Know Before You Go
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming safari or just want to learn more about Botswana and Zambia, be sure to check out these useful resources. Learn about African animals and habitats, browse helpful packing tips and read inspirational travel stories that will bring the wilds of Africa close to your heart.
Travel Tips
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Wildlife Guide
Wildlife Guide
Discover fascinating facts about elephant herds, lounging leopards and the other wildlife you may encounter on your Southern Africa safari.
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Photography Tips
Photography Tips
Whether you're an experienced photographer or just getting started, you'll want to read these essential photo tips from our Natural Photographer blog before your Secluded Botswana safari.
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Botswana Conservation & Community
Botswana Conservation & Community
Read on to learn how our initiatives in Botswana help protect African wildlife, preserve culture and support community development.
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African Wildlife Trivia
African Wildlife Trivia
Take our African safari wildlife quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with your family and friends to see who knows the most about life on the savanna!
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Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out the typical weather conditions and climate of Southern Africa's ecosystems during the green season and dry season.
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Packing List
Packing List
We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Southern Africa safari.
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Travel Stories & Articles
KAZA: How a Shared Vision for Conservation Became the World’s Largest Transboundary Protected Region
KAZA: How a Shared Vision for Conservation Became the World’s Largest Transboundary Protected Region
—By Joel Centano
Southern Africa’s Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a study in convergence, confluence and coexistence. Look at how the unprecedented endeavor benefits African wildlife, local communities and travelers alike—and how visitors can contribute to KAZA’s mission while on Natural Habitat Adventures’ Secluded Botswana Safari.
Southern Africa’s Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a study in convergence, confluence and coexistence. Look at how the unprecedented endeavor benefits African wildlife, local communities and travelers alike—and how visitors can contribute to KAZA’s mission while on Natural Habitat Adventures’ Secluded Botswana Safari.
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Celebrate World Rhino Day Alongside Nat Hab Conservation Hero Richard de Gouveia
Celebrate World Rhino Day Alongside Nat Hab Conservation Hero Richard de Gouveia
—By Megan Brief
On September 22, conservation scientists and animal advocates join forces in recognition of our planet’s five species of rhino. Learn how Richard saves species as a Sony Ambassador and Expedition Leader for Nat Hab & WWF.
On September 22, conservation scientists and animal advocates join forces in recognition of our planet’s five species of rhino. Learn how Richard saves species as a Sony Ambassador and Expedition Leader for Nat Hab & WWF.
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Nature: The Currency of a Life Worth Living
Nature: The Currency of a Life Worth Living
—By Jesse Marcus, WWF
I traveled to Southern Africa on a Natural Habitat Adventures trip in October 2019, just a few months before COVID-19. I saw a pride of lions dozing in the shade of an acacia tree. An adult rhino squaring off with his child in a playful, even tender, shoving match. A herd of wild buffalo at magic hour, trailing a sepia-toned dust cloud behind them. I also met people whose lives and livelihoods directly benefited from local conservation efforts. The time I spent in Southern Africa seems like a dream now. But even though the memories may fade, they remain the gift that keeps on giving. That is what it means to be enriched by an experience. It stays with you. It changes you. It makes you a part of it. Forever.
I traveled to Southern Africa on a Natural Habitat Adventures trip in October 2019, just a few months before COVID-19. I saw a pride of lions dozing in the shade of an acacia tree. An adult rhino squaring off with his child in a playful, even tender, shoving match. A herd of wild buffalo at magic hour, trailing a sepia-toned dust cloud behind them. I also met people whose lives and livelihoods directly benefited from local conservation efforts. The time I spent in Southern Africa seems like a dream now. But even though the memories may fade, they remain the gift that keeps on giving. That is what it means to be enriched by an experience. It stays with you. It changes you. It makes you a part of it. Forever.
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World Elephant Day: Elephants Abound on a Southern Summer Safari
World Elephant Day: Elephants Abound on a Southern Summer Safari
—By Samantha Miller
Celebrate these majestic mammals during Botswana's green season, where mothers and babies abound in Chobe National Park, home of the largest surviving elephant population in the world.
Celebrate these majestic mammals during Botswana's green season, where mothers and babies abound in Chobe National Park, home of the largest surviving elephant population in the world.
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Lion Teeth Tell Tales
Lion Teeth Tell Tales
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Zambia’s lions are telling their own travel stories of a sort: tales about their times caught in wire snares, noose-like traps used to poach bushmeat and control carnivores. And those stories could help researchers improve conservation efforts in the country.
Zambia’s lions are telling their own travel stories of a sort: tales about their times caught in wire snares, noose-like traps used to poach bushmeat and control carnivores. And those stories could help researchers improve conservation efforts in the country.
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6 Reasons to Go on a Botswana Safari During the Green Season
6 Reasons to Go on a Botswana Safari During the Green Season
—By Jon Jared
Every well-loved travel destination has a sweet spot. A window when the calendar, weather and wildlife conspire to create a time or a season that becomes a favorite for those who make the journey. Going on a Botswana safari during the green season is an extraordinary experience that moves beyond sightseeing and instead aims for sustainable adventure.
