Discover Breathtaking Botswana on African Safari Holidays

There are few more unforgettable experiences than African safari holidays: the seemingly infinite horizon of the wild plains, the astonishingly lush forests and river deltas, and above all the incredible wildlife. This vast and hugely diverse content is home to a breathtaking array of flora and fauna unlike anything that can be seen anywhere else on Earth. There is far more to see than can be taken in on a single trip, but every destination offers its own unique experiences. One of the most rewarding is Botswana, a country of stunning desert vistas, gentle rolling grasslands, and teeming delta habitats. Located in the southern part of the continent, sharing borders with Zambia and South Africa, it is accessible but unspoilt, and a perfect safari destination. Read on for some of the highlights that travellers can expect from a visit to Botswana.

Moremi Wildlife Reserve

With its great swathes of wild land and relatively small population, Botswana is a gem of a destination for African safari holidays. It is home to many of the continent's most famous animals, including Giraffes, Elephants and Lions, as well as a wealth of species that are hard to find elsewhere. The perfect starting point for an exploration of Botswana is Moremi Wildlife Reserve, which contains a diverse range of terrain types within its 5,000 square kilometre area, including woodlands, acacia forests and wetlands. It is remarkable both for its pristine quality and the range of wildlife that can be found there - over 500 species of bird flock in the skies and around pools, while the open plains host an abundance of iconic mammals. Elephants, Zebra, Buffalo, Giraffe, Hyena, Lions, Cheetahs are frequently sighted, while the wooded areas provide opportunities to see the elusive Leopard.

Okavango Delta

The largest inland river delta in the world, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta is a sight that will remain emblazoned on travellers' memories long after they return from their African safari holidays. Its blue waters and the astonishing throngs of wildlife that congregate during flood season make it one of the continent's most incredible sights - and there is plenty to explore, from the islands at its heart to the fertile dry lands of its fringes. Wildlife highlights include the graceful Red Lechwe, Sable Antelope, Greater Kudu and other antelopes, Buffalo, Hippopotamus, White Rhinoceros, African Wild Dog, and hundreds of resident and migratory birds.

Chobe River

As spectacular as it is, the Okavango Delta is not the only wet area worth visiting on African safari holidays to Botswana. Chobe River, which flows through Chobe National Park, is one of the best places for Elephant sightings. These mighty animals frequent the waters of the river to drink and bathe, sometimes in enormous groups. Those with an interest in water birds will also be rewarded here.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you're looking for African safari holidays, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8255062

Sighting Wild Cats on South African Safari Tours

South African safari tours can encompass a diverse array of bird and mammal life, as well as the region's stunning landscapes and colourful flora. But for some wildlife enthusiasts, one type of animal is a special priority: South Africa's wild and beautiful cats. Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Caracal, Serval and African Wild Cat are all spectacular animals and a sighting of any of them can be the highlight of African safari tours. Under the guidance of an expert South African naturalist on a dedicated safari, it is possible to see all of these cats.

The Spectacular Cats

The majestic Lion, the swift Cheetah and the beautiful Leopard are well-known species that all wildlife enthusiasts, whether dedicated or casual, will picture when they think of African safari tours. Maned Lions lolling in the sun, Lionesses hunting, a Cheetah chasing down an Antelope across the savannah, or a Leopard lounging in a tree with its most recent catch are all iconic scenes of safari in southern and central Africa. The Caracal, Serval and African Wild Cat are lesser-known species, but no less remarkable.

The Caracal is a medium-sized cat with particularly distinctive ears backed in black fur, with tufts that exceed half of the ear's length. Most of the cat's colouring is a sandy colour, paler on its underside. It is an especially handsome cat and seeing one is a special moment. Typically, the Caracal is solitary, although pairs have been observed by those on African safari tours. The young stay with their mother for up to a year.

The Serval is a medium-sized cat with a distinctive black spotted pattern on its tawny fur and the longest legs relative to body size of any cat. White markings on the backs of its ears are used to signal kittens when hunting. It is a typically solitary, nocturnal cat, and like the Caracal its young remain with their mother for up to a year.

The African Wild Cat looks very like a domestic cat, but as with all wild cats its "wildness" is not to be forgotten. Its colouring is a light sandy grey with reddish or yellow hues, with a stripe along the top of the back, stripes on the face, tail and limbs. The cats inhabit a range of habitats and are active mainly at night and dusk. Kittens remain with their mother for up to six months.

The Reserves

Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve, two of the finest reserves visited on South African safari tours, provide numerous opportunities to see these cats. The renowned Kruger National Park is home to all six of the cats discussed above, as well as numerous other high-profile animals. Additionally, tours to the national park can visit the Blyde River Canyon on the way. Sabi Sand Game Reserve is especially famous for Leopards, but other cats are frequently observed here too. Night drives allow glimpses of the nocturnal cats.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you're looking for African safari tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8254831