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Mrs. Flierl, what makes Botswana so special as a travel destination?
I have already visited several countries in Africa, but none has fascinated me as much as this one. The incredible vastness and the feeling of being only a very small part in our universe have overwhelmed me. Driving for hours through the savannah, passing herds of elephants, seeing a mother lion playing with her cubs, giraffes picking the top berries on the trees, these are once in a lifetime experiences. There's only one thing you'll not see on such a trip: other people! For me, Botswana is the No news, no shoes of the African continent.

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How many of your customers are currently targeting Botswana?
After Corona, we have a great demand for varied and unique round trips. Customers want to take advantage of the regained freedom to travel and explore less visited destinations, but the focus is still on safety and comfort. Botswana is considered one of the safest and least traveled countries in southern Africa. In addition, there's hardly any classic package or even mass tourism, as the number of tourists is limited by a restricted number of permitted guest beds in the private concessions.

For whom is a Botswana trip ideal?
Botswana is popular with families, couples and solo travelers. Basically, the country is perfect for those who want to travel off the beaten path and value a respectful approach to nature. Some of them have the desire to forget about world events for at least one vacation and experience the vastness and uniqueness of nature.

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In what way is the country different from its neighbors?
It's the only country in Africa with a huge inland delta, creating a unique ecosystem. You can observe animals in the wild from both land and water. There are no fences. The animals come and go as they please. When you get into the off-road vehicle in the morning, you don't know what to expect right away.

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And here, you get to see the wild animals as closely as hardly anywhere else ...
Right. On the private property of the lodges may be driven offroad. In the East African countries, but also in South Africa, for example in the famous Kruger Park, rangers and tourists must adhere to the specified roads. The eagerly awaited leopards may only be seen in the far distance through binoculars then. In Botswana it's different - you get so close to the animals that you can almost feel their breath.

When is the best time to travel?
Botswana is a year-round destination, each season has its merits. In our winter, the country is extremely green due to occasional short showers, the otherwise dry Kalahari shines and there are animal babies. Our summer is considered the best time to travel as it's dry and hot. The animals gather at the waterholes and you enjoy an unobstructed view of the steppe.

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Why is the density of luxury lodges especially in Botswana so incredibly high?
Due to the country's strict regulations, among other things, regarding the number of tourists allowed, and the difficult to access camps, the country is one of the most exclusive ones in Africa. Our main partner, Wilderness, operates several luxurious lodges in prime locations. Thereby, the focus on the population and nature conservation are particularly important to the organization.

How much time should you plan for a trip at least?
As a rule, I would recommend at least eight to ten days to tour the different regions of the country and really experience it in peace.

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Which Experiences should absolutely be on the travel bucket list?
The probably most famous area of Botswana is the Okavango Delta, a huge inland river delta, whose grassy areas are flooded seasonally and thus offer a unique habitat
for the most diverse animals. Here, I recommend a mokoro ride: In the dugout canoe you glide silently through the river delta and observe the animals at close range - you'll never forget such an experience!

Learn more: elegant-travel.com