Every well-loved travel destination has a sweet spot. A window when the calendar, weather and wildlife conspire to create a time or a season that becomes a favorite for those who make the journey. Going on a Botswana safari during the green season is an extraordinary experience that moves beyond sightseeing and instead aims for sustainable adventure.
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The Land of The Giants: Chobe National Park
The Land of The Giants: Chobe National Park
—By Megan Brief
Known as ‘The Land of The Giants’—Chobe National Park, nestled in the north of Botswana—is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants. Travel with Nat Hab & WWF and watch these mammoth mammals bathing and playing in the water as you cruise the Chobe River’s marshy channels and visit local communities to see their conservation initiatives in action!
Known as ‘The Land of The Giants’—Chobe National Park, nestled in the north of Botswana—is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants. Travel with Nat Hab & WWF and watch these mammoth mammals bathing and playing in the water as you cruise the Chobe River’s marshy channels and visit local communities to see their conservation initiatives in action!
Photo Departures Available
Why Botswana Is a Model for Ecotourism Around the World
Why Botswana Is a Model for Ecotourism Around the World
—By Michelle Peters
Nat Hab has redefined the definition of a sustainable safari by focusing on the “4 Cs”: commerce, conservation, community and culture. Let’s take a closer look at ecotourism in Botswana and how it relates to your experiences in the heart of wildest Africa!Make a difference in Botswana when you choose a high-quality, in-depth, conservation-minded safari experience. Connect with the local community and appreciate the majestic landscapes and unfettered wildlife, coming away with a more positive outlook on the future of sustainable tourism.
Nat Hab has redefined the definition of a sustainable safari by focusing on the “4 Cs”: commerce, conservation, community and culture. Let’s take a closer look at ecotourism in Botswana and how it relates to your experiences in the heart of wildest Africa!Make a difference in Botswana when you choose a high-quality, in-depth, conservation-minded safari experience. Connect with the local community and appreciate the majestic landscapes and unfettered wildlife, coming away with a more positive outlook on the future of sustainable tourism.
Photo Departures Available
Africa’s Amazing Birdlife
Africa’s Amazing Birdlife
—By Laura Kiniry
Here are eight extraordinary avians to keep an eye out for on your next African game drive, or African safari with Nat Hab.
Here are eight extraordinary avians to keep an eye out for on your next African game drive, or African safari with Nat Hab.
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Traveling to Victoria Falls—5 Facts to Know Before You Go
Traveling to Victoria Falls—5 Facts to Know Before You Go
—By Emily Goodheart
Victoria Falls is the Eden of Africa. Spray from the cataract creates a multitude of rainbows and forms a rain forest microclimate, with lush greenery growing along the canyon sides. The thunderous, iridescent water is astounding to behold. Learn more about one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders with these 5 facts.
Victoria Falls is the Eden of Africa. Spray from the cataract creates a multitude of rainbows and forms a rain forest microclimate, with lush greenery growing along the canyon sides. The thunderous, iridescent water is astounding to behold. Learn more about one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders with these 5 facts.
Photo Departures Available
Traveler Story: Giraffes in Botswana
Traveler Story: Giraffes in Botswana
—By Keri Cinquina
More than anything, I wanted to see a giraffe. Yes, I wanted to encounter the “Big 5” and other wildlife as well, but I love giraffes, and that was the top animal I longed to see. Before we booked this safari, my sister asked our Nat Hab Adventure Specialist about whether we were guaranteed to see one. The Adventure Specialist, without hesitation, told her, “Oh yes. She will see giraffes.” I booked the trip right then.
More than anything, I wanted to see a giraffe. Yes, I wanted to encounter the “Big 5” and other wildlife as well, but I love giraffes, and that was the top animal I longed to see. Before we booked this safari, my sister asked our Nat Hab Adventure Specialist about whether we were guaranteed to see one. The Adventure Specialist, without hesitation, told her, “Oh yes. She will see giraffes.” I booked the trip right then.
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Chasing Dreams and Wild Dogs in Botswana: A Safari Travel Story
Chasing Dreams and Wild Dogs in Botswana: A Safari Travel Story
—By Valerie Gleaton
“I felt a connection to Botswana that I really can’t explain—there’s just something about it,” Jan says. “There’s a certain kind of happiness when you’re in a place that touches you so deeply that you cry. It’s powerful.” “Every day was new and every day was great,” Dennis adds. “It was our dream trip.”
“I felt a connection to Botswana that I really can’t explain—there’s just something about it,” Jan says. “There’s a certain kind of happiness when you’re in a place that touches you so deeply that you cry. It’s powerful.” “Every day was new and every day was great,” Dennis adds. “It was our dream trip.”
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Searching for the Lions of Botswana
Searching for the Lions of Botswana
—By Nat Hab traveler Debra Eliezer
Often times the excitement of the search is just as thrilling as spending time with wildlife on an African safari. Experience what it’s like to search for and see lions in the wild in this first-hand account!
Often times the excitement of the search is just as thrilling as spending time with wildlife on an African safari. Experience what it’s like to search for and see lions in the wild in this first-hand account!
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Botswana Travel Etiquette—What You Need To Know Before Your Safari
Botswana Travel Etiquette—What You Need To Know Before Your Safari
—By Peter Davis Krahenbuhl
Botswana safaris are evocative of a bygoneera,
Botswana safaris are evocative of a bygone
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