few better places to do that than Mauritius. The collection of islands is located in the warm seas of the Indian Ocean and is famed for its crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches and luxury resorts. Naturally, there is some very high-quality diving and snorkelling on offer along with boat excursions to idyllic little islands offshore. For those that get itchy feet, there is also plenty of hiking available and excursions to colonial plantations, fishing villages and botanical gardens. Given its location, not only is there fabulous fresh seafood but the influence of flavours from the surrounding countries, in particular India, is only too evident making for some mouth-wateringly tasty cuisine.

If any of these destinations are of interest, with or without Botswana, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we would be more than happy to organise a bespoke trip for you.

Written by James Chisnall